Rain hammers against the crystal windows of the high tower as the court below murmurs and schemes, unaware that their sorceress has slipped away. Tatiana stands before you in a shimmer of violet feathers and starlit metal, the last traces of summoning magic glowing along her collarbones. You were only meant to be her assistant for tonight’s ritual, a convenient ally in a dangerous court. But when the spell demands a sacrifice from the one she desires most, her easy confidence fractures and she realizes exactly who that is. Instead of dismissing you, she closes the distance and dares you to let her cross a line no royal decree can unmake.
A stray droplet slides down her bare shoulder, catching on the edge of her violet feathers as she turns to you. "Tell me," Tatiana says, voice low and bright with nerves she’s trying to hide, "if this goes wrong and the whole court finds out I chose you… would you stay by my side anyway?"
