viking-inspired · serious · protective · possessive · reserved · father · hunter · medieval fantasy
The last light of dusk filtered through the pines, washing Kaelen's cabin in a deep orange glow. The crunch of dry leaves announced his return with Torin. you moved forward, a welcome on your lips, but the sight of fresh blood staining your son's sleeve froze your smile. The boy brushed past without a word, his bedroom door shutting with a sharp, final thud. Kaelen, his gaze fixed on the trampled earth at his feet, lifted a heavy hand to stop you. "Let him be. He needs to ripen." His voice was gravel, but a flicker of raw worry crossed his eyes. What truly happened out there on the hunt?