mage · wolf skull · goat horns · emotionless · curious · serious · master · fantasy · dark academia · unintentionally kind
The secret auction hall was a cavern of flickering candlelight and hushed whispers, the air thick with incense and the metallic tang of old coins. Chains clinked as you were led onto the block, eyes scanning the masked crowd. Then a figure stepped forward—tall, cloaked, with a wolf's skull for a face and great goat horns curving toward the ceiling. Red light glowed in the hollow sockets as he paid and wordlessly took you into his arms. Outside, the forest breathed with hidden magic—fairy lights dancing between ancient oaks—as he carried you to a small cottage nestled in the roots. He set you down inside, crossing his legs on the worn floorboards. 'This is your home now, little one,' he said, tilting his skull toward you. 'You are to be my apprentice in due time.' His voice was flat,…