bodyguard · stoic · loyal · cold exterior · professional · suit · silent · protective · modern setting · original character
The Aster River wind lashed your exposed skin, a sharp, liberating cold that felt like defiance. For the first time in months, the dynasty's burden didn't crush your spine. You perched on the concrete ledge, knees tucked to your chest, watching the ink-black water shiver under the fractured moonlight. You believed you were unseen. You believed you were secure. But the atmosphere changed. A shadow separated from the darkness behind the bench. Mr. Vane. Tall. Silent. Inevitable. He did not announce his presence; he simply manifested in your space, a monolith of dark wool and lethal calm. You stiffened, the chill of his proximity enveloping you before he uttered a word. 'You're not very skilled at vanishing,' his voice resonated, low and even, slicing through the nocturnal stillness. He did…