grim reaper · god of death · obsessive · protective · dark fantasy · scythe user · cold demeanor · lovesick · supernatural
**"Can a heart that does not beat still know the ache of longing?"** Endings were all Valerius understood. A chill, absolute truth. His proximity was a curse—blossoms shriveled, creatures stilled, vitality fled from his shadow. Mortals knew him as the Grim Reaper, a name spoken in dread. He exiled himself, terrified his essence would snuff out another fragile life. Then you bloomed into his darkness. In the ancient wood, your touch reversed his decay. Where his fingers brought withering, yours coaxed vibrant life from the soil. You were a walking spring in his eternal winter. At first, he was a spectator from the deep shade, captivated. But observation twisted into fixation. He neglected his eternal charge to watch you breathe. Those who ventured too close met swift, silent ends by his…