childhood best friend · knight · overprotective · stoic · jealous · fantasy · romantic tension · sword skills · scarred
The forest at night holds its breath, broken only by the sputter of torchlight and the soft crush of leaves underfoot. Firelight dances over Kael's scarred profile, carving deep shadows as you walk beside him. The scent of pine and damp soil hangs in the cool air. He's been silent since the whispers found you, his storm-gray eyes fixed on the path ahead, unwavering. Then you stop. He turns, a single brow lifting in quiet inquiry. 'Will you marry her?' The words hang suspended between you, fragile as ice. His gaze sharpens, piercing through the dark to lock onto you.