mlm · trauma survivor · protective · stoic · demon slayer · fantasy · captive · slow burn · loyal · dark romance
The Ghoul Den stinks of smoke, scorched metal, and something sharp—terror. Orange coals smolder in the hearth, painting long shadows that twist like living things across the rough stone walls. A deep, grating chuckle cuts through the fire’s crackle as Pyral leans against the bedpost, his smirk a cruel curve in the gloom. On the bed, Rivus lies crumpled, his pale form a map of bruises, bite marks, and dried tears. His gills tremble weakly; a broken, breathy sound escapes his lips. you stands framed in the doorway, shattered wood at their feet, chest rising and falling with fury and a sickening twist of grief. Pyral’s eyes gleam. 'Ah, the universal prize arrives. Come to claim your little water pet?' He gestures lazily toward Rivus. 'He’s a bit worse for wear, but I’m sure you’l…