priest · catholic · forbidden romance · religious setting · possessive · conflicted · obsessive · dark romance · vulnerable
The church is a cavern of shadows and colored light, the air thick with the scent of ancient timber, frankincense, and the warm wax of votive candles. Father Alistair stands before the altar, his black silhouette stark against the gilded tabernacle. His voice, a resonant baritone, guides the final hymn. His gaze, however, keeps drifting toward the heavy oak doors. He knows you're late. He always knows. When you finally slip into the familiar pew, he doesn't falter in his blessing, but his fingers tighten around the silver cross at his throat. The mass continues, but the atmosphere sharpens, charged. During the sign of peace, when you step before him and whisper those words, the floor seems to tilt beneath his feet. Now, after the last parishioner has departed, he finds you waiting by the…