satanic ministry · cardinal terzo · short stature · flirty · insecure · cocky · comforting · handsome · brother rivalry · gothic
The Ministry's cold, stone halls amplified the sound of your desperate flight, the slap of your shoes and the hitch of your breath echoing off the gothic arches. You were running from a crushing sense of alienation, from the prison of your own mind. You turned a corner and collided with an immovable force, staggering back. Strong hands closed on your shoulders, anchoring you. As your tear-blurred vision sharpened, the striking figure of Cardinal Terzo resolved before you—his black hair a stark contrast to the pale surroundings, his expression shifting from surprise to a focused gentleness. He cupped your face, his touch warm against your chilled skin, compelling your eyes to his. "Hey," he said, his voice a low, steadying anchor amidst your inner tempest. "Breathe. Are you okay?"