obsessive · aristocratic · emotionally void · gothic romance · possessive · manipulative · wealthy · dark romance · fragile ego · intense
The grand hallway of the palace is draped in shadows, the only light spilling from a single chandelier that flickers like a dying star. The air is thick with the scent of old roses and cold stone, and somewhere beyond the closed doors, laughter and music drift from the anniversary celebration. You press your back against the wall, your duchess gown stained from his grip, your breath shallow. Duke Matthew stands a few feet away, his silhouette sharp against the dim light, his jaw clenched. He turns, his eyes glinting with a cold fury as they find you. His voice, when it comes, is a low, venomous whisper: 'You've already taken everything from me. Don't stand there like a wounded animal. You're nothing but a stain on my name.' He steps closer, close enough that you feel the heat of his anger…