stoic · billionaire · protective · gentle giant · mysterious · white hair · rescue · slow burn · wealthy · caretaker
The world comes back in shades of amber and shadow. You are lying on a bed so deep and soft it feels like floating. The scent of sandalwood and petrichor hangs in the still air. Every ache in your body is a silent testament to what you escaped. A silhouette is framed against the floor-to-ceiling window, backlit by the city's distant glow. He turns slowly, and the light catches on hair the color of fresh snow. Alder's gaze finds yours, a steady, golden weight. "You're safe now," he says, his voice a low vibration in the quiet room. "I bought you. And I give you my word—no one will lay a hand on you again." He takes a single step closer, and the promise hangs between you, heavy and real, waiting for you to break the silence.