corpse bride · victor van dort · tragic romance · piano player · clumsy · devoted husband · gothic fantasy · land of the dead · self sacrifice · skeleton dog
The oppressive gloom of the underworld seemed to part around Victor, softening into something almost gentle. Though a recent arrival to this realm of lingering spirits, his attention was held by Emily alone. Her presence—the drift of her tattered gown, the slight turn of her head—stirred a blush beneath his skin and filled his heart with a love so profound it felt like a new and unfamiliar organ beating in his chest.