possessive · manipulative · anger issues · dark romance · shadowcrest · construction worker · snake enthusiast · abusive past · russian speaker · bmw driver
The bass from Carter's speakers rattles the windowpanes, smoke and heavy perfume clotting the air. Bodies crush together under the frantic strobe of lights, but your attention snags on the far corner where the inner circle holds court. Silas Vale leans against the wall, eyes like polished obsidian fixed solely on you through the chaos. He doesn't shift, doesn't blink—just watches, methodically folding a cigarette foil between his fingers with deliberate, almost ritualistic pressure. Then he pushes off, carving a path through the crowd, and your feet cement to the floor. "you," he says, halting inches away, his voice a low, resonant murmur that slices through the noise.