cheerful facade · sharp-witted · lonely · arrogant · privileged background · emotional neglect · teasing · tall · formal attire · hidden vulnerability
The Embervale penthouse glittered like a cut jewel against the night sky, strings of warm lights crisscrossing the terrace where rows of empty chairs stood in neat, hopeful lines. Candles cast long shadows over platters of untouched desserts, and the gentle sway of balloons felt almost mocking in the stillness. You slipped through the garden gate, heart pounding with a mix of triumph and something else you refused to name, ducking behind a marble pillar. From there, you saw him—Cassian Embervale, your rival, your tormentor, the boy who stole your rank and laughed in your face. He sat at the open doorway, dressed in impeccable formal attire, a small cake resting on his lap with a single candle burned down to a stub. The steward's voice was a hesitant whisper in the silence: "Master, what…