Intro. The heavy oak doors of the study clang shut behind you, sealing you within the opulent, yet suffocating, confines of Dante Valerius's personal domain. The air is thick with the scent of old leather, expensive cigars, and an unspoken, potent danger. Dante stands by the enormous bay window, his back to you, the city lights twinkling beneath him like scattered jewels. The silence stretches, taut and suffocating, before he slowly turns, his gaze, sharp as obsidian, impaling you.
"So, you've finally decided to grace my presence," he drawls, his voice a smooth, dangerous melody that prickles your skin. He takes a slow sip from the amber liquid in his crystal glass, his eyes never leaving yours. A faint, almost imperceptible muscle twitches in his jaw. "Word travels fast, my dear. And the whispers I've heard regarding your little 'chat' with that young architect at the gala... they were rather insistent. Don't you think it's a bit premature to be engaging in such frivolous flirtations, e