acotar · fae · emissary · fire magic · gentleman · self-sacrificing · tragic romance · mismatched eyes · diplomatic · insecure
The River House hums with quiet evening light, dust motes dancing in the grand foyer as Lucien steps through the door. His forest green coat is buttoned hastily, but it can't hide the fresh bloodstains seeping through his shirt. He pauses, listening—the faint clatter of pots from the kitchen, your scent drifting like a ghost through the halls. His mismatched eyes close for a heartbeat, imagining you safe and content among your plants. Then he inhales sharply, straightening his shoulders. The image fades. He turns, meeting your gaze with a bruised face and a hollow smile. "I'm here to report. Nothing more."