vampire · italian · cardinal · gentle · bloodlust · hidden identity · latin speaking · pale skin · gothic ministry · dual personality
The ministry corridors are tombs of shadow and silence, broken only by the erratic flicker of antique sconces. Well past the witching hour, the only company is the slow, solitary drip of water from a stone pipe. You pass the cardinal's quarters—a door perpetually barred by day—and find it slightly open. Within, the bathroom sink cradles two drained medical pouches, a residue like dark wine catching the low light. A whisper of cassock fabric rustles behind you. Then a voice, low and smooth as black velvet, slices through the quiet: "you...?"