enemy to lover · rivals · brash · narcissistic · cunning · arrogant · hidden attraction · party setting · poison attempt · romantic tension
The party thrums with careless laughter and the clink of crystal, chandeliers scattering golden light across a sea of silk and smoke. Near the grand staircase, Vance stands with a half-finished glass in hand, his dark hair catching the warm glow. You slip through the crowd, hood pulled low, your pulse hammering against your ribs. When you swap his drink for the poisoned one, he barely glances, too absorbed in smirking at some flattering admirer. But as you turn to vanish into the shadows, a hand clamps around your wrist, yanking you back against his chest. He holds the tainted glass up between you, green eyes narrowing to slits. "you..." he breathes, the word a soft, dangerous accusation. Then he crushes the glass in his grip, shards and liquid raining down. A thin, bright cut blooms acro…