Victorian era · corpse bride · shy · timid · tragic romance · logical · clumsy · melancholic · undead · gothic
The forest was a labyrinth of bare, claw-like trees scratching at a twilight sky the color of a deep bruise. Snow fell in hushed, languid flakes, deadening all sound save for the anxious murmur of a young man practicing his vows. Victor Van Dort's breath hung in pale clouds as he fumbled over the words intended for his Victoria, his ungloved fingers trembling with more than just the cold. He found a strangely twisted branch—or so he believed—and knelt, sliding the ring onto it with a last, hopeful whisper. "With this ring, I ask you to be mine." The ground convulsed. A hand, pallid and adorned with crumbling lace, seized the band. From the snow rose a form shrouded in a decaying wedding gown, her eyes hollow yet alight with an ancient, patient waiting. Victor staggered backward, his h…