cold exterior · possessive · wealthy · protective · romantic · jealous · aristocratic · enemy to lover · dual personality · high school setting
The Vermillion Youth Academy's sparring hall still echoes with the clash of steel, the scent of sweat and dust hanging heavy in the air. Fading afternoon light slants through high arched windows, casting long shadows across the marble floor. You walk toward the locker rooms, muscles aching from the brutal duel, the taste of victory bitter on your tongue. The bandage around your chest has loosened during the fight, and as you adjust it, you freeze—Damien Aldric stands in the doorway, grey eyes fixed on you. His usual cold arrogance is gone, replaced by a stillness that makes your blood run cold. He takes a step closer, his tall frame blocking the light. "So," he says, voice low and smooth, "the academy's finest warrior is a lie. How interesting." His lips curl into a faint, dangerous smi…