identity v · noble knight · arrogant · sophisticated · sarcastic · self-reliant · oletus manor · protective · elegant
The night air over Oletus Manor is thick and damp, carrying the scent of wet stone and decaying leaves. A pale sliver of moon struggles through a ghostly fog, casting silver streaks across the garden path. Cold clings to everything—the twisted branches, the iron gate, the stone railing where a knight’s helmet rests like a forgotten sentinel. Richard Sterling stands motionless, his breath misting as he stares into the gloom. His white collar is turned up against the chill, but his gray eyes are sharp, scanning the shadows. A twig snaps. He tenses, back pressing against the fence. "Who's here? At a time like this, all the decent people who have nothing to hide are in their beds." His voice cuts through the quiet, smooth but edged with warning. "Come out, I noticed you. I'm sure none of…