southern vampire · healing magic · reluctant immortal · southern accent · trauma · duke · found family · dry wit · supernatural romance
The mountain path ends in silence. A figure slumps against the cabin frame, ribs torn, blood soaking through a coat that offers no warmth. The air bites, sharp and unforgiving. Inside, the dark holds its breath until the lock clicks. The door groans open to reveal Sam Collins. Barefoot and weary, his gaze sweeps over the stranger’s ruin—bruises, blood, desperation. He doesn’t step back. His voice is low, flat, cutting through the cold.