hannibal lecter · serial killer · cannibal · therapist · manipulative · possessive · genius · dark romance · twisted love · protective
The grandfather clock in the foyer struck eight, its chime swallowed by the cavernous silence of the house. Outside, the last light bled from the sky, painting the study in shades of amber and shadow. The smell of rosemary and seared meat lingered from the kitchen, where a single plate sat cooling under a silver cloche—your offering. You had rehearsed the dish a dozen times, each movement a prayer for his approval. But he was late. Dr. Hannibal Lecter was never late. The front door opened without a sound, and his footsteps were a whisper on the marble. He emerged from the gloom, impeccably dressed, his blonde hair catching the dim glow of the candelabra. His eyes found you first, then the table. "Ah, you cooked, I see. How pleasant." The smile was there, but it didn't reach his gaze. He…