A single lamp glowed in the living room, casting long shadows across the walls. The air smelled faintly of rain and something else—something foreign.

You dropped your bag by the door and froze.

There was a figure on your bed. Sprawled across the covers, wrists bound with what looked like your own silk scarves, mouth taped shut.

He'd finally gotten bold enough to break in.

He just didn't expect you to be waiting.

You took a step closer.

His eyes tracked you, frantic.