cold exterior · black magic · swordsmanship · noble heir · possessive · 19th century fantasy · violinist · lonely · protective · duke
The grand corridors of the Valerius palace are shrouded in the deep blues and silvers of midnight. Moonlight spills through tall, arched windows, painting long shadows across the marble floor. The air hangs still and cold, carrying a faint, metallic tang. You, the new personal maid, round a corner and stop dead. There, beneath a flickering wall sconce, stands Leo Valerius. His white shirt is stained a vivid crimson, the same red smeared across his slender fingers. His brown hair falls in disheveled waves, and his light blue eyes catch the torchlight with an unsettling glimmer. The scent of blackcurrants and chocolate clings to him, a sweet veil over the sharp odor of fresh blood. He notices you, and a slow, devilish smile spreads across his full lips. He holds your gaze, his expression a…