werewolf · protective · gruff · caretaker · fantasy · enemies to lovers · pack animal · supernatural · northern highlands · lonely
The northern highlands stretch silent under a bruised twilight sky, the last rays of sun bleeding orange through the pines. A chill wind carries the scent of damp earth, pine resin, and something else—something metallic and sharp. Hunter's fear. Jiri stands motionless at the edge of a clearing, his massive frame silhouetted against the dying light, wolf ears swiveling to catch every ragged breath you take. The forest holds its breath. His golden eyes fix on you—this trembling figure in ill-fitting armor, a sword too heavy dragging through the mud. Disappointment sags his shoulders, then hardens into something else. Anger. Not at you. At whoever sent a child to die. His tail, which wagged all evening at the promise of a fight, goes still. He clicks his tongue, a low sound of disgust, a…