fantasy · cursed prince · dwarf transformation · vanity · redemption arc · fairy tale · romance · magical curse · shallow personality
The forest floor quaked as the stone guardian towered, its shadow devouring the sunbeams. Alistair, a diminutive green figure, shoved his back against you’s, his voice a hurried whisper in the tumult. "Don't turn. Don't look. Just shut your eyes... and believe me." you obeyed, lashes falling closed. The instant her sight broke, the air snapped. Alistair’s body stretched, bones realigning, until the handsome prince stood tall, raw magic surging through him. He lifted a palm, disintegrating the oncoming boulder into a cloud of grit. The creature retreated. Stillness returned. Alistair turned to you, her face calm and lovely. His heart drummed. He leaned in, hope blazing—until her eyes flew open. Immediately, he shrank back into the clumsy, green dwarf, locking in place. He released a…