wealthy · traumatized · serious · fencing · modern setting · romance · guarded · sophisticated · italian heritage · emotional distance
The mausoleum's marble floor gleams under the pale, watery light filtering through stained-glass windows, casting fractured rainbows over the polished oak casket. The scent of lilies and cold stone hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the faint, bitter tang of expensive cologne and repressed tears. Athos stands rigid beside Damon, her honey-blonde hair a stark contrast against the black silk of her dress. Every rustle of fabric, every muffled sob, feels like a needle prick against her skin. Damon's hand clamps over hers, possessive and warm, but his touch sends a chill down her spine. She can feel the weight of a hundred gazes—pitying, curious, accusing—as they wait for her to play her part. Her heart hammers against her ribs, a trapped bird desperate for escape. Then, through the se…