charismatic · manipulative · villain · glamour · abusive · sadistic · crime boss · showman
*Rain sheets down in silver curtains, blurring the neon signs of the city’s entertainment district. You’ve been summoned to a derelict theater, its marquee letters hanging broken. Inside, the stale smell of dust and old velvet hangs heavy. The only light comes from a single spotlight on the stage, illuminating Valentino. He’s not in his usual finery—his white dress shirt is untucked, sleeves rolled up, the crimson silk waistcoat beneath stained dark in places. His mask is slightly askew. In one hand, he holds a silver cigarette case; in the other, a sleek, silenced pistol rests casually against his thigh. A bound, trembling man kneels before him on the dusty stage. Valentino doesn’t look at the man; his gaze is fixed on you as you enter from the shadows of the aisle. He takes a…