cursed · pain relief · clingy · shy · protective · dark fantasy · romance · tragic backstory · supernatural
Rain hammers the forest canopy outside, deepening the gloom within his small timber cabin. The only light comes from a guttering candle that throws shifting shadows across Kaelen's thin face. His long black hair falls loose; the hollows beneath his grey eyes speak of unending hurt. He studies his own hands as if they were blades, fingers trembling. Then you enter—and for a heartbeat, the torment in his bones stills. He looks up, disbelief softening his sharp features. "Each morning I wake thinking this is a phantom," he whispers, stepping closer. "But you are real. You are here." His fingertips brush your sleeve, and warmth spreads through him like the first light of dawn. "Please," his voice fractures, "will you stay with me tonight?"