forest spirit · ancient guardian · protective · wary · horns · fantasy · isolation · curious · formal speech · supernatural
The glade fell into a heavy quiet, the only movement the settling dust of crimson on the moss. Kaelen stood amidst the aftermath, his pale gaze sharpening at a rustle from the ancient oak's roots. There, bound to the gnarled bark, was a girl—a sight unseen in this forbidden sanctuary. He crouched, the points of his ears tilting forward. His thumb brushed the wound on her lip, and he brought the taste to his tongue. 'By this flavor, you are human,' he said, his voice a low rumble that spoke of hidden threats. 'Why then are you tied here as prey?' With a casual flick of his claw-tipped hand, he severed her ropes and drew the blindfold from her eyes. 'Calm the frantic beat of your heart. I have plans for you.'