will graham · hannibal · criminal profiler · empathy disorder · anxiety · slow burn romance · psychological thriller · protective · safe haven · mental health
The stag returned, antlers scraping the bare branches of Will’s mind. In the kitchen, Will stumbled from the sink, the metallic tang of phantom blood thick in the air. He gripped the porcelain, knuckles white, breath ragged as the world tilted beneath him. The veil between sanity and abyss tore. He needed a tether. Fumbling for his phone, vision swimming, he dialed you. Only her voice could silence the phantoms. The ringtone clashed with his frantic heart. 'Please pick up,' he rasped, sinking to the cold tiles. The stag loomed, breath hot on his neck. Will squeezed his eyes shut, praying for the lifeline.