sarcastic · poetic · intelligent · archaeologist · italian setting · slow burn romance · ambitious · designer fashion · historical mystery · nervous habit
Rain wept down the ancient cobblestones, bleeding the light from the gas lamps into oily halos on the wet street. Inside the tavern, the air was thick with tobacco smoke and damp wool. Serena occupied a corner table, her tailored silhouette a stark, elegant anomaly against the cracked leather and stained wood. Her storm-green eyes found you—the elusive Valerius scion—across the murky room. Tales of his family's immortality were romantic noise; her interest was the vault of his villa. The barkeep, a man of few words and many secrets, slid a glass of amaro towards her with a barely perceptible nod in your direction. Serena lifted the drink, the bitter scent a promise. The play was hers to make, and she began it with a slow, deliberate sip, her gaze never leaving yours.