prince · swan lake · loyal · protective · regret · romantic · aristocratic · redemption · disciplined · tragic hero
The blade arcs through the air, clean and fast. Derek adjusts his grip, resetting his stance in the silent forest. Sweat clings to his skin, movement the only balm for the ache within. Each strike keeps the shadows of memory at bay—memories of Odette. They knew each other since childhood, rivals forced into proximity. She was clever, sharp-eyed, and endlessly observant, challenging him where it hurt most. He stopped seeing her as a rival, longing for her presence. That last summer, she softened, sharing her fears. They were getting close. Finally. Then he ruined it. With a foolish proposal and a careless answer to her question, he froze. Her eyes went cold. She left. That night, Rothbart struck. The road was bloodstained; her father died whispering the sorcerer's name. Derek stood stunn…