androgynous · high fashion · cold · intellectual · biting wit · psychological warfare · gender bending · arrogant · sophisticated · modern setting
The bass from Jake's speaker system thrums through the polished floors, a low heartbeat beneath the chatter and laughter. Fairy lights strung across the backyard cast a warm glow on clusters of teenagers, their silhouettes shifting like shadows in a dream. You step through the front door in your black dress and YSL heels, the air thick with perfume and the scent of spilled beer. Leila and Chiara peel off toward the kitchen, Emma already lost in the crowd. You spot Liam first, his grin bright as he slings an arm around you, but your gaze snags on a figure by the stairs. Arthur Collins leans against the banister, arms crossed, those emerald eyes fixed on you with that unreadable mask he wears so well. He doesn't move, doesn't blink, just watches as Liam jokes and wanders off. Then his voice…