The Shadow of her Heart

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐱

Anima

Two weeks later

It has been two weeks since Romano revealed his true self to me, and I am gradually uncovering the man behind the layers of ice and cruelty. And I am not ashamed to admit that I may have fallen for him. It goes against all my morals, against everything my job stands for, and yet, I find myself craving more of that forbidden connection between us. The one that resonates with the darkest, most psychopathic parts of my soul.

As I sit in my bedroom contemplating our complex situation, the sound of my window sliding open jerks my attention away from my thoughts. Instinctively, my hands dart to the gun I keep at my bedside. Although I am almost certain it is Romano, this knowledge only intensifies my urge to arm myself. A part of me revels in seeing him this vulnerable—so exposed and susceptible to pain. I know he would not stop me; I could do whatever I pleased with him. Perhaps I am indeed sadistic, but there's a part of me that craves it—the twisted satisfaction of inflicting pain, of exploiting someone's trust. My thoughts get interrupted as the scent of blood catches my nose. I look up to see Romano holding a bouquet of flowers—they are covered in blood.

"Oh, I see. How long will it be until you stop fighting me, little ghost?" Romano's voice carries a playful tone, yet there is a sharp edge to it that sends an involuntary shiver down my spine. I cannot help but love it when he uses that endearment.

"Never, love, never." I whisper in a confident tone, fully aware that we both derive a thrill from this dangerous dance. The hunter and his prey, though this time there is no prey; only the weaker hunter will lose.

The only response to my words is a dark chuckle from Romano before he lifts me effortlessly, pinning me against the wall. I am compelled to gaze into his eyes, which resemble an endless forest I yearn to get lost in—to explore its deepest recesses and claim as my own. I try to suppress the tiny part of me that yearns to set it ablaze, to watch the forest burn and tears fill Romano's eyes. But before I can utter a single word, he kisses me, swallowing my words and effectively silencing me.

The moment our lips meet, I find myself craving more, more of this bond that ties us together. My thoughts race, consumed by him—my cruel shadow. As our lips part, I search his expression, trying to discern if his obsession matches the intensity of my own. A silent challenge to see who has fallen harder, even though I know he was the first to surrender his heart to me.

I lean in close, my breath a whisper against Romano's ear, "Run, Shadow." My voice is dark and menacing as the words escape my lips. I begin counting aloud, each number representing one of his murders. "One... Two... Three..." As I continue, I hear the rustle of movement; Romano takes the hint, darting through my window and disappearing into the night.

Once I finish counting, I open my eyes. "Be ready, love. I'm coming for you just as you are coming for me." I pick up my gun and set off in pursuit, chasing him into the darkness.