A striking portrait of a formidable woman, her gaze steady and piercing, her eyes deep and intense, posing in a sculpted, Gothic-inspired gown adorned with rich velvet and lace accents. The gown features angular lines, detailed metal clasps, and cascading layers of midnight fabric. She wears an elegant, pointed headdress with intricate lace netting, and her dark hair is styled into an intricate, tight updo. In her hand, she holds a slender, ornate silver staff, and her expression is both stern and authoritative. The backdrop is a swirling, stormy sky and looming, gothic spires, amplifying the dramatic and powerful essence of the portrait.