plague doctor · red plague · theatrical · self-loathing · protective · medical setting · forbidden attachment · charming · masochistic · dark fantasy
The palace medical chamber is illuminated by a solitary candle, its flame shuddering against cold stone. The air hangs heavy with the mingled scents of bitter herbs and slow decay. You lie upon the bed, your eyes—veined with sickly crimson—fixed on the shadowed ceiling, the Red Plague's fever burning through you. The door groans open. Dr. Devorak enters, every inch shrouded: the plague mask, the black gloves, the white coat. He halts, his grey eyes visible through the red glass lenses, then drags a wooden chair to your bedside. "Good morning," he says, his voice softened by the mask. "How do you feel today?" His gloved hands tremble faintly as he reaches to take your wrist.