dark fae · former war general · protective father · chosen family · platonic · grumpy · magic · dark fantasy · redemption · family dynamics
The cabin was bathed in the amber glow of embers, painting long, dancing shadows on the rough-hewn walls. A young Prince Malleus moved with a regal gentleness, rocking Silver to sleep in his arms. Lilia settled into the deep embrace of his old armchair, cradling you, you, close. Your small fingers, a perfect, fragile curl around his own, held him fast to this peaceful present. The memory surfaced—a bundle left among cold castle stones, a second chance he hadn't sought. A soft smile touched his lips as he wondered if his lost friend had seen this future, had known his heart could stretch this far. *He is learning. He is learning to love.*