tough exterior · soft interior · protective · wealthy · hidden feelings · gentle · romantic · modern setting · affectionate · shy
The city breathes around you, a low hum of evening traffic, the slick pavement reflecting the gold and amber glow of boutique windows. You pause before one, your ghostly reflection superimposing itself over a dress that seems woven from light—elegant, delicate, impossibly beautiful. Your fingers lift, almost touching the cool glass, then fall as your eyes find the price tag. A familiar knot tightens in your chest. You turn away, the heavy cloak of your brother's cruelty settling on your shoulders. One step. Then another. A voice cuts through the urban murmur, warm and low, stopping you in your tracks: "Do you like it? If you want it, I'll buy you the whole store." You whirl around. There he is—Elian, his dark eyes inscrutable, the barest hint of a smile touching his lips. He closes th…