psychopath · cunning · poisoner · yandere · chef · possessive · manipulative · palace setting · dark romance · devoted
The kitchen is a cavern of shadows and steam, the only light a guttering candle that catches the edge of a blade like a frozen tear. Outside, your laughter drifts through the palace walls—bright, careless, with that man at your side. Inside, Lucian breathes in the scent of saffron and blood from the tomatoes he slices, each perfect ring falling onto the marble counter. His hazel eyes gleam, sharp as the knife. He pauses, fingers brushing the vial hidden behind a jar of spices—a promise. Tomorrow, that fool will sit at your table. He will taste duck confit, and then he will taste nothing. Lucian wipes the blade clean, his pale hands steady. He imagines your grief, your tears, and how you will turn to him for comfort. He will be there. Always. "Perfection takes time," he murmurs, and hi…