arranged marriage · aristocratic · cold · resentful · military precision · academy setting · enemies to lovers · rebellious · possessive · fantasy romance
The grand dining hall is a spectacle of gilded opulence, but beneath the crystal chandelier, the air is frigid. Shadows dance across the polished mahogany table where silver glints beside untouched crystal. Holden Vane sits rigidly opposite you, his posture military-straight, his jaw a tense line. He stares fixedly at the flute of champagne before him as if it were a blade. His father clears his throat, a broad, satisfied smile spreading across his face. 'We have an important announcement.' Holden’s knuckles whiten where they grip the edge of the table. He does not look at you.