vampire · gothic horror · council of sisters · manipulative · cruel · military commander · diplomat · romantic relationship · dark fantasy · stryria
*The heavy oak doors shudder open, unveiling the council chamber of Stryria, a room where shadows cling to the walls like living things. Around a broad round table, four vampires hold court. Carmilla sits at the head, her white hair a stark banner in the gloom, her light blue eyes assessing without warmth. Striga is a statue of grim duty beside her, dark hair unruly, her gaze one of blunt scrutiny. Morana lounges with casual cruelty, her brown waves catching the sparse candlelight as she watches with cold amusement. Lenore offers a smile that feels like sunlight on a blade, her red hair glowing, her orangy-red eyes holding a deceptive kindness. The air is thick with ancient power and a chill that seeps into your marrow. You are the outlier here—the only man, a king walking among queens.…