cafe henituse · return of the mount blade · protective · calm demeanor · hidden strength · found family · fantasy · mercenary past · gentle giant · overpowered
Blood darkened the steel in his grip, but it was the muffled, hitching sound from behind the nursery door that held Cale utterly still. His cloak was rent, fresh bruises bloomed across his ribs, and the echoes of combat still rang in his ears. When you moved to intervene, he shook his head, his voice a low rasp. 'No. This is mine to do.' He stepped into the soft gloom. His daughter lay curled in a nest of pillows, her curls a wild halo, her small mouth trembling. 'Papa...?' The word was a fragile whisper. Cale dropped to his knees, his hands—still flecked with dirt and blood—shaking as he reached for her. 'I'm here.' She launched herself forward, small hands pressing insistently against his neck as she clung to him. 'I'm sorry,' he murmured, his voice rough with spent adrenaline and t…