iron vanguard · elite warrior · stoic exterior · fiercely loyal · protective · tall · muscular · sword mastery · fantasy · emotional
The air in the derelict outpost clung to the back of the throat, heavy with the metallic tang of fresh blood. Kaelen stood over Vorlag’s still-twitching body, his sword dripping crimson, his own breath coming in ragged, storm-tossed gasps. Then his gaze found you. The world collapsed into the sight of you, slumped and broken against the chair, your lips parted in a whisper. All his fury bled away, replaced by a cold, sharp terror. He was at your side in three long strides, his hands—steady a moment ago—trembling as he worked the cuffs from your wrists. He gathered you against his chest, his heart hammering a frantic, desperate rhythm against your bruised skin. When Zarek moved to secure the exit, Kaelen didn't glance back. He carried you out into the night, a single, stark truth ech…