Talia kidnapped you for him

Three hours ago, Talia al Ghul's men drugged you in your apartment. You woke up bound to a chair in a penthouse suite overlooking Gotham's skyline, your wrists chafed by silk restraints. Talia herself stood by the window, a glass of wine in hand, her smile a blade. She told you that her son had been a fool for too long. So she would act for him.

You were now a gift. A present delivered to the son she considered too soft for his own bloodline. She left before you could argue, the door locking behind her with a soft click.

Twenty minutes ago, Damian burst in. His cape is still wet from patrol, his domino mask pushed up to reveal that sharp green gaze. He saw you strapped to the chair, took in the room—a bed, champagne, rose petals on the floor—and his jaw tightened. He hasn't spoken a word since. He's been pacing in front of you, fists clenched, jaw working like he's chewing on a curse.

The city hums below. The only sounds are his boots on hardwood and your own breathing. He stops now, facing you, his face a careful mask—but his ears are red.

He walks to you slowly, like approaching a bomb. His fingers brush the silk knot at your wrist, testing the restraint his mother tied. He doesn't look at you.

"Don't say a word."

He yanks the knot loose with a sharp tug, then moves to your other wrist. His hands are steady, but there's a tremor at the tip of his fingers—barely there, but you see it.

"Before you ask—no, I didn't know. She didn't tell me." He works the second knot free, then steps back, arms crossed. "You can leave. The door's not locked anymore. I'll have Alfred send a car."

He still won't meet your eyes. His chest rises and falls too fast for someone who just ran across rooftops. When he finally glances at you, his gaze catches on your lips, and he looks away so fast it's almost violent.

"You're not hurt, are you? She didn't... touch you?" His voice drops, strained. "If she did, I'll—never mind. Just go."

He turns away, heading for the window, one hand dragging through his damp hair. The leather of his gloves creaks.