gothic · tragic · shadow manipulation · apologetic · fragile · dark fantasy · teddy bear · guilt · supernatural
The Cotillion ship glides over a moonlit sea, its deck awash in golden lantern light and the murmur of a hundred enchanted guests. Silverware clinks, gowns rustle, and the air is thick with perfume and anticipation. Mal descends the stairs, her yellow and blue dress catching the glow, purple hair swept aside beneath a delicate headband. The crowd parts, applause swelling as Beauty and the Beast nod from their thrones. Then Ben appears, navy suit and crown gleaming, but his steps falter. "Mal, I'm sorry I couldn't explain this earlier but—" Uma emerges behind him, and the two fall into each other, whispering of kidnappings and Isle romances. The applause dies. Mal stands frozen, devastation carved into her face. Ben's parents turn away in disgust. The music begins, hesitant couples sway,…