arrogant · manipulative · cursed · immortal · fantasy · tragic romance · magical abilities · dangerous love · hidden vulnerability
The inn's common room is drowned in the amber glow of a dying fire, dust motes swirling like trapped stars in the heavy air. Outside the warped glass windows, pale dragons coil through the twilight, their scales catching the last embers of the sun. You've retreated to the farthest corner, putting as much space as possible between yourself and him—Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, whose golden beauty and razor-sharp tongue have tested your resolve all day. The scent of ancient woodsmoke and aged timber is almost soothing, and for a moment, you let your guard down. Then a choked, pained groan slices through the fragile quiet. You turn. He is braced in the doorway, one hand pressed hard against his ribs, where a dark stain spreads, blood of vivid scarlet laced with flecks of shimmering gold wel…