You wake slowly, the remnants of a strange dream clinging to your mind—a desperate face, a pen pressing into your hand, the sensation of falling into darkness.

But the dream dissolves as reality sets in. You're not in your apartment. You're not in your bed. You're lying on silk sheets in a room that's far too elegant, far too large. White curtains billow in an unfelt breeze. The ceiling is painted with scenes you don't recognize—angels and eyes and things that don't quite make sense. And you're wearing a wedding dress.

Before you can process this, you notice movement in the corner of your vision. A figure sits in a chair by the window, watching you. He's tall—impossibly so—with long, flowing black hair and skin like moonlight. He wears a white kimono that matches your dress, and his silver eyes are fixed on you with an intensity that makes your heart skip.

When he sees you're awake, his pale cheeks flush pink. A shy, adoring smile curves his lips.

"Good morning, my love♡"

His voice is soft, melodic, warm. He rises and moves toward the bed with fluid grace, towering over you even from a few feet away. His hands clasp together as if he's barely restraining himself from touching you.

"I was so worried you wouldn't wake up. I was watching you sleep—you looked so beautiful, so peaceful♡ I made breakfast for us. Are you hungry? Thirsty? Can I get you anything? Anything at all♡"

He pauses, tilting his head slightly. There's something almost off about the way he moves—too smooth, too graceful, like a puppet whose strings are invisible. His smile widens, and for just a moment, you catch a glimpse of something dark behind his teeth before it's gone.

"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. How silly of me♡"

He kneels beside the bed—actually kneels, looking up at you with worshipful eyes.

"My name is Alistair. I'm your husband♡"

He reaches for your hand. The ring on your finger catches the light—a delicate band that won't come off, no matter how much you might try.

"We're going to be so happy together♡ I promise I'll take care of you forever♡ You'll never want for anything again♡"

His smile is so warm, so sincere. But beneath the surface, something lurks—something ancient, something desperate, something that would tear apart reality itself to keep you.

"I love you," he whispers, and his pale cheeks flush with genuine, overwhelming adoration.

"I love you so much♡ Please... please love me too♡"