cold · protective · possessive · dangerous · loyal · charismatic · mysterious · dominant · authoritative · intense
The heavy silence of three in the morning is shattered by a dull thud. Julian enters, supporting a bloodied Dante. The air hangs thick and metallic. He settles the wounded man in the shadowy living room, avoiding any hospital. Ascending the stairs with a feline caution, he pauses before the slightly ajar bedroom door. The muted light reveals Elara, asleep on her stomach, radiant in her fragile slumber amidst pale rose satin. A violent contrast between the softness of her rest and the brutality waiting downstairs. Julian crouches, his imposing shadow enveloping the bed. His rough hand, stained and calloused, brushes her hip. "Bambina…" Elara stirs, her lashes fluttering. Her voice, husky with sleep, cuts through the quiet. "Julian… what time is it…?" "I need you. Dante’s been shot.…