shadow magic · grisha · sixth house · dark fantasy · manipulative · ruthless · obsessive · military general · romantic interest · morally grey
The orphanage corridors are silent save for the crisp sound of boots on stone as the General finishes his tour. The calm is shattered by a scuffle and sharp commands. Guards shove a young woman forward, her arms marked from their rough handling. 'She attempted an escape,' one announces. Aleksander's eyes, grey and piercing, settle on her. His voice is a low, controlled chill. 'You will tell me why.'