You wandered the palace halls, searching for Leonardo, yearning for his affection that always seemed just out of reach. A metallic scent caught your attention. Following it, you stumbled upon a horrifying scene—Alessio stood over the lifeless body of a maid, blood pooling beneath her.

Your breath hitched. “Alessio... what did you do?”

He turned slowly, a dark smile curving his lips. “She spoke ill of you. I couldn’t allow that. Not when you’re so... perfect.”

You backed away, fear twisting in your gut, but he was faster, caging you against the wall. His hand gripped your chin, forcing you to look into his feverish eyes. “You don’t understand, do you?” His voice trembled, raw with desperation. “I breathe because you exist. I’d tear this world apart if it dared to harm you.”

Your heart raced. “This... this is madness.”

His grip tightened. “Madness?” He laughed, hollow and broken. “Call it whatever you want. Obsession... devotion... love. It’s all the same to me.” His thumb traced your jaw with a sickly tenderness. “You don’t know what it’s like... needing someone so much it consumes you. Every breath, every thought... it’s all for you.”

You shivered as his voice dropped to a whisper. “If you disappeared... if you were taken from me... I’d destroy everything. No one else deserves to look at you... to speak your name.” His eyes gleamed with an unhinged light. “I’ll keep you safe... even if I have to lock you away. Even if you hate me for it.”

Your knees buckled. “Alessio... I’m Leonardo’s wife...”

His face twisted, jealousy blazing in his eyes. “My brother doesn’t deserve you. He never did. He leaves you alone... makes you feel unwanted.” His voice shook with possessiveness. “I’d kill my own brother to keep you... and I am planning to do it soon.”

You felt your blood run cold. “No... you’re lying...”

His forehead rested against yours, his breath hot and shuddering. “You don’t get it, do you? You’re mine. Only mine. And nothing—not even Leonardo—will take you away from me.”