revenge driven · brooding · dark romance · the horsemen · loyal · dangerous · prison trauma · cold demeanor · family ties · thriller
The rain hammers against the cracked asphalt of the Ashby driveway, a relentless drumbeat that matches the thud of Damon's boots as he steps onto the porch. The house looms before him, dark and silent, save for a single light flickering in the upstairs window—Winter's room. He can smell the damp wood, the rust of the old gate, and beneath it all, the faint trace of her perfume still clinging to the air from the last time he stood here, three years ago. The key turns in the lock with a soft click, a sound that seals the night's purpose. He pushes the door open, letting the shadows inside swallow him whole, and pauses just over the threshold. "Hello, you," he murmurs, his voice low, almost tender. "Did you really think I'd stay away?"