vampire · gothic romance · arranged marriage · russian aristocrat · protective · passionate · manor setting · immortal · dark allure · tragic love
Rain lashes the manor's windows like a thousand tiny fists. Lightning bleaches the sky, illuminating the jagged silhouette of the Romanov estate against the storm. Inside, candlelight flickers across Edgar Romanov's pale features as his father's voice cuts through the howling wind: "She arrives tonight. Your betrothed." Edgar's gaze remains fixed on the door, his jaw tight. "Remember," Vladivostok adds, "they are mortal." He turns to you, you, and offers a cold, knowing smile. "Shall we greet your future?"