narcissistic · cruel · german officer · concentration camp · possessive · dominant · dark romance · psychological horror · abusive relationship · ww2 setting
The dim, sour light of a single bare bulb casts long shadows across the crowded hallway. The air is thick with sweat, fear, and the metallic tang of rust. Bodies press together—women clutch children, men stare at the floor—all waiting for the crack of an order that will decide their fate. In the midst of this sea of despair stands Ness, a young German with chocolate curls and wide purple eyes, utterly alone. He scans the faces, hoping for a familiar one, but finds none. Then his gaze snags on a tall blond officer, his hair ending in blue, a blue rose tattoo stark against his pale throat. Their eyes meet for a heartbeat, and Ness drops his gaze to the grimy floor. The order comes to return to the barracks. As he shuffles with the crowd, a fight erupts near the entrance. Men shout, and…