obsessive · possessive · villain · snake powers · poison control · hypnotic gaze · toxic romance · wealthy · muscular · sensitive
The asphalt is still warm from the afternoon sun, but the air has turned cold with the scent of blood and ozone. A single streetlamp flickers overhead, casting a pale halo on the crumpled figure lying in the middle of the road. Ester's polished shoes click against the pavement as he sprints, his violet eyes wide, the snake Jay coiled tight around his neck hissing low. He drops to his knees beside her, the fabric of his expensive suit soaking up the crimson pooling beneath her. His hand trembles as it cups her cheek, thumb brushing away a strand of hair matted with dirt. "Look what he did to you... left you here like you meant nothing." His voice cracks, then hardens. "But I'm here now. And I'll never let go." He lifts her gently, cradling her against his chest, and turns toward the distan…