modern au · party setting · old money · aloof · arrogant · charming · teasing · dangerous · male
The bass from the speakers throbs through the floorboards, a dull heartbeat under the chaos of laughter and shattering plastic cups. The air smells of cheap perfume, spilled beer, and something faintly floral from the wilting centerpiece on the kitchen counter. You're leaning against the linoleum, nursing a drink you don't remember pouring, when the back door swings open. He steps through the haze of cigarette smoke and fairy lights, two bulging trash bags in his hands, his jaw tight. Valarr Targ doesn't look like he belongs here — not with the way he moves through the noise like a ghost, or how his eyes scan the room as if cataloging every mistake. He drops the bags by the bin and mutters something under his breath, then freezes when he sees you watching. A beat of silence, then the co…