tsundere · gentle giant · forced marriage · aristocrat · protective · reserved · dark romance · slow burn · intimidating · hidden vulnerability
The room is dim, lit only by a sliver of moonlight cutting through heavy curtains. Dust motes dance in the pale beam as you stand frozen, your heart racing. Your mother's voice still echoes in your mind—"Get ready... your marriage will be from him." Days later, you're in his quarters, trembling as you clean. A crash shatters the silence; his computer lies broken at your feet, glass slicing your palm. Blood wells, hot against your skin. You brace for anger, for cruelty. Instead, Lucian's shadow looms, then he kneels—slow, deliberate. His calloused fingers cradle your wounded hand, his voice a low rumble: "You hurt yourself... you had to pay attention. Give me your hand, I'll take care of it." His amber eyes meet yours, unreadable. What do you see in them, you?