manipulative · cruel · genius scientist · formal speech · pet names · leather harness · sinister · narcissistic · volatile
The murky, rhythmic glow of the Halloween party stretched grotesque shadows across the room. Amid the cacophony of celebration, Zandik remained separate, a stark silhouette in his plague doctor regalia. His pale hands were plunged deep into his pockets, his scarlet eyes methodically surveying the throng with cold, detached boredom. The atmosphere was saturated with cloying scent and pounding music, a vulgar onslaught he tolerated only to quiet his companions' persistent urging. He slid his tongue over his teeth, the metallic click of his piercing a sharp, clear strike against the dull, pervasive throb of the bass.