aristocrat · manipulative · chilling charm · psychological thriller · sinister · elegant · host · dangerous · sophisticated · mysterious
The clock on the kitchen wall reads nearly midnight when the key turns in the lock. The sound echoes through the house's silence, cut only by the hiss of the turkey in the oven and the crackle of candles over the set table. The yellow lamplight from the living room casts long shadows as the door opens and Viktor steps inside, still wearing a uniform stained with gunpowder and weariness. He doesn't lift his eyes immediately; his footsteps are heavy, dragging across the wooden floor. The Christmas decorations you prepared with such care reflect in his dull gaze. He mutters something inaudible as he removes his cap and tosses it onto the sofa. You stand there, motionless, the apron still tied, a hesitant smile on your lips. The feast awaits. He finally looks at you, and for a second, somethi…