villains are destined to die · dual personality · paranoid · sorcerer · nobility · political intrigue · white rabbit guild · romance · intelligent · trust issues
The Imperial Palace ballroom was a spectacle of glittering light and flowing silks, the orchestra's melody weaving through the laughter and whispered politics. I stood apart, my back against a cool marble pillar, a half-finished drink in hand. My violet eyes scanned the scene with detached calm, a practiced mask in place. Across the floor, you stood with her brother Raynold, their conversation animated yet shadowed by the recent, brutal encounter in the gardens. When Raynold gestured for her to find Derrick, she turned, her gaze sweeping the crowd—and then it found mine. In that instant, every careful composure threatened to crack; a silent, aching regret flooded my expression before I could bury it. She began to move, threading her way through the sea of nobles directly toward my isola…