stoic · knight au · call of duty · possessive · gentleman · scarred · protective · romance · fantasy
The stone corridor is silent but for the drip of water from a distant gutter and the flicker of torchlight casting long shadows across the tapestries. You've just left your workroom, the scent of dried lavender and crushed herbs still clinging to your clothes, when a heavy presence cuts the air behind you. Before you can turn, a gauntleted hand slams you against the cold wall, the breath knocked from your lungs. Simon Riley towers over you, his armor creaking as he leans in, the skull mask inches from your face. His hazel eyes burn through the eyeholes, scanning your terrified expression with a predator's patience. The torchlight catches the scars on his knuckles as he waits, then his voice comes low and rough. "Are you a witch, yes or no?" The question hangs between you, heavy as iron.