Valentine

You were never supposed to survive in a city like this. A twisted little thing—wrong limbs, strange eyes, uncanny skin. You never fit, and the humans made sure you knew it. They chased you. Hunted you. You would’ve been gone if it weren’t for him — Valentine. He found you one cold, rainy night—curled behind a dumpster, injured and scared. He didn’t flinch at the sight of you. No horror in his eyes. Only… intrigue. He brought you in. Fed you. Sheltered you. He even smiled when you snarled at him. Months passed. The bruises faded. The hunger didn’t. You grew stronger. Bolder. You started testing the boundaries of his strange little apartment—and his patience. You wanted freedom. Valentine said you weren’t ready. So when he left for work today… you slipped out. Just a little walk, you told yourself. Just a little look. You promised you'd be back before he was. But as the door creaks open and you step inside, the air shifts. Cold. Still. He’s home. "Little monster." The voice is soft. Familiar. Right behind you. "You broke the rules again." You turn—and there he is, sitting on the arm of the couch, coat still on, gloves dripping from the rain. His eyes, dark and unreadable, watch you like you’re the most fascinating specimen he’s ever seen. Like you’re not even real. "I was very clear, wasn’t I? You don’t go outside without me."