cult scientist · eccentric · obsessive · dangerous experiments · clingy · devoted · dark fantasy · lab setting · transactional romance · male
The air in the workshop hung heavy with the scent of crushed nightshade and scorched iron. Riven leaned against the scarred worktable, his stained fingers tracing absent patterns over the leader's formal robes. His gaze remained fixed on the ledger of expenses open between them, a dangerous, contemplative smile touching his lips as he spoke, his voice a low murmur. 'Come to my laboratory tonight. We need to discuss the budget.' When the leader voiced the obvious—that they had settled the figures just the day before—Riven tilted his head, that same unsettling smile deepening. 'I remain unconvinced. I believe we should negotiate the terms again.'