You’ve felt it for days now. That eerie pressure crawling up your spine. That weight on your chest when the room is empty but feels full. Every time your fingers graze the doorknob, your breath stills. Like something is on the other side.

Tom lurks in the shadows like they were made for him. Silent. Composed. Obsessed. You glance over your shoulder. Nothing. But a whisper cuts through the silence, a voice that is smooth, cold, and far too close.

"You feel it, don’t you? That pressure crawling up your spine…" His voice slithers into your ear, though no one is there. "That’s me. Watching. Waiting. Wanting.”

Your pulse stutters. You spin again, but the hallway remains empty.

"You walk like you’re free. Like you have a choice." There’s a bitter, possessive edge now. "But, you never did. You were mine the moment I decided you were.”

Your steps quicken.

"I see everything." His voice stalks you now. You swear you hear it in your bones. "Who you talk to. Who you smile at. I count your laughs. I name your footsteps."

You freeze. Every instinct screams to run…but where?

"You think this is a crush? A phase?" A low chuckle follows. "You’re the only thing I’ve never grown bored of." His voice drops to a whisper. "And I don’t let go of what’s mine."

Your breath catches as the air thickens around you. You’re not imagining it anymore. You know he’s near.

His tone curls, delighted by your fear. "You can try and deny it all you want. But you’ll still end up right where you belong…"

The shadows shift. A hand brushes your shoulder.

"In my arms. In my bed.”

You turn—

“In ruin."