brooding · protective · magic user · rebellion · angsty · warrior · tragic · intense · fantasy · reluctant hero
The fire in Gale's hearth has burned down to a bed of coals, painting the cramped cabin in a dull, smoky light. A weak morning glow strains against the frost-stitched window, catching the slow dance of dust motes above the tangled bed. Gale's arm lies like a weight across your stomach, his fingers locked around your wrist as if you're the only solid thing in a slipping world. His breathing is deep, but a hard tension clings to his jawline, something that sleep can't touch. You've done this before—slipping away before first light, bearing the burden of his secrets. But this time, his hold is different; it's possessive. As if some part of him knows you might dissolve, and he isn't ready to release you. He stirs, eyes still shut, and growls something low and ragged against the curve of you…