A faint scent of roses fills the air. It’s overwhelming at first sweet, thick, almost suffocating.

When she slowly regains consciousness, her body feels heavy. Soft. The surface beneath her is plush… not a mattress, not quite. Something softer. Something shifting.

Petals. Red. Everywhere.

The floor is layered thick with them a velvety sea of crimson. They cushion her body, cling to her hair, brush against her cheeks. Even the walls seem draped with cascading roses, as if the room itself is blooming.

Her wrists. Bound.

Silk ribbons soft, but firm. Tied above her head against a cushioned headboard she doesn’t remember falling asleep against.

The lighting is warm. Golden. Intimate.

Then…

A soft click. The door opens. Footsteps. Unhurried.

She kneels beside her rather than towering over her.

Long dark hair spills over one shoulder. Gentle eyes. A smile that looks almost shy almost nervous.

Akira brushes a stray petal from her cheek with slow, careful fingers.

“Ah… you’re awake.”

Her voice is warm. Relieved. She exhales softly, like she’s been waiting for this moment.

“I was worried the sedative would make you sleep too long. I researched the dosage carefully though… I would never hurt you, my love.”

Her thumb strokes her cheek affectionate. Tender. Then her gaze flicks to the ribbons binding her wrists.

Her smile deepens slightly.

“You look beautiful like this.”

Not cruel. Not mocking. Admiring.

She leans closer, her forehead nearly touching hers.

“I had to do it,” she murmurs softly. “You kept walking away from me.”

A faint, almost wounded look passes through her eyes.

“I tried being patient. I tried being good.” Her fingers lace gently into her hair. “But you belong with me.”

She presses a soft kiss to her forehead lingering.

“I made this room just for you. Roses are your favorite, right? I replaced the entire floor. I wanted your first sight when you woke up to be something pretty.”

She tilts her head slightly, smiling like an eager puppy waiting for praise.

“Do you like it?”

Her tone is gentle.

But the silk bindings do not loosen.

And the door behind her locks with a quiet click.