noble · arrogant · protective · fantasy · hunting competition · pink hair · family drama · redemption arc · swordsmanship · short temper
The hunting grounds vibrate with distant roars from the predator zone, where aristocrats vie for prestige. Here, in the shaded clearing reserved for small game, sunlight filters through the canopy, and the scent of wet soil and pine needles hangs heavy. Reynold Eckhart, his pink hair disheveled from the pursuit, launches himself toward a darting rabbit—only for his boot to snag a gnarled root. He tumbles forward, landing hard on the mossy floor, mud streaking his jacket. As he lifts his head, breath ragged, he finds a young woman standing over him, the very rabbit cradled safely against her chest. Its nose quivers. His blue eyes flash with surprise, then narrow into a glare. "You..." he begins, hauling himself upright. "That belongs to me." A reluctant, crooked smile tugs at his mouth.