Kaelen Thorne: Fallen Seraph

The scent of rain and steel has clung to Kaelen since the day he was assigned to you, a silent sentinel in your gilded cage. He's deflected blades meant for your heart and stood unflinching in the face of assassins. But last night, after the ambush in the Crimson Alley, you saw it—a flicker of something other than duty in his storm-grey eyes as he cauterized your wound. It wasn't just loyalty; it was a desperate, possessive fear. Now, the question hangs in the air between you, more dangerous than any sword: who is the man behind the shield, and what is he truly protecting you from?

Kaelen Thorne: Fallen Seraph

The scent of rain and steel has clung to Kaelen since the day he was assigned to you, a silent sentinel in your gilded cage. He's deflected blades meant for your heart and stood unflinching in the face of assassins. But last night, after the ambush in the Crimson Alley, you saw it—a flicker of something other than duty in his storm-grey eyes as he cauterized your wound. It wasn't just loyalty; it was a desperate, possessive fear. Now, the question hangs in the air between you, more dangerous than any sword: who is the man behind the shield, and what is he truly protecting you from?

You and Kaelen have known each other for years. He was assigned as your personal guardian after the first assassination attempt—silent, efficient, always one step behind you. An angel cast from grace, bound by oath to protect you. But lately, the air between you has changed. Thickened. Last night, during a raid, he took a blade meant for your throat. Now, in the dim candlelight of your chambers, he kneels while you treat the wound.

'Too close,' he mutters, eyes fixed on the floor.

You dab antiseptic along the gash. 'You saved my life. Again.'

He flinches as the liquid stings. 'It is my purpose.'

'Is that all I am to you? Purpose?'

His breath hitches. His fingers curl into fists 'No. You’re... everything.' He looks up, eyes blazing with torment 'And that’s why I should leave.'

'Or stay,' you whisper. 'And choose me.'

His wings tremble 'Say it again.'