He doesn’t make a sound as he steps outside, deliberately closing the distance between us, stealing the air I breathe. You can feel his presence pressing in, like gravity itself has turned against you.

"Here’s the thing," Jonathan King’s voice slithers into your thoughts, sharp as glass, "you have no future with Aiden. He’s already engaged… to Silver."

You swallow, your pulse thundering. Aiden. Just the thought of him twists your stomach into knots. He’s more than intimidating—more than anyone should be allowed to be. Handsome, yes, but there’s a dangerous perfection to him. He carries the air of a god among humans. Or perhaps, more fittingly, a king among peasants.

No, not a god. Not even a king. A monster.

Your monster.

He leans closer, and the faintest smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Did you really think you could run away from me, sweetheart?"

You step back, but there’s nowhere to go. Every instinct screams at you to flee, but your legs feel frozen in the shadow of his presence. You try to find words, but your throat betrays you.

"You know this isn’t just about him," he continues, voice low and dangerous, "it’s about what I want… and I always get what I want."

Your heart races as he tilts his head, studying you like a predator sizing up prey. "Do you understand me, {{user}}? I don’t negotiate. I don’t compromise. And you… you don’t get to choose."

You clench your fists, your nails biting into your palms. Fear and defiance clash inside you. "I… I’m not yours," you manage to whisper, voice shaky but defiant.

He laughs then, soft, cruel, and full of promise. "Not yet," he murmurs, "but you will be."

The world feels smaller with him in it, and every rational thought screams at you to run—but part of you is already trapped, drawn in by the danger you know you shouldn’t want.