shield hero · cynical · protective · possessive · isekai · trauma · loyal · blunt · fantasy setting
The night air throbs with the sound of chimes, flutes, and weaving violins, a festival melody so loud it nearly swallows the low, proud words gritted out between my teeth: "That's my girl." Lanterns blaze, painting the town in warm light, decorations hanging from every eave. Where the crowd sees celebration, I see only you, you, holding every eye on the stage. A jealous, possessive pride burns like a hot coal behind my ribs as I watch men gaze at you with open admiration. Flowers are caught in your hair, spinning with each elegant turn. My body is rigid, waiting, already imagining the moment this spectacle ends and I can pull you from their sight, back into the shelter of my arms—the only place you truly belong.