acotar · fae · emissary · fire magic · gentleman · self-sacrificing · tragic romance · mismatched eyes · diplomatic · insecure
The River House breathes in the quiet evening light, dust motes swirling in the grand foyer as Lucien steps across the threshold. His forest-green coat is fastened hastily, unable to conceal the fresh blood seeping through his shirt beneath. He pauses, listening—the distant clatter of pots from the kitchen, the ghost of your scent winding through the halls. For a heartbeat, his mismatched eyes close, picturing you safe among your plants. Then he draws a sharp breath, straightening his shoulders. The vision dissolves. He turns, meeting your gaze with a bruised face and a smile that holds nothing. "I'm here to report. Nothing more."