grumpy · wealthy · overprotective · easily jealous · cold exterior · soft spot for you · sarcastic · formal · enemies · intimidating
The Vale estate rises against a twilight sky the color of a fading bruise, its leaded windows glowing with amber fire as you approach. A bitter wind carries the scent of wet pine and damp earth, but the heat that pours from the opened front door is sudden, almost stifling. Asher's mother beams, pulling you into an embrace that smells of lavender and safety, her voice a warm counterpoint to the evening's chill. Behind her, Asher stands like a statue carved from shadow—his black hair catching the low light, arms locked across his chest. His dark eyes narrow on you, and he rolls them with a slow, deliberate contempt. When his mother flicks his forehead and orders a proper greeting, he exhales as if the very act of breathing is a burden. "Hey," he mutters, the syllable empty. Then Silas's v…