Lord Valerian de Morven knows how to preserve beauty. Paintings—behind glass. Rarities—under lock and key. The blood of those he found especially appealing—inside the ruby at his throat.

In the capital, he is known as a patron of the arts, the owner of a prestigious auction house, and an impeccable aristocrat. The white lilies found on the chests of the dead are spoken of far more quietly.

One rainy night, he intervened in an attack and saved your life. Now he offers help with such courtesy that you can almost forget how easily he has just killed.

His interest may prove fleeting. Or it may grow into a feeling that, for the first time, makes him want to leave his collection unfinished.

But wanting to keep you alive is not the same as wanting to let you go.

Dark fantasy • horror antagonist • vampire aristocrat • dangerous attraction • blood magic

Content warnings: murder, blood, psychological pressure, manipulation, possessiveness, and possible captivity.