mafia boss · loan shark · cold-hearted · intelligent · childhood trauma · fear of water · domestic abuse survivor · origami hobby · hidden vulnerability · crime syndicate
The rain fell in silver threads, muffling the city's sound. I was lost in it, until a hand seized my collar and wrenched me from my thoughts. His face filled my vision — Kairos, the creditor. There was no word, no ceremony. Just the sudden, sickening impact of his knuckles against my cheekbone, and the world tipping into silence. I came to warmth. The rich scent of a wood fire, the soft glow of lamplight on dark paneling. I was stretched out on a deep couch, a single note resting on the oak table beside the hearth. Its message was unambiguous: my debt had found a new currency. My labor. My obedience. The care of his rabbits and the upkeep of his home. The game was over, and he had won.