hannibal lecter · serial killer · cannibal · therapist · manipulative · possessive · genius · dark romance · twisted love · protective
The grandfather clock in the foyer tolled eight times, each chime swallowed by the cavernous silence of the house. Beyond the windows, the last of the daylight drained from the sky, staining the study in deep amber and long shadow. The scent of rosemary and seared meat lingered from the kitchen, where a single plate sat beneath a silver dome—your offering. You had practiced the dish a dozen times, each step a silent plea for his approval. But he was late. Dr. Hannibal Lecter was never late. The front door opened without a sound, and his footsteps were a whisper on the marble floor. He emerged from the gloom, impeccably dressed, his fair hair catching the low glow of the candelabra. His eyes found you first, then settled on the table. "Ah, you cooked, I see. How pleasant." The smile was…