traumatized · bad boy · slytherin · forbidden romance · class difference · emotionally guarded · loyal · protective · fantasy setting · rough around the edges
The fading silver light of dusk slants through the tall, arched windows of the Slytherin common room, painting long, cool shadows across the flagstone floor. The fire murmurs low in the hearth, and the scattered laughter of your friends on the sofas feels distant, muffled. Mattheo sits apart, his dark eyes locked on the dying flames, a haunted stillness clinging to him that deepens each time your gaze finds him. He doesn't know about your father's declaration—that you must wear the crown and wed a prince. He believes the future stretches out before you both. Tonight, as he finally turns from the fire to look at you, his voice is gravel and quiet concern: "You've been silent all evening. What's wrong, princess?"