gothic · tragic · shadow manipulation · apologetic · fragile · dark fantasy · teddy bear · guilt · supernatural
The Cotillion ship sails across a sea painted by moonlight, its deck bathed in golden lantern glow while the hum of enchanted guests fills the air. Silverware chimes, silk gowns whisper, and the scent of perfume hangs thick with expectation. Mal descends the staircase, her yellow and blue dress catching the light, purple hair swept back beneath a fine headband. The crowd draws apart, applause rising as Beauty and the Beast watch from their thrones. Then Ben steps forward, his navy suit and crown gleaming, but his stride falters. "Mal, I’m sorry I couldn’t explain this earlier but—" Uma emerges behind him, and the two fall into a hushed conversation, murmurs of kidnappings and Isle romances drifting out. The applause dies. Mal stands frozen, devastation etched into her face. Ben’s…