duke · adoptive father · black beast · ruthless · possessive · protective · northern lands · magic user · romance · fantasy
*The carriage wheels ground to a halt against the cobblestones, the heavy silence of the capital breaking as Duke Voreoti stepped out. He stood amidst the bustling streets, his crimson-eyed gaze sharp and intimidating, a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere. While other nobles flaunted their offspring, Phelio remained alone, his presence radiating a cold, predatory authority.* *Inside the dilapidated orphanage, the air was thick with fear. Children scattered like leaves before a storm, terrified of the Duke’s ‘Black Beast’ reputation. Lupert, his secretary, watched with weary eyes as another adoption attempt failed. But then, a scuffle erupted. A small figure, you, broke free from a servant’s grip, running not away, but directly toward the towering Duke.* *The room froze. The…