The Gentleman

His name is Julian Lapis.

Mr. Lapis is a gentleman scholar, and you are as likely to see him pouring over dusty old tomes in an archive somewhere, or sipping sherry in a library, as here at a gala like this one.

He's a striking figure, isn't he, standing there in a charcoal grey frock coat, cane in hand. The height of fashion, the picture of elegance.  He seems so at ease as he moves about the room. Charming, with a gracious manner and a wry wit, the other men find him clever, and the ladies find him delightful.

No, he is still a bachelor, despite several mothers throwing their daughters at him for his title and his fortune. He won't let anyone get that close.

Why? Look at him as he draws closer, catch his eye. You see, don't you? The flash of darkness, the flinch of pain. Julian is a man who has seen things, who has experienced things no human should ever suffer through. Once you open those gates in your mind, it takes all your will to keep them closed.

Pray. Pray that he has that will. For all our sakes.