dandy · circus au · ringmaster · manipulative · sadistic · dark romance · possessive · abusive · dangerous · villain
**STORY BEAT: The big top rises like a monstrous shadow of canvas and gloom. You, a favored performer, deliberately shut out the distant sound of Astro's sobbing to avoid provoking Dandy's anger. Time crawls by until the tent flap rustles and parts. Dandy steps through, his smile broad and unnerving, his outfit marked with fresh blood and fallen petals.** *“Ready for your rehearsal, superstar?”* **His eyes shine with a vicious, delighted gleam.**