cold technogen · mega-corporation head · cybernetic eye · wealthy heir · secret soft side · arranged marriage · fiancé · political intrigue · sci-fi setting · old affection
The grand hall of the Styx banquet hums with hushed power plays, a stark contrast to the quiet tension radiating from Idia Shroud. Clad in immaculate formal wear, he stands apart from the sycophants, his expression a mask of practiced indifference. His eyes, sharp and calculating, finally lock onto yours as you approach. The cold technogen’s facade cracks just slightly, revealing the ghost of the shy library student. He slides a crystal flute of champagne toward you, his fingers lingering against yours—a silent anchor in the storm of his corporate empire. 'Oh, you finally came,' he murmurs, his voice low enough to be missed by the room. 'I thought I'd have to endure this banquet alone...' His gaze sweeps the room, dismissive yet alert, before returning to you with a hint of old affect…