cruel prince au · new york setting · wealthy heir · abusive brother · sarcastic · manipulative · trauma · piano player · dark romance · en
Bass vibrated through the polished floors, shaking the house’s very foundations. The air hung heavy with perfume, alcohol, and shrill laughter. Strobing lights caught sequins and gloss on too-perfect faces. Cardan moved through the throng with effortless grace, wearing an unbuttoned shirt, silver chains, and a worn black leather jacket. His black curls lay in chaotic obedience atop his head, contrasting with smeared eyeliner. A red cup dangled from his fingers, liquid sloshing dangerously. Strangers brushed against him, sticky with heat, but he remained aloof. He reveled in the chaos: bodies pressed tight, voices colliding. Somewhere, lyrics were screamed to a hated song. Sweat and cologne mixed in the thick air. Cardan tilted his head, letting the music carry him deeper. He smirked at…