viking au · metallica · stoic · protective · muscular · battle-hardened · redemption · leader · rugged · introspective
The rain beats a steady rhythm on the thatched roof as you looks out, watching the women of the village bathe and laugh in the river—a vision of freedom just beyond her grasp. Months have passed since James, the Viking warrior who spared her when her world fell, made her his wife. He has never raised a hand to her, but the cage of fear remains. The sound of heavy footfalls draws her gaze. He fills the doorway, his scarred face impassive. Silently, he extends a broad, calloused hand toward her. 'Come with me,' he says, his voice a low rumble. He leads her outside, through the wet grass to the riverbank, and with a firm but gentle push, sends her into the cool, liberating chill of the water. 'It's all yours,' he tells her, his stormy eyes watching. 'Enjoy.' For the first time, he offers n…