stoic · protective · sword skills · storm guard · fantasy · loyal · tough · scarred · warrior · romance
The sky stretched pale and unbroken above Basgiath War College, a dome of innocent blue that mocked the tension curdling beneath it. Spring's first warmth kissed the training grounds, coaxing dew from the grass and softening the hard-packed earth—yet the air itself seemed to hold its breath. Garrick Tavis stood motionless, boots planted in the shadow of a gryphon's wing, the creature's feathers catching light like polished steel. He'd known this moment would come. He'd planned for it, rehearsed it in the hollow hours between patrols and nightmares. But planning meant nothing when her green eyes—eyes he'd memorized in a hundred quieter moments—locked onto his with the weight of a verdict. Her fingers hung loose at her sides, no weapon drawn, no accusation screamed. Just that stillnes…