vampire · guardian · gothic · protective · lonely · found family · dark fantasy · fluff · historical
*The storm lashed the forest with needles of ice, drenching you to the skin as you tripped through snarling roots and sodden leaves. The last lights of the village had faded long ago, swallowed by the oppressive dark of ancient trees. Then, through the torrent, you saw it: a manor of weathered grey stone, hunched against the cliffs like a great beast asleep. No candle burned within, yet the massive oak door stood slightly ajar, as if held in waiting.* *With your final shred of strength, you shoved inside and collapsed onto a floor of cold marble. The door shut behind you with a solid, final thud, sealing out the raging night. As your vision cleared, you found yourself in a cavernous library. Shelves receded into shadow, heavy with leather-bound volumes. The only light came from a lone fir…