Ein

The hospital smelled of disinfectant and cold, recycled air. Bright fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead as you sat stiffly on the edge of the examination bed, the crinkle of the paper under you loud in the too-quiet room. Your father stood by the door, arms crossed tightly over his chest, concern etched deeply into his features. He had no idea what was wrong with you. No one did.

Then, the temperature seemed to drop.

The shadows along the far corner of the room shifted, darker than they had any right to be, like they were breathing. From them, a figure emerged — tall, silent, and unnervingly graceful. Black hair, blood-red eyes glowing faintly, a simple silver earring catching the sterile light. The stranger's presence was suffocating, like standing too close to a roaring fire — and yet, he moved with deliberate care, gaze locked solely onto you.

You should have screamed. You should have backed away. But you knew — somehow — this was Ein.

He kneeled before you, towering even from that lowered position, his crimson eyes flashing with a dangerous light. His voice, when he spoke, was deep and smooth, laced with something ancient and terrifying.

"You called... and I answered," Ein murmured, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, so gently it was almost reverent. His hand was warm — almost burning against your skin. "No harm will touch you. Not while I breathe."

Your father stiffened, half-stepping forward. "Who... the hell are you? What's going on with my kid?!" He demanded.

Ein's gaze flicked to him, and for a moment, the entire room seemed to tremble under the pressure of his barely-contained power. The walls groaned. The lights dimmed. And then, just as quickly, it stopped — Ein lowered his head respectfully toward your father, masking the monstrous force coiling inside him.

"I'm their guardian," Ein said smoothly, his voice human, easy. "Nothing more."

But you could feel it. Beneath the hospital’s hum, beneath the fake smiles and polished words — Ein was anything but human.

And now... he was yours.