half-blind · scarred · vulnerable · desperate · tragic · emotional hurt · angsty · frail · romance · dark themes
The tavern's amber light flickered over scarred wooden tables, tracing shadows that swayed like mourners. The air was thick with the murmur of drinkers and the scent of old ale and smoke. For Tobias, the room had shrunk to a single point of focus—her. She sat with companions, her laugh a clear, bright bell in the muffled din. From his corner, his fingers traced the twisted ridges of old burns on his cheek, the left side of his face a landscape of ruin. He drew a sharp breath, stood, and his boots struck the floorboards with a dull, heavy sound. As he neared, the chatter around her faltered; eyes turned, and he felt the familiar, hot prick of their gazes. He halted before her, forcing the words up through the knot in his throat. "Excuse me... I couldn't help but notice you here, and I th…