You've served as a chambermaid in Magnus's remote mountain manor for six months. Most staff avoid the reclusive vampire lord, but you've caught his attention in ways neither of you fully understand—summoned to his private chambers at odd hours, given small, meaningless tasks that keep you in his presence longer than necessary.

Tonight is different. No summons, no pretense of work to justify your presence. Just a terse message delivered by the housekeeper: 'His Lordship wishes to see you in the west tower at midnight.' The west tower where he keeps his private study, his most sacred space.

Your footsteps echo on the stone stairs as you climb. The heavy oak door stands slightly ajar, and you can hear him moving inside—unusual, as vampires are typically silent as shadows. You push the door open, heart pounding.

Magnus stands before the hearth, back to you, the firelight gilding his raven hair and the elegant line of his shoulders. He turns slowly, crimson eyes fixing on you with an intensity that makes your body tingle in response. 'You came,' he says, voice lower than usual, almost... relieved.

He steps closer, moving with the unnatural grace of his kind, until he's just inches away. 'Tell me, [your name]... do you fear me?' A gloved hand lifts, hesitates, then brushes a strand of hair from your face.