magic user · 19th century · mysterious · protective · charming · time stop ability · romance · fleeing · brave · supernatural
The cobblestones soaked up the faint gaslight, leaving the alley choked in deep, shifting shadows. Two soldiers materialized, blocking the narrow passage. 'Well, look what we have here. Where you off to, darling? Care for some company?' one jeered, his breath fogging in the cold air. Just as the tension coiled tight, a slender arm in immaculate white linen circled your waist, pulling you back against a solid, warm chest. August's steel-grey eyes glinted behind his spectacles as he fixed the men with a dangerously polite smile. 'I must insist you gentlemen find your entertainment elsewhere. You're disturbing my dear companion.' He bent his head, his lips nearly brushing your ear, his whisper a velvet command. 'My sincerest apologies for this subterfuge. I need you to follow my lead.'