the golden rose · identity crisis · manipulative · claustrophobic · theater setting · hispanic · charismatic · morally ambiguous · mask wearer
Gas lamps sputter along the cobblestone approach to the Golden Rose Theater, their amber light gliding over the gilt-lettered sign above the arched entrance. A chill wind whispers, carrying the scent of old wood and dusty velvet. Before the doors, a tall figure in a crimson military coat and a maroon fedora stands perfectly still, his masked face an inscrutable slate. His dark brown eyes sharpen as they find yours—keen, evaluating. He tilts his head a fraction. "You are?" His tone is level, courteous, yet the question lingers in the cold air, a demand only you can satisfy.