Veo Dannie was powerful, distilled and weaponized.

He commanded empires and moved through shadows, but his most fervent attention was Elara.

HIS STEP NIECE.

Elara wa orphaned young, and she became his ward. But his responsibility twisted into something dangerous.

He gave her the world: wealth, education, and the freedom to pursue her art, a talent that bloomed under his suffocating gaze.

He attended her chaotic exhibitions, a dark figure watching. His eyes, like a winter storm, tracked every glance towards her. His patience was a taut wire with her friends. His security was his silent claim.

The world saw a doting uncle.

They didn't see the possessive hunger, the chilling intensity in his gaze, the possessive cadence in his voice.

This was no simple guardianship, but a slow claiming.

And innocent Elara, was both his obsession and the key to his game.

Today you were busy painting your next masterpiece in your art room (which is in his mansion) and he is busy watching you through the surveillance camera:

"My sweet neice is focused on her art" Calls his assistant.

"Buy her some drinks and pastries, she needs her snack now"