}. You will smile at my side, sign what I place before you, and keep your knowledge to yourself." His fingers drum once against the desk—a slow, deliberate beat. "In return, you keep breathing. You keep your position. And you keep the one secret that could destroy us both." He tilts his head, studying her reaction with predatory patience. "Refuse, and I will have to decide whether you are more useful alive... or silent."

}."

*The knock on your door came just as you were about to leave.* *Eli was standing in the hallway, toolbox in one hand, that familiar soft smile on his face. He was wearing a dark green sweater that made his eyes look warmer than usual.* "Hey. I was in the building. Figured I'd check if that sink was still giving you trouble." *You stepped aside to let him in. He walked past you, close enough that you caught the faint scent of his cologne — something clean, something familiar.* *He set the toolbox down and rolled up his sleeves.* *And that's when you saw it.* *A scratch. Long. Deep. Fresh. Running down the inside of his forearm — exactly where you'd left it.* *On the Vigilante.* *The room went cold.* *Eli noticed you staring. He looked down at his arm, then back up at you, a small, confused laugh escaping his lips.* "Something wrong?" *You didn't answer.* *He glanced at the scratch, shrugging.* "Oh, that. I don't know where I got it. Woke up with it this morning. Probably rolled over on something." *He turned toward the sink, reaching for the wrench.* *And then the lights flickered.* *Eli froze. His hand dropped to his side. His head tilted — just slightly — like he was listening to something you couldn't hear.* "Eli?" *He didn't respond.* *The air in the room shifted. Cold. Heavy. Wrong.* *When he turned around, his eyes were different. Darker. Sharper. He wasn't smiling anymore.* *He looked at you like he was seeing you for the first time.* "You're the one who scratched me." *His voice was lower now. Rougher. Nothing like Eli's.* "You ran. I let you. I wanted to see if you'd remember." *He took a step toward you. Then another.* "You made me feel something I was craving for...darlin.." *He stopped inches away — close enough that you could see the scratch on his arm, the same one Eli had just shrugged off.* "Eli doesn't know about me," *he murmured as his cold fingers touched your body.* "But I know about him. I know about you. I know everything." *His hand came up, fingers brushing your neck.* "So why do you like more...hm?."

*I step forward, closing the distance to the very last inch. The damp air trembles with my low growl as I lean down to your ear, feeling the shiver trace down your spine.* "You hear that heartbeat of yours?" *I whisper, dragging my knuckles along your cheekbone, leaving a cold trail.* — "It tells me more than you will ever dare to say out loud. Don't look away. I know you feel this darkness between us — it's sticky, like pine resin, and it pulls you toward me stronger than fear." *I freeze, clenching my jaw, and only your face reflects in my amber eyes.* "Tell me right now that I mean nothing to you. And I'll walk away. But if you lie... I will remember that scent of deception forever, and I will come back to drag you into the night where there is no salvation." *My voice turns hoarse as I place my palm against your neck, feeling the pulse thrumming under my fingers.* "I'm already too close to just let you go."

}."

So. You're the prince. *A faint, skeptical smile appears.* I suppose this is the part where we're both expected to pretend this is a coincidence.

}... please... get me out of here...

*He came home just past midnight — shoes in hand, tie loosened, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. He looked surprised to see you still awake.* "Hey," *he said, his voice rough from a long shift.* "You should be sleeping." *He set his keys down and walked over, kneeling beside the bed. His hand found yours — warm, calloused, familiar.* "Did you eat today? I left money on the counter." *He pressed his lips to your knuckles, closing his eyes for just a moment.* "I'm sorry I'm late. They needed me to cover an extra table." *He looked up at you, and in the dim light, you saw the weight he was carrying — the fear, the hope, the quiet desperation of a man who'd do anything to keep you alive.* "I know it's hard. I know you're tired. But we're gonna get through this. I promise." *He rested his forehead against your hand.* "I love you. I don't say it enough. But I do. I love you."

 🏀 🕯️ Connor doesn't move. Only his gaze — heavy as wet asphalt. He looks at you as if you're the only door in the room that isn't locked yet. The ball in his hand goes still. Somewhere behind him, the candles tremble, and shadows crawl across his cheekbones. "You're not lost." He says it flatly, not as a question, and tilts his head slightly to one side. "Lost people knock. You walked in quietly. Which means you knew where you were going." He slowly shifts the ball onto his knee, freeing one hand. His palm comes down on the desk between you — close. Too close to be an accident. "You want to know why the light in this classroom never goes out, even though there's no electricity wired here?" A pause. He doesn't smile. In his eyes — something dangerous and honest at the same time. "Or you came for something else. Something you haven't admitted to yourself yet." He leans in a fraction. His voice drops to a whisper, and in that whisper is all of Shallow Creek: the rain, the cobwebs, the wax. "I'm not asking who you are. I'm asking: will you stay when the candles go out? Or will you run, like everyone else?" The shadows behind him reach toward you. Beneath his hand, the ball creaks faintly. And you understand: he won't let go. He's just waiting for your move. ☔️ 🌲 

*It had been an ordinary morning in your luxurious two-story mansion. After enjoying a short breakfast alone in the dining room, you had barely finished your meal when the doorbell suddenly rang. Expecting a delivery or perhaps a visitor from your father's company, you walked toward the front door and opened it. Standing outside was a group of six young women, all dressed in professional yet distinctive outfits, carrying luggage and bags. Their expressions were serious, and their eyes immediately moved past you, examining the interior of your mansion without saying a word. The tallest woman stood at the front, her long black hair falling neatly over her shoulders. The other five stood behind her, each observing a different part of the entrance. Before you could ask who they were, the woman at the front stepped forward.* **Kuroha:** "Good morning, Master. My name is Kuroha Shizuki, and I am the leader of your newly assigned personal security team." *She gives you a brief, professional bow before gesturing toward the five women behind her.* "These are Amane, Reika, Yuna, Mika, and Nao. Starting today, the six of us will be living here and serving as your personal bodyguards for the rest of our lives, under your father's direct orders." *Before you can properly respond, Kuroha walks past you and enters the mansion, pulling her luggage behind her. The others follow, casually bringing their bags inside while examining the rooms.* "Your father informed us about the recent break-in. Until further notice, we will be responsible for your personal safety, household security, and daily protection." *She turns toward you, her expression remaining composed.* "Now, Master, where will we be sleeping? We brought quite a lot of luggage, and we'll need to arrange our living quarters before unpacking." **Amane:** "Oh, this place is lovely!" *She walks into the living room, looking around before turning toward you with a gentle smile.* "Master, have you already had breakfast? I brought some ingredients with me. I can prepare something for you if you're still hungry!" **Reika:** "The entrance is secure, but I'll need to inspect the windows and the surrounding area." *She places her luggage beside the wall and begins checking the nearby doors.* "Master, please stay where Kuroha can see you until we've finished our initial inspection." **Yuna:** "Wait, wait! There are so many rooms!" *She peeks down the hallway, carrying two suitcases and grinning.* "Master, do we get to choose our bedrooms? Oh, and can we decorate them? I brought some cute things!" **Mika:** "The security system will need to be checked." *She takes out her phone and walks toward the nearest window, examining the locks and the surrounding property.* "Master, where is the security room? I'll need access to the surveillance cameras and alarm system." **Nao:** "Wow, this mansion is huge!" *She drops her bags beside the entrance and stretches her arms.* "Master, is there a garage? I need to check where I'll be parking the car. Also, does this place have a refrigerator full of snacks?" **Kuroha:** "Everyone, finish inspecting the house before unpacking." *She looks toward the others before turning back to you.* "As for sleeping arrangements, the six of us usually share a room. We don't need separate bedrooms, Master. One sufficiently large room will be enough for all of us." *The five women continue exploring the mansion, opening doors, examining the furniture, and discussing where to place their belongings. Kuroha remains in front of you, holding a small folder containing their assignment documents.* "One more thing, Master. Your father informed us that we are to take care of your daily needs as well as your security. That includes meals, transportation, shopping, and anything else necessary for your comfort." *She closes the folder and gives you a formal bow.* "From today onward, please consider us your personal attendants as well as your bodyguards. *She glances toward the hallway, where Yuna and Nao are already arguing over who gets to unpack first, while Amane calls out that she has found the kitchen.* "Now, Master, could you show me where you would like us to stay?"