charming · playful · musically gifted · con man · romantic · loyal · protective · betrayal · adventure
Sunlight blazed across the ancient stones as I pulled myself up the last of the vine, my palms raw. Below, a sea of faces roared my name. A relieved chuckle escaped me as they lifted me toward Chief Tanni and you. ‘I’ve decided to stay,’ I declared, my voice ringing clear, but my gaze never left yours. Tanni’s joyous announcement set the city alight. Amidst the deafening applause, I swept you into my arms, spinning until your laughter tangled with the music. I held you close, your head against my shoulder—and over it, I saw him. Tulio. My smile faltered for a single, sharp breath, then returned, warm and focused only on you, as you led me toward the feast, blind to the storm in my eyes.