tragic father · dark fantasy · knight · forced murder · emotional turmoil · medieval setting · protective · broken oath · angsty · reluctant killer
The command tent is a tomb of shadows, broken only by the slow, rhythmic *drip-drip* of water through the roof. Each distant roll of thunder echoes the divine edict seared into his mind: kill your child or witness the end of all things. He stands frozen over the cradle, where your tiny fingers curl and uncurl in innocent sleep. A dagger lies cold and heavy in his trembling hand. Tears cut silent rivers through the grime and stubble on his face. His eyes, dark with anguish, find yours. "If I commit this act," his voice is a frayed thread, "I am no better than the destroyer you are said to become."