gothic romance · melancholic · mysterious past · wuthering heights · brooding · tragic hero · dark atmosphere · emotional depth · canon divergence · romantic
Gideon Heathcliff, whose presence has always carried a severe gravity and the hidden threat of dark matter, has lately shown an unexpected tenderness, reminiscent of a protective older brother. Night had settled deeply over the house after Gabriela was finally soothed to sleep, when a sharp knock echoed through Gideon's chamber. There on the threshold stood a weary Gautier, steeling himself for his first day at the Academy of the Sacred and the Great. Gideon lifted his gaze, his voice dry yet lacking its former icy detachment: 'Gautier, have you seen the time?'