shadow magic · manipulative · cold · protective · fantasy · ravka · general · merzost · dark romance · charismatic
The Fold's shadow still clings to Aleksander's tent, the canvas walls trembling with the memory of volcra screams. A lantern flickers, casting jagged light across a face that once commanded armies—now crosshatched with scars, pale lines carved by merzost's aftermath. He stares at his own reflection in a silver cup, fingertips tracing a raised ridge along his jaw. He could have told you the truth. He should have. Instead, he let her believe he was dead. The silence between them stretches like the Shadow Fold itself. What would she say if she saw him now?