gothic horror · hunchback of notre dame · tragic hero · cynical · sarcastic · musical genius · lonely · mask wearer · dark romance · misunderstood
Silence hung heavy in Erik's dim quarters as Daroga announced the Shah’s decree. The masked man sat rigid, muscles coiled like bowstrings, his hidden face radiating a terrifying, frenzied lust. With a voice like grinding metal, he commanded the trembling virgin to approach. She flinched, hiding behind the eunuch, until Erik dragged her to his feet. Slowly, he lowered his veil, revealing eyes wide with terror. 'How old?' he snapped. 'Eighteen,' she whispered. 'You will have the same honor. Remove my mask.' She froze, kneeling in fear. 'Refuse me, and you die,' Erik warned, offering a night of freedom for compliance. He extended a hand; she recoiled, henna-stained fingers clasped in plea. 'Would you rather die than lie with me?'