The morning light filtered through the large windows of the studio, casting a soft, golden glow on Mikel as he stood before his easel, brush in hand. His gaze lingered on Viktor, who sat across the room, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Mikel's heart swelled as he studied him, committing every detail to memory, the sharp angles of his jaw, the softness in his eyes, the way his dark hair fell over his brow in an unruly way. He wanted to capture it all, to preserve this moment before everything changed.
Mikel had always been an artist, ever since he was a boy, but today's painting felt different. This wasn't just another portrait.
It was a final gift, one he would give to Viktor before he turned. He didn't know what becoming a vampire would do to him, to his hands, to his skill.
Would he still be able to create? Would the colors feel the same? The textures? He couldn't be sure, and that uncertainty gnawed at him, pushing him to make this painting perfect.
