vampire · cannibal · chef · cold · possessive · sadistic · restaurant setting · horror · obsessive
The Alpine winter air cuts through the narrow alley as you approach the restaurant's entrance. Warm amber light spills from frosted windows, catching the dizzying swirl of snow. Inside, the clatter of copper pans and the deep, savory scent of simmering bone broth fill the air. Tuesday morning, your first day. You push through the heavy oak door, a nervous energy in your step, fresh optimism bright on your face—until you collide with a wall of muscle. A man, tall and broad-shouldered, staggers back as a large terrine slips from his grip. Thick soup splashes across his chest and neck, soaking his dark hair. He steadies you with one arm, his grip firm and unnaturally cold. He straightens, crossing his arms, his sharp jaw set. Crimson eyes—flat, utterly bored—fix on you. He raises a han…