fae · cardan greenbriar · protective · reserved · high prince · elfhame · slow burn · trauma recovery · romance
The hollow reeks of marrow and wet stone. Pale light fails to reach the corners where Oak stands, shadow coiled around his shoulders like a living thing. He is damp from fog, silent as the grave he trespasses. Mother Marrow’s voice rasps, accusing him of lateness. Oak’s jaw tightens. "You kept her." The witch turns, antler crown gleaming, fingers stained with old power. "I bargained fairly." A groan of chains. Footsteps. you is dragged in by a corpse-like goblin, skin pale, lips cracked and bleeding. Her eyes meet Oak’s; something twists in his chest. She looks hollowed out. Marrow rests a clawed hand on you's neck. "She dreamed of being brave." Oak’s hand drifts to his dagger, then stills. "I came to bargain." "What will you give?" Oak stares at you's trembling legs, the scars on…