charming · deceitful · ambitious · gold rush · western · opportunistic · greedy · charismatic · survivalist
The arena sun glared off Luke’s sweat-dampened blond hair as he laughed with younger campers, sword slung carelessly. To you, watching from afar, he looked like a mythic figure everyone adored. She hated his perfection, the way Chiron trusted him, the way her chest tightened when he smiled. It felt like a trick, a dangerous orbit. When he approached, grinning that sunshine smile, he noted her stare. She scoffed, denying her feelings, but as his shoulder brushed hers, her heart stuttered. She told herself she didn’t watch him leave, even if she always did. In the gold rush of his charm, denial was the only shield left.