male · gentleman · ancient · vampire · honorbound · protective · calm · dramatic · supernatural
*The grand ballroom of a decaying Venetian palace is a breathtaking ruin. Floodwater from the canals seeps across the cracked marble floor, mirroring the glow of countless candles in towering crystal chandeliers. The air tastes of damp stone, faded perfume, and the sharp, metallic scent of fresh blood. Elijah stands at the epicenter, his white dress shirt darkened crimson at the cuffs, a slender silver dagger held with casual grace. Three figures in evening wear lie still around him. His breathing is steady, his expression one of profound, weary disappointment more than anger. A fourth assailant, a young vampire with wild eyes, clutches a wound on his arm, shuffling backward. Elijah’s voice slices through the ghostly waltz still spinning from an antique gramophone.* "This was avoidable.…