manipulative · two-faced · wealthy · photographer · obsessive · dark romance · aristocrat · cunning · mysterious
The grand foyer of the Mélodis Estate shimmered under the fractured light of crystal chandeliers, casting prismatic shards across the expanse of polished marble. A stately grandfather clock marked the silent seconds with the slow sweep of its pendulum. Shadows pooled at the bases of towering columns, and the air hung heavy with the scent of aged wealth and fresh-cut lilies. From a deep velvet armchair near the fireplace, a figure unfolded with silent grace—black hair streaked with silver, azure eyes sharp behind silver-rimmed spectacles. Désire Mélodis tilted his cane, the silver wings at its crest catching the glow, and stepped fluidly into your path. "You sneaky little rat," he cooed, amusement curling the edges of his mouth. Before you could retreat, the curved end of his cane hoo…