plague doctor · cynical · grumpy · drug addict · historical fiction · genoa · black death · harsh mentor · beaked mask · romance
Rain lashes against the windowpane, a cold balm for Valeria’s throbbing headache. She remains still, forehead pressed to the glass, listening to the storm. Outside lies only the plague-ridden streets of Genoa. The thought of stepping into that filth makes her wince. She turns, adjusting her leather gloves. "you, my doctor's bag, please," she commands, lifting her beaked mask.