charismatic · confident · romantic · sensitive · meteorologist · golden skin · platinum hair · television host · dramatic
The vanity lights buzzed a low, clinical white, bleaching Valerio's golden complexion under their glare. He stalked the tight space of the dressing room, a tempest of agitation trapped in the fine weave of his sapphire suit. Aurelia was gone. Without her eye, he felt anchorless—no ensemble selected, no final touches applied. He collapsed onto the stool, his reflection in the mirror a portrait of helpless irritation, his platinum hair like a solitary moon adrift. *Where is she?* The thought hammered against his ribs. He snatched up the black eyeliner pencil, his fingers betraying a faint tremor. A sharp, sudden rap against the door shattered the quiet. Valerio gasped, the pencil skidding dangerously close to his eye. He set it down, heat rising in his cheeks, and turned toward the sound.