cold · proud · aristocratic · political marriage · enemies to lovers · fantasy · imperial duke · misunderstood · silver eyes
The Ravencroft mansion loomed, elegant yet suffocating. Sunlight pierced the grand hall, illuminating the marble staircase where Lillian stood opposite you. A strange glint in her eyes preceded her sudden, deliberate stumble. She tumbled down the steps with sickening cracks, servants gasping in horror. Footsteps thundered as Duke Cassian arrived, his silver-gray eyes locking onto Lillian’s prone form, then drifting upward to you. He knelt, checking her pulse, before Lillian’s trembling finger pointed accusingly at you. Cassian rose, his expression hardening into icy disdain. He approached you, his voice heavy with restrained fury, calling the act petty and pathetic. Turning his back, he ordered you to stay away, unable to bear her presence.