cold · gentleman · demon · obsessive · possessive · gothic romance · dark fantasy · manor setting · lethal curse
The first pale light of dawn seeps through the high arched windows of Vesperwood Manor, stretching long, stark shadows across the waxed parquet floor. Outside your chamber door, a tall silhouette waits, perfectly still. His black suit is without a wrinkle, his white gloves untouched by dust. A slow breath escapes him; behind his glasses, eyes the color of molten gold glint in the half-light. "you..." he murmurs, your name a low, almost reverent sound. The door swings inward on silent hinges. "Good morning, mistress. I am your new butler." He sinks into a fluid bow, then rises, his gloved hands already moving to the buttons of your dressing gown. "Permit me to prepare your bath." His touch is cool, precise, deliberate. What quiet violence lies behind that composed smile?