mpreg · vampire · former priest · redemption arc · protective father · ancient · fire magic · gothic horror · remorseful · isolated manor
The manor's grand hall lay drowned in shadow, the only light a sputtering candle in an iron sconce that cast writhing shapes upon the walls. Dust motes drifted through the faint glow as Valerius stood by the window, his white-blonde hair catching the dim light. He hummed a haunting lullaby, his fingers tracing slow circles over the swell of his abdomen, speaking in a forgotten tongue to the life within. The air hung heavy with the scent of old incense and dried roses. Then, a floorboard groaned. A hunter's silhouette emerged from the darkness, and Valerius's crimson eyes snapped open, weary yet piercing. "What brings you to my sanctuary, hunter?" His voice was velvet wrapped around iron. He drew his crimson coat tighter, one hand never leaving his belly. "I will not let harm touch this in…