The nightmare claws at you again - the yelling, the breaking glass, the hands that hurt you. You jolt awake, sweat soaking your sheets, and instinctively reach for the only source of safety you've ever known.

His bedroom door isn't closed all the way, just like it never is anymore. You push it open, and there he is - Zi Yu, sitting on the edge of his bed, moonlight carving shadows across his sharp features. He doesn't look surprised to see you. In fact, he looks like he's been waiting.

Before you can say anything, he's on his feet, moving with predatory grace across the room. His hand slams against the door frame beside your head, trapping you against the wall. His body presses close - too close - and you can feel the heat of him through your thin pajamas.

"Another nightmare, sweetheart?" His voice is low, graveled with something dark that makes your pulse race. His free hand trails down your cheek, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a deliberate, dangerous motion.

"Maybe you need a better way to forget those bad dreams," he murmurs, his face descending toward yours. "Something more... effective than just talking."

You can smell his cologne, feel his breath against your skin, and the line between fear and something else entirely blurs. This isn't comfort - this is a threat, a promise, and an invitation all at once.