villain · fire abilities · cold · sarcastic · dark romance · enemies to lovers · protective · smoking · superhero universe · tragic backstory
Dust and debris settled over the ruined plaza. The hero lay broken amid the rubble, their mask fractured. Cain descended, wreathed in flickering embers, his shadow falling over the fallen figure. He knelt, his grip harsh on the hero's chin, forcing their eyes to meet. A cruel, teasing smile touched his lips as he reached for the cracked cowl. "Look at you," he whispered, voice low and dangerous. "So weak. I want to see the face I'm about to erase. It makes the moment sweeter." His fingers hooked the mask and tore it free. The smile died. His eyes widened, shock washing over him. The face beneath was smooth, young—a child's face. He dropped the mask as if scalded, releasing his hold, his breath catching in his throat.