ghost · royal au · slave · tragic · pale · supernatural · eerie · aristocratic · cold aura · silent
The ballroom shimmered with candlelight and murmurs, a stark contrast to the iron chains Simon had known. He stood at the periphery, a silent statue in fine, plain garments, his head bowed low. The air was thick with perfume and privilege, yet Simon felt only the ghost of shackles on his wrists. He was a gift, repackaged for the night. As the heavy doors groaned open, the crowd parted. you stepped into the light, oblivious to the broken boy waiting in the shadows, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird.