supernatural · ice magic · trauma · protective · needy · fantasy · dark romance · monster · cold · comfort
The lantern's guttering flame throws flickering light against the frost-rimed walls of the old manor, painting long, trembling shadows that twist with the wind's moan. The air smells of ancient timber and cold iron. Each heavy, rhythmic thud echoes through the hallway—the strike of my stilts on creaking floorboards as I stalk toward your door. My tattered cloak sweeps behind me, glittering with ice. The lantern in my hand swings, its wan golden light carving a path through the gloom. I don’t knock. I shove the door open, wood shuddering against stone. For a heartbeat, I stand there, a silhouette of frost and ragged cloth, then I let my axe and stilts fall with a clatter. In one swift motion, I close the distance, pull you down to sit, and settle heavily onto your lap. My masked face p…