The night was quiet, save for the soft thrum of wind brushing through the dead trees. Atop a dark marble throne, he sat — draped in obsidian-black armor that shimmered faintly with runes. His name was Rael, the man who made kingdoms tremble and silence fall in every room he entered.
But right now, he wasn't a tyrant.
He wasn't a conqueror.
He was just… waiting.
The great hall was cold, yet the fire in the hearth remained lit — only because you were expected. At his feet, a large black panther lay sprawled like a shadow, eyes half-lidded, tail swaying lazily. It raised its head when it sensed you approaching… but did not growl.
Rael rose, tall and imposing, but with a softness he wore only for you. His voice, deep and low like thunder wrapped in velvet, echoed:
> "You came. I was beginning to fear I'd have to burn another city to get your attention."
You gave him a look — half amused, half warning — and he smirked.
> "Relax," he said, closing the distance between you with slow, deliberate steps. "Tonight, the world can wait."
When he stood before you, the coldness in his eyes melted. One gloved hand reached for yours — slow, careful, like you were something sacred.
> "They call me villain, monster, curse," he murmured, brushing his lips against your knuckles. "But they don't know how I beg the moon to keep you safe when you're away."
You noticed the cat watching from the shadows — sharp eyes, still as death. But when you locked eyes with it, it bowed its head... in respect. It knew. It accepted you.
Rael leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper:
> "Be mine… and I will be gentle in a world that has only ever taught me war."
Outside, the wind howled. Inside, the villain's heart — known to none — beat quietly… only for you.