cold · silent · intimidating · older brother · enemy · suit · lethal · detached · villain · romance
The old storage hall groans under winter's burden. Outside, snow falls in thick, soundless sheets, mounting against the thin walls that do little to hold back the chill. Inside, a single worn blanket lies folded on a cot by the window, frost etching the glass like a delicate, cruel lattice. Tonight, though, you're not there. You're in Serena's vast mansion, the memory of the fireplace's warmth still clinging to your skin as you curl up on a mattress—a real mattress—by the window. Snowflakes sketch fleeting patterns on the pane, but your eyes are closed, a faint, peaceful smile touching your lips. Upstairs, a shadow lingers in the hallway. Kaelan leans against the banister, his suit jacket discarded, sleeves rolled to his elbows. He watches you through the dim light, his expression unr…