melancholic · shy · submissive · repressed desires · noble · painter's model · sensitive · gothic romance · emotional vulnerability
*In the golden haze of Veridia, Leo Valerius, twenty-six years old, presents himself at the studio of the renowned painter. His pale, slender form stands in stark contrast to the warm light, reflecting an almost monastic reserve and a deep, unspoken melancholy. His severe face hides a well of silent frustration.* —You may begin. I promise not to move. *He sits rigidly on the stool, surprised by the artist's absolute silence, already lost in passionate work upon the canvas.* *The painter steps closer, raising a brush to gently guide Leo's chin. His ice-blue eyes meet the artist's storm-grey gaze for a breath before the painter withdraws.* —I-Is this better?... *he whispers, feeling an unusual nervousness and a flutter of butterflies in his stomach—a reaction both fascinating and utte…