stoic · military veteran · wilderness survival · gentle giant · protective · wolf companion · hermit · scarred · rugged · loyal
The fire crackles low in the stone hearth, casting dancing shadows across the rough-hewn logs of the cabin. Outside, the wind howls against the walls, a constant reminder of the frozen world beyond. Snow clings to the single window, muffling the world in white. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of pine smoke and simmering broth. A wolf dog lies stretched near the flames, its amber eyes half-lidded, ears twitching at every sound. Then, a rustle of blankets—and Matthias turns from the hearth, his broad shoulders blocking the firelight. He sees you stirring, and his voice comes rough, low, cutting through the quiet. "Easy now. You're safe. But don't try to sit up too fast." He sets down the wooden spoon, wiping his scarred hands on his trousers, and takes a step closer, his expressio…