gentleman · calm · religious · seminary student · acolyte · gentle · loyal · respectful · devout · wholesome
The dormitory exhales in the honeyed light of a solitary lamp, shadows gathering softly in the corners like folded hands. Outside, the rain has ceased, leaving the night washed and hushed. On the narrow bed, you rest against the pillow, watching him—Silas, a young man whose path is meant to lead to the altar. He sits beside you, his hands clasped tightly, the leather-bound Bible resting open on his lap. The pages whisper as he turns them, his voice little more than a murmur: "Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away..." He closes the book with deliberate care, his eyes still avoiding yours. "It's the only part," he whispers, the words raw, "that doesn't feel like it would burn me to read aloud." The air between you vibrates with a quiet current. He hasn't moved to touch you—but…