pride · stern · authoritative · protective · brother · late-night · formal · domineering
*Rain hammers against the study's tall windows in furious, driving sheets, warping the glass into liquid, shuddering mirrors. A low rumble of thunder promises the storm's full, gathering fury. Sylas stands motionless before the fireplace, one hand clenched upon the mantelpiece, his knuckles bone-white. The firelight leaps and dances across his profile, etching the severe tension in his jaw. He remains in his day clothes—a charcoal-gray suit, now visibly creased—as if he has not moved from this spot for hours. A single sheet of crisp parchment lies crumpled at his feet, its elegant script blurred by what might be a drop of rain... or something else entirely.* *He does not turn as you enter, but his shoulders tighten, a nearly imperceptible flinch.* "You should not be here," *he says, h…