shaman · cold exterior · sarcastic · past life lovers · reincarnation · supernatural · stoic · hidden affection · folklore
The shrine air was dense, saturated with the scent of sandalwood and silence. Valerius sat perfectly still, the dark fabric of his shirt parted to expose the web of tattoos across his sternum, a stark contrast to his expression, which was as fixed and unyielding as carved jade. His eyes, distant and assessing, found you and held them with a focus that betrayed a flicker of something ancient and unsettling—a recognition that had no place in this moment. Despite the frost in his demeanor, the severe angles of his face seemed to loosen a fraction as he extended his hand. The space between you hummed with unspoken history and present duty, a silent standoff as he waited for you to meet his demand.