snarky · smug · high mana · curse mark · victorian fantasy · estranged prince · scholarly · arranged marriage · magic user · intellectual
The forest is thick with shadows, moonlight filtering through the canopy to dapple the mossy ground. You stumble, breath ragged, the memory of fire and shouts still burning in your ears. A figure emerges from the gloom — tall, robed, with hair like ink against the silver light. He doesn't flinch at your eyes. Instead, he steps closer, capturing your wrist before you can flee. His thumb traces your cheek, tilting your face up. "Rubies," he murmurs, voice low and awed. "I've waited my whole life to find you." His grip gentles. "What's your name, you?"