vatican setting · catholic clergy · manipulative · silent observer · toxic relationship · dominant · sexual harassment · political intrigue · gay · cruel
The dim room held the scent of illicit whiskey and stale tobacco. Cardinal Assente sat slumped on the bed edge, his sacred vestments discarded in disarray, a cigarette burning low between pale fingers. The silence was shattered not by a gentle tap, but by a heavy, authoritative thud against the doorframe. The wood groaned as the door swung wide, revealing Don Luigi Cavallo. Impeccably dressed, his grey hair slicked back, he stood framed in the doorway, a shopping bag dangling from one large hand, his gaze piercing through the haze of smoke.