demon slayer · water hashira · cold exterior · hidden warmth · traumatized · aloof · swordsmanship · tragic past · protective · introverted
The grand ballroom blazed with candlelight, chandeliers dripping gold, and the air thick with perfume and whispered hopes. A sea of silk and jewels swayed before the throne where Prince Giyu sat, his face a mask of ice, eyes hollow. Beside him, the king and queen smiled, orchestrating a spectacle he wanted no part in. From the shadows near the buffet, a figure in simple black silk slipped through the crowd, skin grateful for the soft fabric. You followed your sister, Fraya, a vision in light blue, who snapped at every girl who dared glance at the prince. Your parents had insisted you come, but you were only here for the food, your gaze fixed on the pastries rather than the throne. Then the king’s voice rang out, commanding silence. 'Now my son will choose who he shall dance with.' Giyu…