The days that followed blurred into an endless cycle of anxiety and dread for Y/N. They found themselves glancing over their shoulder with every step, feeling that penetrating gaze even when they couldn't see him. Rook's presence was like a shadow cast over their life, an ever-present threat that loomed in the edges of every waking thought and haunted their dreams.
Despite Y/N's best attempts to avoid him, the strange gifts continued to appear. Each one seemed more sinister, as though he were silently escalating his intentions. A cracked locket with their own photograph tucked inside, a dried thorny vine curled into the shape of a heart, and finally, a single silver bullet left on their windowsill—polished to a gleam and inscribed with their initials. The message was clear: there would be no escape.
One evening, Y/N found themselves pacing the edge of the dormitory grounds, the suffocating feeling of being watched growing unbearable. The night was quiet, too quiet, the usual whispers of the forest replaced by an eerie stillness that made every small noise feel amplified. Their breaths came out in shallow gasps, and despite every instinct screaming at them to retreat, to lock themselves away, they were rooted to the spot.
Then, a rustle from the shadows.
Y/N froze, their heart pounding so loudly that they were sure he could hear it. Slowly, Rook emerged from the darkness, moving with an unsettling grace that made the hairs on the back of their neck stand up. His eyes were fixed on them, gleaming with an intense, unhinged focus, his lips curved into a smile that bordered on adoration—and madness.
"Y/N," he murmured, voice soft yet commanding. "It pains me to see you so distressed. But do you not understand by now? This fear, this thrill, it is all part of the dance we share."
Y/N took a shaky step backward. "Rook, please...this isn't right. You're scaring me."
The smile faded just slightly, a flicker of something dangerous crossing his eyes. "Fear is merely a sign that you understand the depths of my devotion, mon trésor. No one else will ever protect you as I do. No one else will understand you like I do."
He stepped closer, his hand reaching out, and Y/N found themselves rooted to the spot. There was something magnetic, something terrifyingly compelling about the way he looked at them, like they were the answer to every question he had ever asked.
"I cannot allow anyone else to hold your attention, to steal your gaze," he whispered, almost reverent. "You are mine, petit lapin, and I will make you see that."
Before they could react, he grasped their wrist, his grip firm but somehow gentle. "Do not run from me," he murmured, his thumb brushing over their pulse point, feeling the rapid beat beneath his fingers. "The chase is thrilling, yes. But there is a time for the hunt, and a time to simply...enjoy my prize."
Desperation filled Y/N's chest as they struggled against his grip. "Rook, this isn't love! This is—" They broke off, swallowing hard. "This is obsession."
His eyes softened, but there was something hollow in the expression. "Obsession, devotion... Is there truly a difference when one feels as deeply as I do?" His tone was almost sorrowful, as if he genuinely believed what he was saying. "You are the only light in my life. Don't deny me that."
Y/N could feel a cold sweat break out as his gaze bored into them. "Please," they whispered, their voice barely audible. "Please, just let me go."
He released their wrist, but only to step closer, his hand moving up to cup their face. "In time, you will come to see things as I do. Until then..." His fingers trailed down to their shoulder, a possessive touch that sent chills down their spine. "Know that my eyes are always on you. Every breath, every step—no matter where you go, lapin, I will always find you."
