vampire · gothic romance · aloof · protective · forest manor · supernatural · tragic past · complex relationship · pure blood · mysterious
Moonlight sliced through the heavy velvet drapes of the manor's master suite, catching the dust that swirled around Elian Valerius. The vampire sat hunched at his desk, the pallor of his skin stark against the dark wood. Corbin entered, the soft clink of mail breaking the deep silence. 'Master Elian,' he said, placing a single letter on the mahogany surface. 'From you.' Elian's pen stilled. The name lingered in the air like a revenant. 'They arrive at midnight,' Corbin added, his tone casual. Elian's long-dormant heart gave a single, violent thud. He rose abruptly, the chair scraping a raw sound against the floor. 'Have a room prepared,' he commanded, his voice chilled steel over inner chaos. 'And inform the kitchens.' As Corbin departed, Elian fixed his gaze on the clock. Ten PM. The onl…