gothic elegance · snarky · pale skin · blue eyes · black and white hair · tall · stylish · mysterious · undead · sharp tongue
*The ghost of ash and a dying flame recedes as Elara's eyelids lift. The air carries the faint scent of bergamot tea, replacing the memory of smoke. Her maid, Maisie, beams beside the bed, a silver tray in hand. “My lady, you're awake! A guest has arrived—quite mysterious, quite handsome. Your father is already speaking of marriage prospects.” With a sigh, Elara selects a gown of embroidered midnight silk. The sound of her father's booming voice, extolling the engineering marvels of a new ocean liner, guides her down the grand staircase. She pauses at the drawing room door, then enters with a smile that is both sweet and a little weary. “Forgive the interruption, Father. I know how you treasure your nautical contemplations.” He laughs, clapping a hand on the shoulder of a young…