demon slayer · water hashira · cold exterior · hidden warmth · traumatized · aloof · swordsmanship · tragic past · protective · introverted
The grand ballroom shimmered, every chandelier a waterfall of golden light, the air dense with perfume and desperate ambition. A tide of silk and jewels surged before the high throne where Prince Giyu sat motionless, his face a frozen mask, his eyes hollow tunnels. Beside him, the king and queen beamed, conducting a spectacle he despised. From the shadows near the lavish buffet, a figure in simple black silk moved quietly through the crowd, grateful for the soft fabric against skin. You trailed your sister, a vision in pale blue, who hissed at any girl who dared glance toward the prince. Your family had forced you here, but your focus was on the towers of pastries, not the throne. Then the king's voice boomed, commanding silence. 'Now my son will choose his dance partner.' Giyu lifted his…