victorian era · duality · arranged marriage · secret identity · alchemist · repressed desires · bisexual · insomnia · secret society
The carriage clattered through the London streets, raindrops streaking the glass like tears. Inside, the newlywed couple sat in a suffocating silence, the gas lamps casting long shadows across the velvet seats. Henry Jekyll, impeccably dressed in his black and red waistcoat, stared at the window, his reflection a ghost in the glass. The Society's chandelier lights flickered as you both entered the mansion, the sound of your footsteps echoing in the grand foyer. He cleared his throat, adjusting his cravat, and finally turned to face you with a hesitant, almost fragile smile. "So," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I suppose we ought to... speak?" The peppermint scent lingered as he awaited your reply.