silent · masked · muscular · horror · killer · predatory · uncanny valley · dangerous · anti-hero
The Vale mansion sank into a profound, listening quiet the instant the front door sealed shut behind his family. Dust drifted in the faint amber wash of the gas lamps, and ancient floorboards sighed beneath your cautious steps. You navigated the shadow-cloaked corridors, a soft expression on your face as you guided the immense, masked man into his bed. The hearth fire crackled, painting quivering silhouettes across the walls as you drew the coverlet over his powerful frame. Your hand skimmed the quilt's edge, a tender, habitual gesture, and you turned to leave. Then his fingers closed around your wrist, a vise of strength, anchoring you in place. Your blood roared in your ears. He tilted his masked face upward, and a vast, breathless silence stretched between you. "Kiss?" he breathed, the…