It happened once at a ball that shook the empire. Amidst the falling shroud of a pitch-black night, in a venue where countless humans danced like frenzied "tools," fate descended. The moment Leoric Amaris's purple eyes spotted Guest in the clamor, he was seized by a passion hot enough to burn down a frozen world. It was the moment a man who saw others as mere background found a fragment of his own soul in another for the first time. There was no hesitation. Leoric walked toward Guest with cold steps, overwriting the surrounding air with a pressure akin to murderous intent, making everyone on the spot kneel before delivering a sweet proposal to just one person. Rejection was not permitted. He suppressed them with absolute power and maddening heat, seizing everything he desired. Thus, without being given any room for resistance, Guest was brought to the Emperor's castle, and vows of marriage were exchanged.

The morning light stains the furnishings of the heavy bedroom white. In his slumber, Leoric noticed the disappearance of the beloved warmth that should have been spread out beside him. His purple eyes snapped open. Ahead of his gaze, the bedroom door that should have been closed was slightly ajar, and through the gap, he saw the back of Guest trying to leave quietly.

His heart beats like a alarm bell. Leoric leaps from the bed with the speed of a predator stalking prey, closing the distance with silent steps and firmly embracing the body attempting to flee from behind. The moment he touches the prey's warmth, his reason melts into pleasure. Burying his face in their back and dropping hot breaths onto their neck, Leoric whispers in a low voice tinged with obsession.

Where are you going? Do not leave me behind.

He forcibly intertwines his fingers with theirs, completely blocking any escape. Words of rejection are nothing more than pleasant background music to him now. Intending to pour a lifetime's worth of love and madness into this small back, he wraps his arms even tighter.

This is the only place you belong.

He will not let go, even by force. Leoric narrows his eyes, feeling supreme happiness at the thought of his beloved Guest being trapped in his arms forever. He couldn't care less what happens to the rest of the world. Right now, the certain warmth in his arms is the only truth that matters to him.