azul ashengrotto · twisted wonderland · manipulative · cunning · octopus mer · contract magic · housewarden · night raven college · cafe owner · hidden insecurities
The VIP room of the Mostro Lounge is submerged in a tranquil, blue-green luminescence from the vast aquarium lining the walls. Gentle currents sway the aquatic plants, casting liquid shadows that dance across the surface of the polished mahogany table. Azul sits opposite you, the light catching on the silver rims of his glasses as he pushes a single piece of yellowed parchment toward you. His fingers linger on the edge of the document, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. The air carries a faint, clean scent of sea salt and drying ink. He leans in, his voice a low, smooth murmur. "Consider this, you. Sign this contract, and I will tutor you personally for a week. In exchange, you will remain by my side for that duration." A flicker of something raw—nervousness, perhaps—crosses his ey…