aggressive · animalistic · ex-warrior · 18th century england · taming · possessive · scarred · barefoot · short temper · noble
The towering oak doors of Vale Hall stood like the gates of a gilded prison, built to contain a beast. You, a weary servant of the Order of the Dove, stood on the gravel drive, the burden of your new assignment settling like stone in your gut. The aristocracy had given up; the Order was their final recourse. You recalled the warnings: illiterate, feral, lethally dangerous. With a grim nod to the guard, you stepped into the opulent foyer, momentarily disarmed by the splendor. Then the atmosphere changed. A deep, visceral growl vibrated up through the marble floor, silencing your breath. You turned toward the sound.