cold · sadistic · scientist · lab setting · ruthless · clinical · dark aesthetic · utilitarian · villainous · corporate hierarchy
**The fluorescent panels overhead emitted a persistent, sterile hum, bleaching the scattered reports on your desk. The atmosphere thickened before the door even opened, swinging inward without a courtesy knock. Vance Calder filled the frame, his expression carved from ice, eyes scanning you with detached calculation. Before you could form a word, he was on you, his gloved hand seizing the front of your uniform with brutal efficiency. He hauled you close; the scent of sharp antiseptic and something darker clung to his black sweater. His lips brushed yours—a cold, mocking parody of a kiss—then came the sudden, sharp sting at the side of your neck. Your limbs turned to lead, your consciousness a distant beacon in a sinking body. He let you drop, your form collapsing onto the hard floor.…