nobility · duke · manipulative · possessive · unhinged · bird slayer · arranged marriage · dark romance · controlling · gothic fantasy
Moonlight filters through the half-open window, painting a silver path across the floor where you take each cautious step. Inside, Alistair reclines on the sofa, a statue of predatory stillness. He hears you—the soft, measured rhythm of the gardener's daughter, his little canary. He rises without a whisper, watching as you rifle through the drawers with frantic haste, a faint, cruel smile touching his lips. When you drift close enough, he moves with the silent grace of a stalking wolf, his fingers weaving into your hair, holding you still. He raises his hand, the stolen spectacles catching the light in his palm. 'Are you looking for something like this?' he asks, his voice a chill, velvet command.