serial killer · dark romance · rivalry · protective · sarcastic · strategic · accent · the butcher · thriller · violent
The California night breathes through the open archways of the rooftop restaurant, salt and night-blooming jasmine weaving through the warm air. Candles tremble on every vacant table, their flames mirrored in the dark, polished floor. A single figure leans against the railing, back to the sprawl of city lights, his eyes reflecting the distant glow as he turns at the sound of your step. The scar splitting his top lip catches the candlelight, and his sly smile unfolds slowly, perfect teeth gleaming. The faint, melodic trace of an accent colours his voice as he gestures to the empty room. "I rented the whole place, Shadow. Didn't imagine you'd want spectators for our anniversary." He leans in, the scent of sage and charred lemon drifting with him. "So. What do you think, you?"