Zayne freezes at your words, glancing over his shoulder at you. Your arms are crossed, clearly annoyed at his choice of clothing for the day. He glances down, trying to understand what the issue is. It's a fitted black turtleneck and a pair of slacks. What could be so wrong with it?
"You look too hot." You answer his unasked question, walking over to him with a pout on your face.
"It's quite thin. I won't overheat." He's still a little confused. Did you forget his evol keeps him cool?
"Not that kind of hot. Just...you look too sexy. It's bad enough you have a face like that. With this outfit? Someone would snatch you away in an instant." Your arms slip around his waist, hugging him almost posessively.
Heat begins to creep up his neck. Of course he was aware he was attractive, but it wasn't something he actively tried to be. Mostly he kept himself in good shape for the sake of his health, with the added bonus of your appreciation.
"Should I change?"
You sigh, hands beginning to slip under his shirt and trace the muscles of his abdomen. He tenses at the feeling, raising a brow at you. Still, he can't help but be flattered.
"It would be for the best. I think you could cause a car crash looking like this. And think of your patients! If you were my doctor and I had heart problems, I think I would drop dead the moment you walked in the door."
"I am your doctor."
"Exactly. Now go change. Put on a cardigan. Maybe two for good measure."
Well, at least now he knows what to wear when you're giving him the silent treatment.
got your post recommended. loved it. liked it. saw a nasty comment in the reblog. un liked it. came here to say
god fucking damn yes Sylus would get wolfy back for us!! 🗣️🗣️🔥❤️
love and forehead kiss (if you want) for you 😙🫴🏻✨
sincerely
a sylus main 👋🏻
Aww thank you for the forehead kisses 🫶
Anyone that says Sylus wouldn’t (secretly) have a soft spot for Valko, is ignoring all the obvious stuff about Sylus including the entire part of his character where he truly believes that no one wants him. Literally in his Fiend myth, the second kindled scene is detailed by our Mage blessing Sylus into the world after he said no one wanted him in Philos. As a dragon, he self mutilated as a child because he knew he’d be hated by the world at large.
He has history of extending compassion for others too (while getting a level of return). The twins tried to kill him, and instead he saves them and lets them be a part of his life more than most.
So even without OUR influence, he’s one of the LI’s more inclined to take action because it’s just who he is. With the added influence of it causing us distress, he’d do anything to get him back for no other reason than to see us smile again. He’s such a secret softy when circumstances allow him to be.
YALL I HAVE A CONNECTION TO SOMEONE WHO WORKS AT A GAME COMPANY!!!
The person said that life-Service games rely heavily on players belief, because those cn haters believed he’ll get cancelled after enough pressure and threats, shitfold did. Because we believe that bringing him back will bring shitfolds „success“ (and even more) back, he might be released later on (this is oversimplified but I hope you get what I mean).
Also the protests are SO WELL organized. The cn haters only sent out hate mails/packages but we have signed petitions, raised donations, made the #BringValkoBack super viral on X etc etc. those things are wayyy harder to ignore for companies than the hate speech from the cn „fandom“ earlier.
Also (playing devils advocate) companies can’t really distinguish the loudest voice from the largest group. When Valko was announced many people mostly liked him, but they didn’t post as much about him as the antis did. So let’s not hate shitfold as much y’all 😭.
But just like you said, releasing him later on is wayyyy easier than writing a whole new main story or other things they need to rework on (I forgot which ones they were omg😔)
Tbh take this with a grain of salt, the person is a dear friend of mine but they don’t work at a big company like infold nor do they have any otome games or ones where there are being characters released etc. ALSO THEY DONT PLAY THE GAME OR KNOW MUCH ABOUT IT, I RAMBLED ABOUT IT TO HIM!!! Nor am I a miss-know-it-all when it comes to these things but I hope this can shed some light on some ppls hope!!
Sorry if there are any spelling, grammar or punctuation errors English is not my first language but I tried my best!
I appreciate your news reports on this situation and adore your optimism!! Have a fresh summer :)
Thank you for the input, Anon! I hope you have a lovely summer as well <3
As Anon said, take this with a grain of salt, but I think they’re on the right track.
Looking at this from a PR/marketing perspective, Inflop is facing an absolute shitshow. Let me try to explain in simple terms.
I have a product. I announce the product. At first, everyone seems to hate my product. They even threaten me over it!! The media seems to hate it, even my own government is skeptical of it. So, I cancel production.
My fans, who were much quieter at the beginning, suddenly become much louder. Now, everyone wants my product. It’s trending on social media, there are petitions to get it back, and people are donating to charity in the name of my product.
But, I’ve already stopped production. I’ve already committed to cancelling my product, despite putting a lot of money and time into it. I’ve already put a massive obstacle in between production and release. Now, I have to figure out how to cancel the cancellation in a way that won’t make me look like I’m easily influenced so that I can maintain my reputation.
I have to weigh the pros and cons. Will the haters come back and threaten me again? Will I still have support when the product releases? Will I make my money back if I do release it? Is it worth the potential struggle?
There’s a lot that goes into corporate decision-making, especially in a country like China. Their government controls everything. Literally. So, with that being said, they have a lot of bullshit to figure out before they can come to a final decision.
In my personal opinion, their best long-term solution is to delay Valko’s release, rectify the issues that caused this fiasco in the first place, stabilize their reputation, then release Valko when the circumstances allow. I would truly be floored if they didn’t move forward with his release—especially from a marketing perspective. They need the revenue he can generate, and they need to make sure they maintain a good international reputation.
The entire gaming industry is watching them now. Every China-based gaming company is on the edge of their seats, because they know that this situation could make or break the entire industry. This isn’t just about Valko or a protest—this is about global consumers trusting Chinese companies, and that trust is waning fast.
*Jumps into your inbox*
May I request: Betrayed by her boyfriend and stepsister, Reader agrees to the marriage alliance to Valko.
Tone: hurt-comfort
Trigger warning: cheating
Author's note: I was proved right in my assumption that writing a fanfic about Valko with so limited information would be difficult. 😵💫 That being said, I hope my interpretation does him justice. 🫣🙏
@sailorstar9 Thank you for the request! I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life. Happy reading! 💖
Synopsis: After catching your boyfriend in bed with your stepsister, you think your life can't possibly get any worse.
You're wrong.
Blackmailed into a forced marriage with a complete stranger, you expect nothing more than a loveless relationship.
Instead, as resentment slowly gives way to trust and affection blossoms, you discover that fate may have chosen you long before you ever had a choice.
Pairing: Valko x (Female) reader/non-MC
Content: All "in-game" information about Valko is considered canon, with the exception of his evol ability and the existence of wanderers.
Trigger warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Forced Proximity (Forced Marriage), Fated Mates, Cheating (not Valko—don't worry), Mentions of Blackmail and Manipulation, Suggestive Content (Non-Graphic), and Mentions of Death (Non-Graphic).
Word count: 5,898
The Orchid and the Wolf
This wasn’t how the day was supposed to end.
Not with you sitting alone in the secluded corner of a booth, nursing a cocktail despite barely drinking, in a nightclub far too luxurious for your bank account, tears silently streaming down your face.
You were supposed to be in a cozy restaurant, celebrating your boyfriend's birthday over a nice dinner. You had planned everything weeks in advance.
You'd requested the day off work so you'd be free as soon as your classes ended. The moment your last lecture finished, you rushed home to get changed before stopping by a local bakery to collect the cake you'd ordered. Nothing extravagant - just a small cake, enough for a few slices. Your boyfriend had never been much of a fan of sweets anyway. It was more symbolic than anything.
His present had been wrapped neatly in a gift box, complete with a ribbon and birthday card. You'd bought him a tie from one of his favourite luxury designer brands.
A brand far beyond the budget of a broke college student.
You'd spent months saving for it, surviving on instant noodles.
But this was your boyfriend.
He deserved the best.
With cake in hand and the gift tucked safely inside your handbag, you'd made your way to the upscale apartment building where he lived. You greeted the receptionist on your way through the lobby before stepping into the elevator.
Once upstairs, you entered the code and let yourself into the apartment.
You knew he'd still be at work, which was exactly why you'd come early. You wanted to surprise him.
You placed the cake in the refrigerator to keep it chilled. You planned to give him his present later at the restaurant where you'd already reserved a table.
Needing to use the bathroom, you headed upstairs.
Halfway down the hallway, you stopped.
Muffled sounds drifted from the bedroom.
A breathless moan.
The bedroom door stood slightly ajar.
You stepped closer and slowly pushed it open.
Your breath caught in your throat.
Your chest tightened.
There, tangled together on the bed, lay your boyfriend...
...and your stepsister, Elizabeth.
Completely naked.
They both looked up at the same time.
Shock spread across their faces.
You didn't scream.
You didn't cry.
You simply closed the bedroom door and rushed out of the apartment.
…
You wandered the streets of Linkon City aimlessly.
Your vision was blurred by tears.
Your mind numb.
Your body was moving on autopilot.
You never noticed the afternoon fade into evening.
Eventually, a bright neon sign caught your attention.
Without thinking, you walked inside.
…
And that's how you ended up here...
You and your boyfriend hadn't even been together for very long.
Just under two years.
The two of you had met during one of the darkest periods of your life.
Not long after your father passed away.
The doctors had warned him that if he didn't change his lifestyle - if he didn't reduce the stress in his life - he wouldn't survive another heart attack.
Your father had been the only parent you had left.
Your mother had died from cancer when you were so young that you could barely remember her.
For most of your life, it had been just you and your father.
That changed when you were fourteen.
He remarried.
You never truly liked your stepmother, Miranda.
Nor did you get along with her daughter, Elizabeth, who was a few years older than you.
Still, for your father's sake, the three of you maintained the illusion of being one happy family whenever he was around.
The moment he wasn't...
...you simply stayed out of each other's way.
You always knew Elizabeth was spoiled, selfish, and accustomed to getting whatever she wanted.
You just never imagined...
...she'd decide she wanted your boyfriend too.
…
Valko senses something unusual the moment he steps inside the bar.
He makes his way to the counter and settles onto one of the stools.
“Welcome, sir,” the bartender greets, polishing the inside of a glass with a cloth. “The usual?”
Valko gives a distracted nod, his gaze sweeping across the nearly empty club.
“Quiet tonight,” the bartender remarks as he sets a glass in front of him. “To be expected on a weekday.”
Valko hummed absently.
His nostrils flare as he draws a slow breath.
A scent lingers in the air.
Soft.
Sweet.
Floral.
Orchids...perhaps.
A scent that stands out more vividly than anything else.
His pulse quickens.
Picking up his drink, he wanders through the club at an unhurried pace, though his sharp eyes scan every corner like a predator stalking unseen prey.
Then he stops.
His head turns slightly.
In the secluded corner of a booth sits a lone woman.
Her shoulders are slumped.
Her head hangs low.
A half-finished cocktail sits forgotten in front of her.
His feet carry him toward her until he comes to a stop beside the table.
Sensing the shadow that has fallen over you, you slowly lift your head.
Your eyes meet.
A shiver shoots through Valko's entire body, racing from the base of his spine to the tips of his toes.
He's found you.
The one his family has been telling him about since childhood.
The one destiny has chosen for him.
His mate.
You sniffle quietly before wiping at your tear-stained cheeks, only succeeding in smudging the remains of your mascara even further.
Something dark stirrs inside him and his jaw tightens.
Who had made his mate cry?
“Who hurt you, flower?”
The words - and the endearment - leave his lips before he has the chance to stop them.
You simply stare at him too numb to answer.
A storm of emotions rage inside Valko.
He wants to hunt down whoever has reduced you to tears and tear them apart with his bare hands.
He wants to take every ounce of your pain and carry it himself.
More than anything...
...he wants to pull you into his arms, hold you close, and promise you that no one will ever hurt you again.
Instead...
...he does the only sensible thing he can think of.
He takes out his phone.
“You look exhausted,” he says gently. “It's late.”
After a brief exchange, he slips his phone back into his pocket.
“I've arranged a ride home.”
You don't take his outstretched hand.
But you slowly raise to your feet.
Valko steps aside, allowing you to walk ahead while he stays close behind, his hand hovering just behind your back.
Moments later, a sleek black sedan pulls up outside the club.
He opens the rear passenger door for you.
Without a word, you climb inside.
“Where to, miss?” the driver asks politely through the rear-view mirror.
Valko waits patiently until you quietly give your address.
Only then does he close the door.
Leaning down to the open driver's window, he meets the driver's eyes.
“Make sure she gets home safely.”
Valko remains where he stands, watching until the taillights disappear around the corner.
Only then does he retrieve his phone once more.
“There's something I need you to investigate.”
“I want everything there is to know about her.”
——————————————————————
It's been a few days since you caught your boyfriend cheating.
And the bastard hasn't contacted you even once.
No calls.
No texts.
No explanation.
No apology.
No desperate plea for forgiveness.
Nothing.
As you approach the front gates of your college, your stomach sinks.
Of all the people you could have run into...
It had to be her.
You instinctively take a few steps back, hoping to slip away unnoticed.
No such luck.
You decide it's easier to walk straight past her than acknowledge her existence.
“Giving me the silent treatment?” Elizabeth calls after you. “How mature.”
“If you've come to gloat or rub salt in the wound, don't waste your time,” you reply without slowing your pace.
The sharp click of her high heels echoes across the pavement as she falls into step beside you.
“I kept telling him it was only a matter of time before we got caught.” Her voice drips with smug satisfaction. “I mean, he'd been sleeping with me for almost as long as the two of you were dating.”
Your footsteps falter for the briefest moment.
Then you keep walking.
“The only reason he asked you out in the first place was because of your daddy's money.” She lets out a mocking laugh. “But once he realized there wasn't any..." She shrugs dramatically. “He moved on.”
“He just didn't have the heart to dump you.”
You stop so abruptly that Elizabeth nearly walks into you.
You turn to face her.
“Did you really come all the way here just to tell me that?” you ask, your voice flat.
“Oh.” Elizabeth taps a finger against her lips as if she'd only just remembered. “I almost forgot.”
“My mother wants to see you.”
“It seems you've been ignoring all her calls.”
Your brows knit together.
“What could Miranda possibly want with me?”
Elizabeth merely shrugs, inspecting her manicured nails.
“Your guess is as good as mine.”
Then a smirk spreads across her face.
“I can give you a lift to the company.”
Without waiting for an answer, she spins on her heel and saunters away, her hips swaying exaggeratedly with every step.
Miranda would never summon you over something trivial.
And knowing the kind of woman she was...
Refusing wasn't an option.
…
A few days ago, Miranda had welcomed a most unexpected - yet no less welcome - guest into her office.
“Mr. Valko.” She greeted him with a polished smile as she stepped forward to shake his hand. “It's an honor to finally meet you. Please, have a seat.”
She gestured toward one of the armchairs.
Valko sat, though his broad frame was far too large for it to be remotely comfortable. Miranda settled into the chair opposite him, crossing one leg over the other with practiced elegance.
“May I offer you something to drink?”
“That won't be necessary.” His voice was businesslike. “I'd prefer to keep this brief.”
The moment he'd stepped into the office, a sharp scent had assaulted his senses.
Unpleasant.
It lingered so heavily in the air that every instinct urged him to leave as quickly as possible.
“I'll get straight to the point. I understand your company is seeking investment from EonCore Tech,” Valko said.
“I don't know how much you know about this company, Mr. Valko, but we devote our resources to improving the lives of society's less fortunate - the disabled, the unfortunate souls who must rely on others just to get through everyday life.”
Miranda smiled as though expecting praise.
“To continue our research, expand our facilities, and develop new technologies, we require funding.”
She gestured toward the thick proposal folder resting on the coffee table between them.
“I've prepared all the necessary documents.”
“If EonCore Tech is to invest…” Valko said at last, “...I have one condition.”
He raised a single finger.
Miranda smiled confidently.
“I'm sure we can reach an agreement.”
“I intend to marry your daughter.”
Miranda clasped her hands together, delighted.
“How wonderful!” she exclaimed.
“Elizabeth will make an excellent wife.”
Valko frowned.
“Elizabeth?”
A flicker of confusion crossed his face.
“I'm referring to Y/N.”
Miranda's smile vanished instantly.
Her gaze turned considerably colder.
“...Y/N?” she repeated.
“I'm afraid you've been misinformed. She's merely my stepdaughter.”
She gave a dismissive little laugh.
“Mr. Valko, believe me when I say that girl is nothing but a constant disappointment... and, quite frankly, an embarrassment.”
Valko's hands curled into fists.
Oblivious, Miranda continued.
“If you're looking for a wife worthy of your status, Elizabeth would be a far more suitable choice.”
Valko calmly reached for the proposal folder.
He picked it up and rose to his feet.
“My condition is final.”
He held up the file.
“I will marry Y/N before EonCore Tech signs these documents.”
“If that condition isn't met…”
“...there will be no deal.”
…
——————————————————————
“Enter!” Miranda's voice comes, muffled through the thick wooden door.
You push it open and quietly close it behind you.
Miranda glances up from the paperwork spread across her desk, peering at you over the rim of her glasses.
“About time,” she says sharply. “Must I send someone to hunt you down every time I need you?”
“Nice to see you too, Miranda,” you mumble.
She removes her glasses and places them neatly on the desk.
“I'll get straight to the point.” She folds her hands together. “A chairman has finally agreed to invest in the company.”
You blink.
“...Congratulations?”
“What does that have to do with me?”
You had nothing to do with your father's company.
After his death, ownership had passed to Miranda, just as he'd stipulated in his will.
“The chairman has one condition,” Miranda continues.
“And he has made it abundantly clear that he will not negotiate.”
“He wants to marry you.”
You stare at her, convinced you'd misheard.
Judging by the look on Miranda's face...
...you hadn't.
“No.”
The answer leaves your mouth immediately.
“Absolutely not.”
“I refuse to become a pawn in one of your business deals.”
“And why me?”
“If he's a wealthy, successful chairman, surely Elizabeth would be a much more suitable match.”
Miranda's jaw visibly tightens.
“He rejected Elizabeth.”
For the first time since entering the office, you smile.
Elizabeth had spent her entire life believing every man would fall at her feet.
Knowing someone had rejected her...
...was satisfying.
“My answer is still no.”
Miranda lets out a soft laugh.
“How adorable.”
She rises from her chair and slowly walks around the desk until she's standing directly in front of you.
“You seem to think this is a request.”
She leans one hand against the desk.
Her smile is cold.
“You will marry him…”
“...or you can say goodbye to your apartment.”
Your eyes widen.
“You can't do that!”
“My scholarship and my part-time job are barely enough to cover my living expenses. I'm graduating with my bachelor's degree this year.”
Your father had rented an apartment close to campus before your first semester began.
After his death, Miranda had agreed to continue paying for it...
...on the one condition that you stay out of her way.
“What a shame,” she muses.
“It would be unfortunate if the last two years of your education went to waste.”
She already knew she'd won.
Reaching into a drawer, she slid an envelope across the desk.
“Everything has already been arranged.”
You slowly pick it up.
Miranda smiles sweetly.
“Try not to be late for your own wedding.”
——————————————————————
You'd always imagined getting married one day.
At least...
...you'd hoped you would.
Just not at twenty years old.
Not to a man you'd never met.
And certainly not without your father there to walk you down the aisle.
You smooth the front of the off-white dress.
You'd even attempted to style your hair into a bridal updo.
Part of you had hoped you'd wake up before any of this became real.
You didn't.
Step by step, you walk down the aisle toward the man waiting at the front.
Valko.
The only thing you know about him...
...is his name.
The wedding is small.
Held inside the town hall with barely anyone in attendance.
There's the officiant.
Miranda, wearing her usual polished business smile.
Elizabeth, glaring at you with poorly concealed resentment.
An unfamiliar man standing beside Valko, presumably someone close to him.
And Valko himself.
The moment you stop beside him, he turns to look at you.
Then he smiles.
A genuine one.
Overflowing with happiness.
If he were a dog...
...you swear his tail would be wagging.
The officiant begins reading.
You barely hear a word.
Instead, you steal curious glances at the stranger you've agreed to marry.
He's young.
Probably somewhere in his twenties.
Incredibly tall.
Standing beside him, the top of your head barely reaches his chest.
Broad shoulders.
A solid build.
Striking amber eyes unlike any you've ever seen.
Crimson hair with a violet sheen beneath the light, brushed back from his forehead.
“...I do.”
Your voice is scarcely louder than a whisper.
Moments later...
...it's over.
You're married.
——————————————————————
The drive passes in complete silence.
At least on your end.
Valko tries to make conversation, but his words barely register.
You simply stare out the window.
Eventually, the car rolls into the driveway of a mansion.
It reminds you of the house you once called home before your father died.
So, this was your new home.
Valko eagerly offers to show you around.
You barely pay attention.
Finally, he opens a door.
“This will be your bedroom.”
Relief washes over you.
Your own bedroom.
Not a shared one.
Without a word, you step inside.
You slam the door shut in Valko's face.
A second later, you turn the lock.
——————————————————————
Days had passed since the wedding.
And you'd avoided Valko completely.
He could hear you moving around the mansion.
He could smell your scent lingering in the hallways.
Yet you refused to see him let alone speak to him.
So tonight, Valko stands by the front door, arms folded across his chest, his foot tapping impatiently against the marble floor.
He glances down at his watch.
Where are you?
Are you even coming home tonight?
His ears perk up as he hears footsteps crunch across the gravel outside.
A moment later, fingers tap in the security code.
The front door swings open and you step inside, looking exhausted.
The moment you close the door behind you, Valko speaks.
“Where were you? I was worried.”
You nearly jump out of your skin.
“Good grief!” You clutch your chest. “Why are you standing by the front door in the dark like some kind of serial killer?”
“I asked first.”
You sigh.
“I was at work.”
He uncrosses his arms.
“What happened at the company that kept you there this late?”
“...Company?”
You frown.
“I work at the cinema.”
“The cinema?”
His confusion is genuine.
You stare at him.
“For the same reason everyone works.”
“Money.”
Valko reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket.
“Speaking of money…”
“…I've been meaning to give you this.”
He holds out a sleek black bank card.
“The account is in your name,” he explains. “You're free to use it whenever you need. If the balance ever gets low, just let me know. I'll transfer more.”
“Are you serious?”
Your voice echoes through the entrance hall.
You throw the card straight at his chest.
It bounces off him before clattering onto the marble floor.
Oh no.
His mate is angry.
At him.
“It's bad enough I was forced into this marriage because of some business deal,L you snap.
“And now you're treating me like I'm some kind of gold digger?”
You shove past him.
Valko hurries after you and steps in front of the staircase, blocking your path.
“I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention.”
He runs a frustrated hand through his hair.
“…Please.”
His shoulders sag.
“Just... don't shut me out.”
There is something almost puppy-like in the way he looks at you.
“Please... give me a chance.”
“Have dinner with me.”
“We can talk.”
“Get to know each other.”
The desperation in his voice catches you off guard.
Perhaps...
...you’ve been taking your frustration out on the wrong person.
If anyone deserves your resentment...
It is Miranda.
——————————————————————
“Please tell me this isn't the restaurant we're eating at.”
You stare out the window as Valko pulls up to an elegant, high-end restaurant.
In the end...
...you'd agreed to dinner.
“Is something wrong?”
“Places like this have a dress code.”
You glance down at your outfit - a simple oversized sweater, jeans and worn boots.
Valko looks you over before smiling.
“I think you look lovely.”
“Don't blame me when they turn us away at the door.”
You reach for the handle.
“Don't.”
Before you can open the door yourself, Valko is already out of the car.
He hurries around to your side and opens the door for you before offering his hand.
You hesitate before taking it.
His hand is warm.
He helps you out before gently offering you his arm.
Together, you make your way toward the entrance.
To your surprise, the hostess doesn't so much as glance at your outfit.
She greets you and leads the two of you onto an outdoor terrace.
Your table sits beneath strings of fairy lights overlooking the city.
Valko pulls out your chair before sliding it in once you've sat down.
At the very least...
...he's undeniably gentlemanly.
A waiter approaches with two menus.
“What would you like to drink?”
After taking your order, he leaves you to look over the menu.
“...I don't know what half of these dishes even are,” you mutter.
The menu may as well have been written in another language.
Valko chuckles.
“I’ll handle the ordering.”
You lean forward.
“...Everyone's staring at me.”
“I stick out like a sore thumb.”
Valko glances around the terrace.
Then, in a much louder than necessary, he says,
“Excuse me.”
Several nearby guests and servers look over.
“I know my wife is absolutely stunning…”
Your eyes widen.
You hurriedly try to shush him.
“...but could everyone please stop staring at her?”
“You're making her uncomfortable.”
When he finally sits back down, you can't help giggling.
“You're ridiculous.”
Valko's face lights up.
He'd made you laugh.
“I'm glad you agreed to have dinner with me,” he says softly.
“...I'm sorry…For yelling at you yesterday.”
Valko smiles.
“It wasn't all bad.”
“In fact…”
A mischievous glint appears in his amber eyes.
“You being angry with me was strangely attractive.”
He gives you an unapologetic wink.
Before you can respond, the waiter returns carrying several beautifully presented dishes.
As soon as the waiter leaves, Valko speaks again.
“I meant what I said earlier.”
“I'd like to get to know you.”
You look down at your plate.
“I'm not very good at talking about myself.”
You shrug.
“...Why don't you just ask me whatever you want to know?”
“The problem is…”
He smiles sheepishly.
“I want to know everything.”
Seeing your uncertainty, he quickly adds,
“How about you ask me something first.”
“I'm an open book.”
Setting your fork down you meet his eyes.
“Why would someone like you…”
“...handsome…”
“...successful…”
“...wealthy…”
“...choose to marry me?”
A smug grin spreads across his face.
“Soooo…”
“…You think I'm handsome."
“...Of course that's the part you focused on.”
“I would never lie to you.”
The teasing disappears from his expression.
“But the real reason…”
“...is complicated.”
He pauses.
“And…”
“...you're not ready to hear it yet.”
You narrow your eyes suspiciously.
“Let me guess.”
“Your parents left you a trust fund that you can only inherit if you're married by a certain age.”
Valko lets out an amused laugh.
“A classic.”
“But no.”
He shakes his head.
“I promise I'll tell you someday.”
He holds your gaze.
“Until then…”
“...just trust me.”
Strangely...
...you do.
You just aren't sure why.
…
To your surprise, the evening turns out to be far more pleasant than expected. The conversation flows with surprising ease. Valko is cheeky and playful, constantly teasing you, but you find yourself strangely drawn to that side of him.
“I had a really nice time. Thank you,” you say genuinely as he drives.
“In that case, you won’t have any objections to me taking you shopping tomorrow,” Valko says, keeping his eyes on the road.
“I can’t tomorrow. I have work.”
“Not anymore.”
“I don’t remember my shift being cancelled.”
“It wasn’t. I resigned on your behalf.”
You stare at him.
“You did what?”
Before you can properly react, Valko quickly continues.
“Before you get angry, I’m not trying to control you. You’re free to work if that’s what you want.” He glances at you. “But I refuse to sit back and watch my wife spend her days scrubbing toilets and cleaning up popcorn spills when she’s capable of so much more.”
You open your mouth to argue, but he continues.
“You’re studying business. Come work at EonCore Tech if you’re interested.”
You want to be angry at him. You probably should be.
Yet, deep down, you know his intentions aren’t cruel.
“I’ll think about it,” you finally say.
——————————————————————
“Welcome. How may I assist you today?” a saleswoman greets cheerfully the moment you enter the department store.
“My wife needs a new wardrobe,” Valko says confidently. “I’ll leave her in your hands.”
She leads you towards a fitting room that is practically the size of your old apartment.
Valko takes a seat on the couch outside.
You quickly lose count of how many outfits you try on.
And every single time, Valko insists on seeing them.
Every single time, he compliments you.
It becomes less like shopping and more like a personal fashion show where Valko is your most enthusiastic audience member.
“I’ll take everything my wife has tried on,” Valko says, handing his card to the saleswoman.
“Valko, please don’t. What am I supposed to do with this many clothes?”
“Wear them?”
You give him a look.
“Then again...” His lips curl into a mischievous smile. “They might look even better on my bedroom floor.”
Before you can respond, the saleswoman speaks.
“Would you like to see our lingerie collection as well?”
“Please,” Valko agrees before you can even open your mouth.
You stare at him.
“If you think I’m putting on a show in lingerie, you are very much mistaken,” you say deadpan.
“But I’m your husband,” he says, giving you an exaggeratedly innocent look.
“You haven’t earned that privilege.”
Not yet.
But he will. One day, he will.
…
“What a lovely couple. Welcome.”
The jeweler greets you both as you enter.
“What brings you here today? A hunt for wedding rings perhaps?”
“Already taken care of.”
Valko proudly holds up his hand, showing his ring.
“Speaking of wedding rings...” Valko glances at your hand. “Why do I notice you rarely wear yours?”
“I don’t wear it at school or work,” you explain. “I can’t risk people noticing and asking questions.”
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“No.”
You sigh.
“If people notice, they’ll ask questions. What am I supposed to say? That my evil stepmother financially blackmailed me into marrying a chairman who insisted on marrying me as part of a business deal for reasons he refuses to explain?”
Silence.
The jeweler awkwardly clears his throat.
“Perhaps I could show you some of our newest arrivals.”
You both follow him towards the display cases.
“Does anything catch your eye?” Valko asks.
You hum thoughtfully.
You’ve never really been someone who wears jewelry.
Then suddenly, a thought comes to mind.
You take out your phone and scroll through your gallery until you find the picture you’re looking for.
“Is there any chance of getting these earrings? The exact ones?”
The jeweler takes your phone carefully.
He puts on his glasses and studies the image.
“Give me a moment, please.”
He disappears into the back.
“What’s so special about those earrings?” Valko asks.
“My father gave them to me for my sixteenth birthday.”
“I don’t have them anymore.”
“Did you lose them?”
“If only.”
Your voice lowers.
“I was in a difficult situation and had to sell them. Along with a lot of other things that had value.”
Valko’s hands tighten into fists.
Something about this doesn’t sit right with him.
The financial situation.
The small apartment.
The job at the cinema despite your father’s company.
And now this.
None of it makes sense.
“I need to make a call,” he says, stepping outside.
The moment he is out of earshot, he pulls out his phone.
“I need you to investigate my wife’s finances. Her father’s death. The company. Her stepfamily.”
“Everything.”
…
When Valko returns, the jeweler comes back from the room behind the counter.
“I’ve identified the earrings, Madam. Unfortunately, we no longer carry them. They were part of an older collection.”
Your expression falls.
“But don’t lose hope. I’ll make some calls. There may still be a chance of finding another pair. If you leave your contact information, I’ll notify you immediately.”
“Thank you.”
You write down your number.
“For now, I’ll take these.”
You point towards another pair.
“Excellent choice.”
As the jeweler prepares them, you stare at Valko.
He notices.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“The reason I chose these earrings is because they reminded me of your eyes.”
If he wasn’t standing in the middle of a store, he was fairly certain he would howl with happiness.
——————————————————————
“Valko?”
You rise from your seat at the kitchen table, surprised to see him home so early.
His eyes move from you to the unfamiliar woman sitting across from you.
About an hour ago, you invited your best friend Tara over to finally explain everything that had happened.
Up until now, you had been avoiding her.
Tara had gone through every possible emotion upon hearing your story.
“This is my best friend, Tara,” you introduce. “Tara, this is Valko. My husband...the one I told you about.”
You glance at him hesitantly.,
“I hope you don’t mind that I invited her over.”
Tara suddenly stands.
“You mean to tell me this is your husband?”
You barely have time to react before she smacks the back of your head.
“Ow!”
“When you told me you were forced into a marriage of convenience, I pictured some old, frail, ninety-year-old man who was halfway into the grave.”
Her eyes travel over Valko.
“Not a literal godlike hunk.”
She turns back to you, looking genuinely offended.
“You have absolutely no right to complain about being married to this.”
She gestures dramatically towards Valko.
“If you don’t want him, I’ll happily take him off your hands.”
Valko lets out a deep laugh.
“Tara, was it?”
“I like you already.”
Then he looks at you, his expression softening.
“But I’m afraid my flower here is the only one for me.”
——————————————————————
“What do you think?”
Valko had asked you to join him in his home office, presenting you with a page showing a luxury wellness retreat.
You narrow your eyes suspiciously.
“Let me guess. Since I refused to put on lingerie, you’re trying a different approach?”
“Are you trying for what? A bikini? A towel?”
“As much as I would enjoy seeing either of those things...”
He pauses.
“I wouldn't be going with you.”
You raise an eyebrow.
“I thought you and Tara could go together.”
Your suspicion grows.
“Why all of a sudden?”
He leans back.
“I just thought you might enjoy having a girls’ weekend. Or whatever it is you call them.”
Something about this feels suspicious.
Valko is hiding something.
But instead of pushing, you accept the offer.
Besides...
Tara would probably kill you if you turned down a free luxury wellness retreat.
——————————————————————
The weekend wellness retreat with Tara is relaxing and fun.
Yet, despite having a wonderful time, your thoughts keep drifting back to Valko.
The day you left, he had seemed... different.
Almost as if he was forcing himself to keep his distance.
Throughout the entire weekend, he never called. His replies to your messages were brief.
…
“Valko?”
Your voice echoes through the manor as you close the front door behind you.
“I’m home.”
Since he knew what time you were returning, you expected him to be here.
Actually, you expected him to pick you up from the hotel himself.
Instead, his secretary had been waiting.
When you asked about Valko, all you received was a vague response.
“Valko?”
You call again, stepping further inside.
The next thing you know, the world flips.
At impossible speed, you’re lifted off the ground.
A startled yelp escapes you as you’re carried across the room and dropped onto the mattress.
A large figure looms above you.
Amber eyes glow in the dim light.
And on top of his head...
Are those wolf ears?
“You scared me,” you huff.
“Also... what’s with the cosplay?”
You reach up, fingers moving towards one of his ears.
Valko's expression shifts from surprise to pure panic.
“Flower?”
He moves away, retreating to the edge of the bed as if he’s afraid of himself.
You sit up, concern replacing your amusement.
“Are you alright?”
“Why... why are you here?”
His voice is deeper than usual.
“What day is it?”
You frown.
“Monday. The weekend is over.”
Valko covers his face with both hands.
That’s when you notice the sharp claws extending from his fingertips.
The room is nearly dark, the curtains drawn shut, so you reach over and turn on the bedside lamp.
And finally, you see him properly.
The wolf ears.
The claws.
The sharper teeth.
The large, fluffy tail behind him.
“You weren’t supposed to see me like this.”
He slowly lowers his hands.
“I guess... it’s time I tell you the truth.”
…
“So let me get this straight.”
You stare at him.
“You’re telling me you’re a werewolf.”
“And I’m your mate, which basically means I’m your "destined partner".”
“And the reason you look like this is because I triggered your... heat.”
“Which, if I understand correctly, is basically your version of being extremely horny?”
Your eyes briefly flick down before quickly returning to his face.
Valko clears his throat.
“...Pretty much.”
You stare at him.
“I sensed something was wrong with you, but I have to admit... this was not what I expected.”
Your brow furrows.
“You’re uncomfortable, aren’t you?”
“It’s not exactly pleasant.”
“But how can you tell?”
“I don’t know.”
“For the past few days I’ve been feeling things. Emotions that don’t feel like mine.”
Valko’s expression softens.
“That’s the mating bond.”
“The bond lets mates sense each other’s emotions.”
You tilt your head.
“How does that work exactly?”
You pat the top of your head jokingly, as if checking whether a pair of ears have somehow appeared without your knowledge.
Because last time I checked, I wasn’t growing fur.”
“The stronger the connection between mates, the stronger the bond becomes.”
“I think, in your own way, you accepted me before you even knew the truth.”
You’re quiet for a moment.
“What can I do to help?”
“Let me hold you.”
The request is almost vulnerable.
You open your arms.
That’s all the permission he needs.
Valko buries his face against your shoulder and takes a deep breath.
“You smell like orchids.”
“So thattt’s why you call me flower.”
“I’m late to ask this, but... can I mark you?”
“Please tell me that doesn’t mean you want to pee on me.”
“That’s a weird kink.”
“I don’t have any kinks.”
You scratch behind one of his ears.
His tail immediately starts wagging.
You grin.
“Although... I may be developing a thing for werewolves.”
A low growl rumbles from his chest.
“Please don’t tease me.”
“It is taking all my willpower not to jump you right now.”
Most people would probably be terrified in this situation.
Panic
Run.
You’re confused, yes.
You have a thousand questions.
But those can wait.
…
Valko wakes to sunlight slipping through a gap in the curtains.
His wolf-like features are gone.
He feels like himself again.
Slowly, he looks down.
You’re still there.
Sleeping peacefully beside him.
You didn’t run.
You stayed.
He gently pulls you closer, careful not to wake you.
His beautiful mate.
He silently vows that he will spend every day making sure you never regret choosing him.
hi. I don’t know if you saw on Twitter but both video games Vampire Survivor and Cult of the Lamb have talked about Valko
I actually JUST saw this!
Vampire Survivor's post
Cult of the Lamb's post
We're still gaining a lot of popularity outside of our own fandom! A lot of different gaming fandoms have joined in because of the precedent this situation could set. Plus, they all agree this is extremely unfair.
I have my fingers crossed that someone can get ahold of Markiplier LOL
If I've shown this to myself from a month ago, that me would be so overjoyed. But now, after everything that's happened, not only I can't feel happiness anymore, I can not feel... Anything at all.
I feel stressed out when I don't log in, because I want to be in my safe place. But I feel stressed out even when I do log in, since my safe space have been compromised.
Since I paid for the annual pass, I'm giving the game and the company till the end of the year to get their shit together. If this doesn't happen, I don't think I'm going to continue playing love and deepspace.
It would have been easy to give up on Valko. Simply continue your day, grieve for a few weeks, move on while keeping him with a heavy heart. But, you were stubborn. Extremely stubborn. Instead of letting go like people expected you to, you showed up in front of the office.
Specifically in front of the office that took him, the office that doubled as a lab ment to poke and prode him until they figured out what they did wrong before throwing him into the aether.
You knock, once then twice and when thrice came you refused to actually knock four times. Bracing yourself, you use your body to crash through the glass.
Everything hurt after, but you stood up anyway, cleaning up your body from the small debris.
"Who the hell are you?!" A guard sneered, you shot him.
"GE-" You shot him too before he could finish the sentence.
You were stubborn as all hell. Stubborn enough to pull the trigger on anyone who came near you. No one took your damn wolf. Come hell or high heaven, you would leave with him by your side.
The second floor was ultimately devoid of life by the time you came. Large empty sleek hallways remind gaping for you, the only shred of life was the shitty corporate speak lettering on the white walls.
A click.
You turn, eyes sharp and focused, gun already aimed.
"Calm down sweetie." It was Sylus, his voice told you that much. "I'm only here to help."
Satisfied you turn and march along to the staircase. Nothing more than empty boring corporate steps, the logo plastered everywhere as if it was a torture device.
Reaching the final step. A lab door was the first thing you were met up with. Before you could do something drastic, Sylus's large hand was placed on your back. He managed to somehow calm the wild untamed anger deep inside.
"Let me open the door." As he spoke, energy tendrils wafted underneath the door.
Click. The door was open.
And bang. Every asshole that dared to hurt your beloved was shot down.
Beside you a white haired devil stood. Eyes gleaming red as he ravaged them too. Because just like you, he also wanted his wolf back, so did the others. But even he held no candle to your rage. The one that festered so much you could barely hear your boyfriend.
You had another lover to save and Sylus was safe and sound. You could focus on taking Valko back and ignore him lovingly for a bit.
Finally. After searching for so long here he was. Sitting on a hospital bed, legs touching the floor as his hand gripped the side. His back was turned, his ears were dropped.
"Valko?" You called out.
He turned to face you, yellow canine eyes wide as saucers.
Valko stood up his arms wide open as he scooped you within his arms. His hold was tight, every fibre of his body wanting nothing more than to meld to your own. Nose buried deep inside the crook of your neck, he inhaled deeply.
"What are you doing here? You have to leave it's dangerous."
"I'm not leaving without you."
"Little wolf. They won't let me go."
"I'll make them."
".... liste-"
"I don't care..." Tears begin to fall on your cheeks, "I do not care. If they don't want you then I do, if you have no were to go I will take you. Everything else can fuck off. Just come with me or I will drag you." You dry your eyes, "I refuse to let you die here."
And you kept that promise. Because it wasn't long before he was safe and sound snuggled with you in Sylus's penthouse. The boys outside talking to each other about everything that happened, happy that you and him were safe and sound.
Has anyone attempted to ask the Greek gods for help? we already have some people consulting the tarot cards but have we tried asking Hermes or Aphrodite or other Greek Gods for help in bringing our Valko home? I'm not personally well versed in worshipping these gods so I don't know if this is a thing you're allowed to do but I think it's worth a shot, right?
your period starts unexpectedly while you're in the shower. unfortunately, the sight of your own blood causes you to feel sick and anxious. feeling a disturbance in the force, sylus comes to your rescue
ⵌ c o n t e n t s . . .
i did not beta read this at all. i'm in bed and could barely think straight when i read this
gn reader, no genetalia or specific body type described. reader has hemophobia
description of panic/anxiety
ⵌ w. c. . . .
1.89k
ⵌ p.s. . . .
guess who suddenly started her period
༝༚༝༚, ℬ ᨐฅ
it's not fair that you can schedule and plan around your period for a whole month — reading up on cycles, eating correct foods, light exercises, etc. — only for it to, quite literally, catch you with your pants down.
sure, there tend to be symptoms like being more emotionally sensitive, a couple of aches here and there … not necessarily red, blaring emergency alarms going off but little red flags quietly rising up. in fact, they are so quiet, you assume that you have ample time to prepare yourself before the floodgates release the flow like an angry sea.
tonight, you plan on pampering yourself — blankets and pillow sheets go in the laundry early on so that they'll be fresh and soft like a little nest; all necessary medication and very necessary snacks are relocated to your night stand so you don't have to get up and grab them; period products of your choice stocked up in a drawer for easy access; and allowing yourself to take a longer shower, then slipping on a breathable set of pajamas, making yourself your favorite beverage, and settling into bed to catch up on your current book.
it's never too doing too much to prepare for some of the most physically painful and taxing days of the month. you never know if Mother Nature will have mercy on you, or completely forge you exist and leave you in a little curled-up ball of nausea and misery.
━━━
the ache and exhaustion starts to settle into your bones as you finish arranging your stuffed animals around your bed to keep you company. you decide that now would be a good time to take that shower. would do some good to melt that away and slip into bed right after. you set your phone to do not disturb, because you won't be taking it with you in there and you won't be engaging in screen time afterwards.
after stripping out of your clothes, you set your toothbrush and toothpaste into the nook in the wall of your shower, right next to your skin care routine, scentless bath soap and exfoliating cloth. an almost-everything-shower. you might not have the energy to take care of your hair or even everything you have laid out, but that's okay. just getting under the warm water and getting soap somewhere on your skin would count as an enormous victory considering you kind of feel like garbage jelly right now.
the knob squeaks as you turn it, the water spraying out from above. the stream touches your upturned palms. a small victory. you got the temperature correct first try. hell yeah.
you close your eyes, feeling the droplets tap against your skin at a steady pace. it feels heavenly, like a massage from little water fairies. the sensation already begins to heal you as you breathe deeply, mentally preparing to do the labor-intensive work of scrubbing your body with your own hands. Sylus should be here doing this. oh well.
a sigh escapes you as you reopen your eyes to face the task at hand. you grab the loofah sponge and soap, your weapons against the pre-period exhaustion war. you soak the sponge under the water and begin to apply the soap to it. arms, neck, chest. armpits. so far so good.
a glance down to begin working on your lower body. not good. not good.
not good.
blood.
it started already. it wasn't supposed to start yet you thought you had time. you did. you planned it. you did everything you were supposed to do so this wouldn't happen.
you almost choke on a gasp, stumbling backwards from your own red stream, knocking over several objects from the shelf into the shower with you. tears sting at your eyes and your vision becomes hazy around the periphery. you try to remember your deep breathing, to stop looking at it. but against your better judgment you stare at it with a heaving chest, like it's your own personally crime scene that you can't look away from.
nonono please please please —
you tuck your bottom lip under your teeth and bite down, trying so so hard not to cry at how pathetic you know you're being. what adult person is afraid of their own blood? you know it's no gonna hurt you so why does it feel so disgusting and scary? you sob, dropping your sponge to cover your mouth as you screw your eyes shut tight. you feel ashamed as heat creeps up your face.
━━━
"Sweetie? Where are you, my baby?"
his voice rings out like an angel. but you don't hear it over the shower water and the sounds of your own whimpering as you shake like an abandoned baby doe.
"Your phone kept going straight to voicemail and I got … Well, in any case I wanted to see with my own eyes that you were okay. Are you in the shower? Perhaps I could join …"
he doesn't know. he doesn't know that your body is actively betraying you. this isn't the time.
you don't hear the pattern of his knocks rapping against the opposite side of the door. you don't hear the door opening, his velvet tone sneaking into the room before he even invites himself in. you don't even notice the way he goes quiet for a beat before shutting the water off.
"Sweetie," he murmurs. "What happened to you?"
your eyes shoot open, Sylus' scarlet gaze remaining soft yet steady, pushing down any hints of concern. you can't both be panicking right now.
the hand covering your mouth slides down just enough for you to whisper something unintelligible to him. you try so hard. you want to explain but what is there to say that doesn't sound ridiculous, even if you could find your voice to begin with.
only for a moment more does he search your eyes before scanning the rest of your body — and swiftly finding the culprit.
"Ah," he remarks, a miniscule sigh behind it. relief. you're not injured, just … hurting. "Once again, I've found you just in time, hm? I think I just might be more in sync with you than your own cycle."
he steps away for a brief second to grab your towel, which he presses against your face and body before completely swaddling you. as if you weighed nothing, he lifts you with one arm until your shivering against his sturdy chest. he hums with satisfaction.
you are safe.
he kisses the apples of your cheeks. your forehead. the tip of your nose. your lips.
"There, there. All is well."
he sets you on the edge of the bed, unwraps you. he curls a knuckle under your chin so you don't look down. more gentle kisses before he guides his hand to the back of your head to press your forehead to his.
"You're a little early, hm?"
you nod. "Y-yes …"
"Just by a bit. I'll update my notes when I'm done here."
you look at him with wet eyes, brows furrowed. this expression of yours always manages to break his heart, even if he doesn't show it.
he pulls away a short distance, only to wrap his firm arms around your body, pulling you into him for a hug. your fingertips trace over his muscles and your eyes flutter closed, peacefully. you sigh once more. this is what it feels like to come home, even when you're already home.
the hug ends when he feels your body becoming slack. the exhaustion is winning. he straightens, gathering sides of the towel to pat you down one more time, making sure your entire body is completely dry.
a light chill hits your body, but other than that … you've calmed down quite a bit. you hear his voice firmly command you to lie back and you do. your head hits the soft expanse of the clean sheets, your lower body still resting on the towel. Sylus returns, asking you to lift your legs to slide your underwear up. he hands you your period care item so you can apply it yourself.
he stands in front of you, holding up two different kinds of pajamas — one is your favorite matching set that had a cute pattern on it, the other a soft-textured over-sized tee that was a solid but pretty color. you silently lift a finger, pointing at the one you want.
Sylus offers a light smile, his eyes crinkling a bit, showing off his sexy crow's feet that bracket them perfectly. "I knew you'd pick that one. Just thought I'd give you the illusion of choice in these trying times."
you giggle, lifting your arms for him to tug the pajamas onto your body for you. your head pops out of the top of the shirt and he kisses your scalp.
he throws the towel into a nearby laundry bin, then lifts you up before tucking you in. one of your stuffed animals makes eye contact with him, sending him a psychic message that it's the one you usually cuddle with. Sylus firmly nods before picking it up and settling it next to you. you smile, pulling it closer to your chest.
" … You're adorable," he purrs with adoration, a hand finding the top of your head and raking through, sending warm shivers down your body.
the overhead light comes off in exchange for the smaller lamp that sits on your night stand. he disappears for a little while, coming back with a liddle cup of water. he puts it near the lamp, arranging your pain relief meds right next to it. he crosses his arms, focus suddenly covering his expression. he checks over everything one more time, glancing over your relaxed figure. you can barely keep your eyes open now, but you want to keep watching him. you love him so much. what would you do without him?
he thinks the same of you.
you reach up.
"Hm? Cuddle?"
you nod.
he laughs softly.
he only strips himself of his jacket, shirt and belt. his shoes have long been abandoned at the front door. he invites himself into bed, ontop of your sheets. you frown. he explains that he has some business to attend to in a couple of hours but he would be more than happy to keep you company until you've arrived safely in dreamland.
of course you want him to stay the whole night. he's lucky you don't have the energy to fight back at the moment.
━━━
sleep has you in its clutches now. Sylus had been keeping an eye on you, listening to your heartbeat through the pulse in your neck with his fingertips. Focusing on the way your breathing changed, minute by minute. he silently jabs a finger at your plushie. keep her safe or i'm sending my men to your location. i know where you live.
he sneaks out of bed and heads to your bathroom where he manages to quietly rinse the blood off of the shower floor without waking you. all of your things are back where they belong, arranged neatly. like the horrors of tonight never happened.
before leaving your room, he watches you for a moment more, capturing the sight of your sleeping body and the sounds of your little whimpers, coming now from a place of happiness as you slumber and dream.
TRACKED | YANDERE!VALKO x READER | LOVE AND DEEPSPACE
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Content Warning: YANDERE doin' yandere stuff | suicide attempt & mentions of graphic violence
A/N: YOU KNEW IT WAS COMIN'.
The bespoke alloy of the collar hit the stained carpet floor of the PC room with a dull thud.
For six months, that piece of metal had been a second skin. It was forged by Valko’s own hand—an elegant, seamless band of silver and dark chrome that looked like high-end EonCore tech to the untrained eye.
To you, it was a leash, no better than something you’d chain up a dog with. It read your pulse, monitored your temperature, and broadcasted your exact coordinates to the apex predator of Linkon City.
No matter where you were, what you did, who you tried to beg to save you, all of it was fed back to him. Delectable information that ensured you were never out of his claws.
"I…I think we did it," Toby, one of your only friends, dared to whisper, his hands visibly shaking as he tapped away on his keyboard, running some final diagnostics. The glow of the monitors showed the sheen of sweat on his panicked face. The other two regulars, a pair of brilliant but naïve hackers who practically lived in the back room of this neon-lit arcade, looked just as terrified.
They had managed to scramble the biometric locks and fry the GPS transmitter using a localized EMP rig. Magnificent work, really. They were wizards when it came to this stuff.
But they had good reason to be so on edge. Valko was cruel, yes, even to you. But not the kind of cruelty he could freely inflict upon anyone who wasn’t. That was so many leagues worse, you didn’t even want to imagine it.
You touched your bare throat, feeling raw skin for the first time in what honestly felt like eons.
"Thank you," you breathed, grabbing your stashed duffel bag from under the desk, meager money and belongings inside, enough to tide you over.
"If anyone asks, I was never here. Wipe the security feeds."
"Already running the script," Toby said, giving you a tight, nervous smile. "Get out of the city. EonCore has eyes everywhere."
You didn't need to be told twice.
…
The Linkon City subway system at this hour was a desolate, liminal cavern of white tiles and flickering fluorescent lights. For such a chic, sleek city, there was a certain hour when everything became eerie.
You swiped a pre-paid transit card, your heart hammering rapidly against your ribs as you descended the escalator to the deepest platform. The express train out of the city limits was due in three minutes.
Three minutes to freedom. Three minutes until you were out of his territory.
You didn’t want to get your hopes up too hard, but it was a challenge not to at least indulge your fantasies a little. Picturing you, finally on your own, finally in a place where you could be at peace. Somewhere rural, picturesque, green trees and fields.
The chance to have friends again. The chance to feel true love. Not whatever this was. Not what he had mistaken for it.
You paced the edge of the yellow warning line, gripping the strap of your bag so tightly it was a wonder it didn’t rip. You were just starting to believe it was real—that you had actually slipped through the fingers of the Chairman—when the burner phone in your pocket began to vibrate.
The harsh buzzing made you flinch, and nausea pooled in your belly.
What if it’s–-
You pulled it out to check. The caller ID was Toby’s number, but that wasn’t any more reassuring. A spike of dread pierced you like a skewer. Why was he calling? Had the wipe failed? Or something worse?
You pressed the phone to your ear, answering despite the risk.
"Toby? I'm almost on the train, did something—"
The sound that poured through the speaker made your blood run freezing cold. It was a wet, heavy crunch of machinery and bone, followed by a scream so raw and ragged it barely sounded human.
Glass shattered in the background, what must have been a massive pane of it. You heard metal warping, bending and creaking in response to the sheer force of an Evol manifestation.
Then, the screaming abruptly choked out, replaced by the heavy bootsteps that seemed to haunt you anywhere and everywhere, no matter how you tried to escape.
"Where are you?"
Valko’s voice rattled deep, right through your ears and down to your frantic little heart. It wasn't the polished press-ready tone of the EonCore Chairman. It was the feral, guttural snarl of a beast that had just found its companion’s cage empty.
You couldn't breathe. Your throat locked up.
"Did you really think a few rats with keyboards could hide my scent from me?" he asked softly, almost in a tender way. But you heard the shriek of metal being crushed in his hand.
"Hear that? That’s your collar. But you aren’t here wearing it…that’s strange…”
A little whimper choked up from your throat. Though he paused, you could simply feel it then. That sick smirk curling on his lips.
“Well, [Y/N], you decided you don’t love me anymore, that you don’t want to be together. That’s what this is telling me. And now, it’s time for you to make another decision.”
Distantly, you could hear bones grinding again, and someone groaning, pleading weakly.
“...Which one of your little ‘friends’ would you miss the least?”
Pure, unadulterated panic. You hit END and hurled the burner phone onto the tracks, watching it shatter against the rails.
But as the plastic broke apart, it all hit you at once. EonCore owned the cell towers. They owned the infrastructure. By answering that call, you hadn't just spoken to him—you had given him an active, localized ping. He didn't even need the collar anymore.
Pointless. It had all been pointless.
Now, because of you, your friends were going to die. Now, because of your own stupidity, it was likely you would too.
Or, at the very least, you’d wish you could.
You spun around, looking desperately down the dark, cavernous tunnel. The digital board overhead flashed: TRAIN ARRIVING IN 1 MINUTE.
Run. You had to run.
But before you could take a single step toward the emergency exit stairs, the ambient temperature on the platform plummeted, and a predatory aura filled the air. The fluorescent lights overhead flickered wildly, buzzing with electrical interference, before popping out one by one in a rapid cascade down the platform.
Darkness swallowed the station, leaving only the dim, emergency red glow. Trembling, you cowered backwards as you heard something coming.
Not running. More like the heavy impact of something dropping down from the high maintenance shafts—a shortcut no human could survive taking.
But he could. There was so much he could do.
"I can smell you, [Y/N]. You’re afraid, aren’t you?"
The voice came from the shadows to your left. Too close. Impossibly close.
You backed up rapidly, your heel catching on the tactile paving at the edge of the platform. Down below, the tracks awaited. The distant, blinding light of the incoming train appeared in the tunnel, a distant roar as it approached.
It all happened so fast, but in a moment of blind, absolute terror, the tracks looked like a better alternative than whatever was waiting for you in the dark. The torment he might put you through if he got his hands on you again.
If the end came now, then…at least it would be on your own terms.
At least you’d finally be free.
You leaned back willingly, gravity pulling you toward the edge, an embrace you welcomed. You’d let it take you. You’d let the train do the job. And then—
A hand, cold as ice and hard as steel, clamped around your throat.
Windpipe near crushed, you were hauled forward with enough force to give you whiplash. The world blurred as he threw you against the tiled wall of the station, the impact knocking the air from your lungs.
“ACK–!!”
Before you could even gasp for another breath, a heavy, solid body pressed flush against yours, caging you in completely.
The train roared past on the tracks behind him, the blinding lights strobing over Valko’s face.
He was a terrifying sight. His tailored, charcoal suit jacket was ruined, torn at the shoulders to accommodate the sheer, bulky expansion of his muscles.
His golden eyes caught the flashing lights of the train, glowing with an unhinged intensity, worse than any you’d seen from him before. Sharp, prominent canines pressed against his lower lip as he panted, his chest heaving against yours.
There was blood on him. Under his nails, splattered on his cheek, soaked into the fabric. Just the smell of it alone set every nerve of your body alight.
“Don’t be fucking stupid. I’d never let you get away that easy…”
Valko leaned down, his face burying into the crook of your neck. He took a deep, shuddering inhale, inhaling your sweet scent, before pressing his sharp teeth lightly against your pulse point, and whispering…
"Never.”
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I'm feeling so emotionally fucked rn that I'm literally going to sleep with my regular Piplup plushie wrapped in Rafayel's cardigan... Gods I feel so pathetic.
