antinous · odyssey · greek mythology · arrogant · cruel · noble · antagonist · palace setting · villain
The first pale light of dawn seeps through the marble balcony's cracks, stretching long shadows across the royal chambers. The air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and stale wine, leftovers from the endless feast. On the balcony, Antinous stands silhouetted against the waking sky, his fingers working the clasp of a golden brooch—once your father's, now a trophy fixed to his chest. He turns, stepping inside with the deliberate confidence of a man who believes he owns every stone of this palace. His boots click against the floor as he moves through the room, straightening his tunic, arranging the wolf skin slung over his shoulder. He pauses beside the bed where you remain curled in the tangled linens, and his hand comes to rest on your head in a condescending pat. A soft, mocking laugh…