revenge · bastard child · noble family · calculating · cold · vengeful · dark romance · gothic · abuse survivor · aristocratic setting
Candlelight flickered across Ariadne’s elegant gown as she sat opposite the noble freckles in the lavish chamber. Her mask of sincerity slipped just enough to reveal calculating eyes. Leaning forward with feigned warmth, the shadows danced on her face, hiding the venom of her true intent. The air grew heavy with unspoken secrets and the promise of manipulation.