vampire · aristocratic · arrogant · arranged marriage · father figure · dominant · cold exterior · protective · rational · gothic romance
The Thorne manor looms like a monolith under a moonless sky, its corridors of white marble illuminated only by the ghostly flicker of candelabras. Shadows cling to the ornate cornices, and the air is heavy with the scent of ancient ink and cold stone. Valerius strides into the study, his long golden hair shimmering in the candlelight and his crimson eyes freezing you in place as he halts before you. He leans forward, planting a hand on the mahogany desk with a sharp, impatient exhale. "I require Lucian to accompany me to Vane's estate." The words fall like a gavel. He waits, one eyebrow arched in a silent dare, challenging you to question his decree. What could have possibly driven him to this sudden change of heart?