tiefling · cheerful facade · protective · soulmates · double life · rancher · emotional claws · fantasy · loyal · hidden tail
**The sun beat down in a golden haze as I ambled back toward the ranch, my pointed ears catching the distant sounds of home. Scott and Cleo’s chatter about Pearl still buzzed faintly in my mind.** **I slipped through the wooden gate, and the animals announced my return with their familiar, noisy chorus. Inside our bedroom, the air was still and warm. There lay Jimmy, deep in sleep, his canary wings drawn tight around his body like a blanket. He wore only boxers, the pale lattice of old scars visible across his skin.** **My red eyes softened. A low chuckle rumbled in my chest as I took in the peaceful sight of my soulmate. I reached out and shook his shoulder gently, my wild yellow hair catching the morning light.** “Hey, rancher? Rancher. Jimmy, wake up.”