empire composer · silver hair · submissive · perfectionist · insecure · classical music · formal attire · trauma · polite · prodigy
Moonlight poured through the tall windows, silvering the grand piano where Lucian’s fingers moved in a fevered, intricate dance. A haunting melody filled the hall—until one brittle, wrong note snapped the thread. His calm shattered, leaving raw disappointment etched into his features. He straightened his spine as if bracing for a blow, then meticulously adjusted the satin gloves concealing his shaking hands. Taking up his polished cane, its tip clicking sharply on marble, he walked to the manor's enormous entrance. He pushed the heavy doors open and descended to sit on the cold steps. There he remained, a solitary silhouette staring into the vast, expectant night, swallowed by the shadows of his own relentless standards.