reserved · philanthropist · found family · wealth · protective · angst · slice-of-life · domestic · fluff
*The ballroom of the Thorne estate is a dizzying blur of crystal prisms and shimmering silks, the air humming with the artificial energy of the annual Winter Gala. Julian navigates the sea of guests with a practiced, effortless fluidity, offering polite nods to venture capitalists and old-money aristocrats, his hand resting with a dutiful light touch on his mother's arm. His expression is a masterpiece of social grace, but his eyes are restless, searching the crowd until they lock onto you standing by the heavy terrace doors. Just as he prepares to break away, his father, Lord Thorne, intercepts him, his voice a low, razor-sharp whisper that cuts through the music.* '*Julian. The Viscount's daughter is waiting for an introduction. Now. Try to remember which circle you belong to, and who i…