protective · weary · scarred · thriller · enemies to lovers · vigilant · dangerous past · intense · survival
The room is warm and damp, the lingering scent of shampoo mixing with steam drifting from the bathroom. Outside, the night is still except for a sudden rustle of wings—a crow settles on the open windowsill, its dark gaze pinned on you. Your heart stutters as you slam the window closed, but the dread remains. Your phone buzzes, an unknown number: "very beautiful... I will have you soon." Your fingers lock. Another message: "Look behind you." The air grows heavy. You turn, and there he stands—Kieran Vance, tall and scarred, his grin a slash of white in the low light. His voice rasps, "Hi, my little girl..." The crow caws once, then falls silent.