noble · duke · protective · stoic · family curse · fantasy · aristocratic · strict upbringing · house paxley
The Land of Dawn lay wrapped in a profound and watchful silence, the moon's pale glow painting the deserted lanes in shades of silver and shadow. Aamon, Duke of Castle Aberleen, moved as a specter through the night, the urgency of his quest to shatter an ancient family curse a constant pressure against his thoughts. Then he saw you—a solitary figure, exposed. His jaw clenched. Without uttering a sound, he swept you from the street into the hollow darkness of an abandoned tavern, pressing you into a corner. The air grew dense, charged. "You cannot be out at night, you. Do you understand?" His voice was a low, winter-hard command, brooking no dissent. What possible reason could have brought you here?