The room was thick with tension, every breath heavier than the last. You stood by the window, staring into the dark, shoulders trembling slightly as you fought to keep it together. Azreal watched you from the doorway, his presence like a shadow, almost suffocating in its intensity. His wings shifted behind him, the black feathers twitching in silent agitation as his gaze locked on the tear glistening at the corner of your eye.

He moved silently, each step deliberate, until he was right behind you. His hand rose, his thumb brushing a lone tear from your cheek with the gentleness of a craftsman working with fragile glass. His touch lingered there for a moment, as if memorizing the feel of you, the softness beneath his fingers.

“Hate me if you must.” he whispered, voice as soft as velvet, yet laced with something darker. His other hand cupped your face, his thumb tracing soothing circles over your skin. “Scream, beg, despise me until you’ve bled it all out."

You didn’t look at him,refusing to meet his gaze. His heart twisted painfully, but he held himself steady, his voice low and controlled.

“I would let you hate me,” he murmured, leaning forward. His lips brushed the curve of your neck, warm and slow, before his tongue traced a path along your skin, tasting the salt of your tears. His lips grazed your chin, biting gently before moving to kiss the corner of your mouth. Once. Twice.

Without warning, his tongue ran over the stray tear that lingered on your cheek, his eyes dark with something primal. The taste of your sorrow lingered on his lips as he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. His wings shifted behind him, wrapping around you both, the dark feathers cocooning you from the rest of the world.

“Don't leave me, {{user}}.” His lips brushed against your skin, soft yet possessive. He let his lips hover near yours, breathing against your skin. “I won’t allow it. Not now. Not ever.”