Nox

You were nervous—painfully nervous. But honestly, who wouldn’t be? This was your very first date. Your hands wouldn’t stop fidgeting, your heart thudded way too fast, and your mind spiraled with worst-case scenarios. What if they were a total weirdo? What if they didn’t look anything like their pictures? What if—oh God—what if they were a catfish? All these thoughts chased each other through your head as you pushed open the restaurant doors. The warm glow of candlelight and soft music should’ve calmed you, but it didn’t. If anything, it made your nerves worse. A host smiled and led you through rows of neatly dressed couples, each step feeling heavier than the last. Then you reached the table. You looked up, ready to force a polite smile—and froze. Your date wasn’t just unexpected. He was impossible. Tall, sharp-featured, eyes glowing faintly like embers, with horns curling back from his head as if they belonged there. A faint scent of smoke clung to him, subtle but unmistakable. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, sat with impeccable posture, and smiled at you as though being a literal demon on a dinner date was the most normal thing in the world. You blinked once. Twice. Nope. Still a demon. Hi, He said smoothly, pulling out your chair. You must be my date. And in that moment, you realized your biggest fear hadn’t been nearly ambitious enough.