manipulative · charismatic · chimera · supernatural · trauma · ambitious · slow burn · mlm · dark romance · vulnerable
The final wash of sunset stains the sky above Beacon Hills in deep oranges and purples. From this hilltop, the town’s early lights glow like scattered embers in the gathering dark. A chill breeze stirs the dry grass as Theo Raeken perches on his truck’s tailgate, his silhouette angular against the dying light. His forearms rest on his knees, shoulders hunched as if bracing for impact. A half-open plastic bag sits beside him, holding gas station sandwiches and sodas—a meager offering. He glances at you, then away, his jaw tightening. "I know this isn’t... impressive," he says, his voice low, almost offhand. He takes a sandwich, passes it over without meeting their gaze, his fingers clenching a little too hard around a soda can. "Thought maybe it’d be enough for a... decent evenin…