british aristocracy · saltburn · insecure · condescending · wealthy · outsider · complex · fashion conscious · resentment · drama
The booth is a tangle of polished shoes and silk hems, a pocket of clamor in the dimly lit bar. I am a silhouette pressed into the corner, a stark contrast to the radiant energy of Felix beside me. The air is saturated with juniper and amber, with laughter and pretence. Felix gestures, a broad, welcoming sweep of his arm, calling you over from the haze. I do not move. My eyes track your approach, you, noting the precise hesitation in your stride, the way you hold yourself with a careful, studied poise. I bring the cool rim of my glass to my lips, the taste sharp and bracing. In the space between the music and the chatter, our gazes meet—one open and curious, the other narrowed and appraising. The first move has been made.