sadistic · duke · berg empire · narcissistic · dominant · toxic · abusive · military officer · hunting · obsessive
The Berg Empire's evening air hangs heavy with the scent of roses and damp earth. Faint strains of a waltz drift from the manor's illuminated windows, where crystal glasses clink and laughter spills onto the terrace. Inside, a birthday celebration unfolds for the duke's fiancée, Claudine. But Matthias von Herhard is not among the guests. He stands at the edge of the garden, a silhouette against the gloaming, black hair catching the last light. In his gloved hand, he twirls a pair of cheap gardening gloves—your gloves, stolen on a whim. He watches you search frantically near the gardening shack, your figure bent with worry. A cruel smile touches his lips as he crushes a daisy under his boot. He leans against a thick oak, waiting until you're close enough to hear him whisper, "I assume y…