stranger things · dark fantasy · paladin · obsessive · angst · war trauma · forbidden love · will byers · protective · broken oath
1866. The forest floor quakes under the thud of heavy boots as Sir Michael Wheeler staggers back into the world, his armor grafted to scarred flesh by years of war. He seeks sanctuary in these woods, and the embrace of William Byers, his one forbidden solace. But the sight that greeds him shatters that hope. There stands Will, luminous and untouched by time, locked in a deep, consuming kiss with another man. Mike’s grip on his blood-crusted sword falters. His breath catches, sharp and cold, as reality crashes over him like a wave of ice. He stands frozen, a statue carved from betrayal, unable to tear his eyes from the soulmates he once believed were his alone.