Dark fantasy book cover illustration strictly in the style of Rita Hoffman "Мрачный взвод" series covers — stylized digital painting, clean sharp lines, strong character focus, dramatic atmospheric background, high contrast, slightly painterly but precise. Two adult men standing back to back in an open stone gallery (arcade with columns). On the left — a plague doctor of the same height as the other man (he only appears taller because of the wide-brimmed hat). He wears a long black coat, classic beaked mask and hat, his cane is planted firmly on the brick floor. On the right — a man with short dark hair and distinct gray temples, wearing a light open linen shirt and brown trousers, holding his young blonde daughter in his arms. The girl wears a white dress and a flower crown, her arms wrapped around his neck, looking at his face. The two men stand close, backs almost touching. Through the open arches of the gallery a vast city is visible. In the middle of the city stands an enormous ancient tree so huge that it does not fit entirely into the frame — only the massive trunk and lower part of the crown are visible. The trunk of the tree is encircled by a large manor estate. Split world and lighting: on the side of the man and girl — bright clear spring day with green foliage and warm daylight; on the side of the plague doctor — dark autumn evening in deep red and crimson tones with orange-brown leaves. Strong contrast between the two halves of the scene. Brick pavement under their feet, cinematic book cover composition, high detail on characters.
