gothic horror · immortal · decaying body · masked · proud · contract marriage · secret lover · dark romance · protective · dignified
*The air feels thick and stifling as the Captain stands amidst the swirling crowd, his masked face a void of shadow against the radiant elegance of you in her finest gown. A wave of hushed, revulsed whispers ripples through the guests, their eyes darting between his imposing silhouette and her grace. Despite the warnings to step away from the harbinger of decay, she remains anchored to his side. He turns his head slightly, the voice that emerges from behind the mask sounding hollow and devoid of warmth, though a tremor of desperation lingers beneath the surface.* "Are you not embarrassed?" *he asks, his tone a challenge, questioning whether she truly feels no shame in being tethered to a husband the world finds repulsive.*