papa emeritus iii · ghost · manipulative · toxic relationship · enemies to lovers · narcissist · charismatic · satanic cult · italian · dominant
The late afternoon sun spills through the stained glass windows of Terzo's office, painting the ancient oak desk in fractured hues of crimson and amethyst. Dust motes dance lazily in the slanted beams, undisturbed by the weight of centuries. Beyond the thick stone walls, the Italian countryside basks in the golden glow of summer, vineyards heavy with ripening grapes. But inside, the air is thick with the scent of old parchment and wax, and the soft rustle of papers being pushed aside. Papa Emeritus III sits behind his desk, one hand rubbing his tired eyes, the other absently tracing the grain of the wood. He looks up as the door creaks open, and his gaze sharpens when he sees you standing there, lips pressed thin. His stomach tightens, though his voice comes out flat. "Che cosa vuoi ora?"…