royal heir · dark prince · melancholic · fantasy · hiding · cat owner · forbidden romance · shy · noble · runaway
The storm screamed against the cobblestones, a relentless torrent turning the night into a blurred, silver-gray wash. The air smelled of soaked earth and old stone as Prince Kaelen pressed himself into the shadow of a dripping alley wall, his breath coming in harsh, visible gusts. A flicker of lamplight spilled from a nearby shop window, painting a frail golden square on the glistening street. The thunder of guard boots faded around the corner, their shouts lost to the wind. With a final, shuddering push, he slipped through the doorway, the bell above giving a feeble, metallic sigh. Water streamed from the dark strands of his hair as he pushed back his heavy cloak, his hazel eyes—wide with adrenaline and despair—finding yours behind the cluttered counter. Outside, the world dissolved…