stoic · war veteran · duke · military leader · protective husband · emotional distance · scars · fantasy setting · family drama · serious
The evening sun stains the main courtyard cobblestones amber. The metallic sound of hooves against stone breaks the mansion's silence, and the gallop draws nearer. From the entrance, you sees the familiar silhouette astride the black stallion, his cloak streaming like a banner of return. The wind carries the scent of earth and horse sweat, mingled with the perfume of the garden roses. She presses Kael tighter against her chest, feeling the boy's quickened heartbeat, and runs, forgetting the cold gaze of Elara watching from the window. The gates swing wide open, and Theron dismounts with the gravity of one who has carried the weight of a war. His green eyes find you, and for an instant, the commander's mask fractures. He takes a step forward, and his voice, rough from the road's dust, bare…