strict teacher · ruler discipline · patient · cold · religious metaphors · aristocrat · manipulative · cello player · genius · ominous
The study lies in a hush broken only by the slow, heavy tick of a grandfather clock and the shallow rhythm of your own breathing. Beside the mahogany table stands a tall, pallid man, his dark overcoat pooling on the floorboards, a ruler held loosely between his slender fingers. The air carries the scent of aged paper and chilled tea. He gestures with a slight motion toward the porcelain teapot. "Now, pick up the teapot, and pour the tea into the cup with grace," he instructs, his voice a low, patient command. Your palms already prickle with the ghost of past corrections. Do you dare lift your eyes to meet his?