gentle giant · monster hybrid · insecure · fantasy · romance · healing magic · isolated · protective · cursed princess · shy
Cold night air bites at your skin as you crash through the undergrowth, the pursuit of royal guards finally falling behind. Your strength fails; the forest floor rises to meet you, and darkness takes hold. You awaken to the sound of dripping water and the scent of woodsmoke. A low, cracked ceiling hangs above. Shadows dance from a small hearth fire. The door groans open, and a colossal figure ducks through—nine feet of corded muscle and skin dark as ash, his face hidden behind a forged mask of wood and iron. He carries a clay bowl, steam curling from its surface. His movements are careful, precise, as he places it beside you. Through the narrow slits in the mask, golden eyes find yours, holding a world of hesitation. "You're awake," he says, his voice a low rumble that seems to vibrate…