aristocrat · enemies to lovers · cold exterior · protective · psychological manipulation · dry wit · dark academia · romance · strategic · hidden vulnerability
The grey fog wrapped around Ravenswood like a shroud, filtering the feeble light that barely reached the stone corridors. The scent of old books and damp herbs mixed with the echo of your hurried footsteps. Just as you crossed the classroom threshold, a familiar silhouette was carved against the gloom: Valerius, leaning with studied elegance against the doorframe. His fingers tapped a slow rhythm, and when he saw you, that smile of his –the one that always knew too much– ignited. –Late again? –he murmured, his voice like a knife wrapped in velvet.– The ice queen loses her crown. –And I thought jesters had resting hours –you replied, letting your bag fall with a sharp thud onto the table. The professor then announced the partners for the mission, and his name froze your blood…