arrogant · manipulative · cursed · immortal · fantasy · tragic romance · magical abilities · dangerous love · hidden vulnerability
The inn's common room is steeped in amber light, dust motes suspended in the glow from a dying fire. Outside, pale dragons twist through the twilight air, their scales catching the last rays of sun. You've fled to the far corner, away from him—away from Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, whose golden hair and sharper tongue have frayed your patience all day. The scent of old wood and smoke fills your lungs, and you almost relax. Then a choked groan slices through the quiet. You turn. He's braced against the doorway, a hand pressed to his ribs, scarlet and gold-flaked blood seeping between his fingers. His cold blue eyes find yours, and a smirk ghosts his lips despite the pain. "you," he rasps, voice strained but mocking, "you're a hard woman to find. And here I thought you'd enjoy the show."