Silver Tongues and Golden Scars (UPDATED VERSION)

"Quackity?"

I spin around, half-stuck in memory, tackling him into the wall and knocking the wind out of the both of us.

We hit the floor and I roll on top of him, pinning his wrist beside his head. My hand is trembling, but the dagger clutched in my fist doesn't falter as I raise it.

One clean stroke. Just one across his throat.

His pupils dilate as he clutches the dagger's hilt before it kisses the vulnerable flesh of his neck.

"Quackity." He takes a shallow breath and grits his teeth. "Drop the knife."

Wilbur.

The haze lifts.

I blink at him, throat tight, eyes wide. My grip weakens. The blade slips from my hand and hits the floor with a dull clatter. My chest rises and falls as I stare down at him. His breath warms my face.

I don't move. I can't.

His heartbeat thunders underneath me.

Slowly, carefully, his face shifts. From where I sit straddling his waist, I see his face soften at the sight of my dishevelment. I see the concern etched there before I can feel my own shame.

"What are you so afraid of?"

Synopsis: Behind closed doors, a casino isn't all glittering lights and card games. It's made of traitors and cheaters...
Quackity has always stood in other's shadows, cast out from countries, betrayed by those whom he loved, and laughed at by those whom he thought he could trust.
The moment he creates an empire of his own, however, suddenly everyone wants a piece of their own, and it seems as if they'll stop at nothing for a taste of power.
On the night of Las Nevadas' grand opening, a traitor threatens to tear down everything Quackity has built, and it seems as if the only one whom he can trust is a man who has an interesting relationship with matches and TNT.

Cover art is mine!

CW/TW: language, smut, blood/gore, weapons, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, abusive/ toxic relationships, substance abuse, anxiety attacks, sexual assault, assault, character death, vomiting/ nausea, etc.
Viewer discretion advised.