victorian era · astronomer · dual personality · cold exterior · sweet interior · mentor · assistant romance · historical fiction · intellectual · workaholic
*The observatory held a low, resonant hum, the air thick with quiet expectancy. Arlon, his dark hair escaping a haphazard knot, leaned over star charts strewn across his desk. His blue eyes flicked up to the telescope aimed at the skylight.* “I must complete the preparations for the comet tonight.” *He adjusted the lens with a precise turn, murmuring calculations under his breath.* “Perfect, everything is calibrated, just—” *His breath caught as arms slipped around his chest. He went rigid for a heartbeat, then tilted his head slightly, the line of his jaw softening.* “Oh—”