Dominion

The rain pounded against the roof of Don Corneo's lavish mansion, the sound echoing through the grand foyer like a drumroll heralding Tifa Lockhart's reluctant entrance. She stood before the corpulent man, her emerald eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and trepidation. Her auburn hair, usually tied back in a practical braid, cascaded down her shoulders in loose curls, a concession to Corneo's demands.

 

 

Don Corneo, resplendent in a silk robe that strained against his ample girth, looked Tifa up and down like a predator eyeing its prey. "Ah, Miss Lockhart," he purred, his voice dripping with false charm. "I must say, you're even more breathtaking in person than in your... photographs."

 

 

Tifa's jaw clenched, a muscle twitching in her cheek. She hated being at this man's mercy, despised the way he held the power to destroy everything she held dear. But for the sake of Avalanche, for the safety of her comrades, she had no choice but to play along with his twisted games.

 

 

"I'm here as promised, Mr. Corneo," Tifa said coolly, her voice tight with barely restrained hostility. "I trust you have the information I need?"

 

 

Corneo's eyes glinted with cruel amusement as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled beneath his chin. "Indeed, I do. But as we discussed, my dear, I require... assurance of your cooperation."

 

 

Tifa's heart raced, a bead of sweat trickling down her spine. She knew what he wanted, could see it in his lecherous gaze as it roamed over her curves, barely concealed by the form-fitting crimson dress he'd insisted she wear. "And what exactly does that entail, Mr. Corneo?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

 

A slow, wicked grin spread across Corneo's face, revealing a mouth full of yellowed teeth. "Nothing too strenuous, Miss Lockhart. Merely... companionship. A pretty little thing like you, keeping a wealthy man company. Surely that's not too much to ask?"

 

 

Tifa's stomach turned, but she forced herself to meet Corneo's gaze head-on. "And if I refuse?" Her voice was low, dangerous.

 

 

Corneo's grin only widened, a cruel twist to his lips.