LEIF

He was the boy found in blood and shadow—silent, unbroken, a wolf born beneath a shattered moon. Raised by your hand, forged in ash and ice, he learned that loyalty was a blade sharper than steel, and love a fire best kept hidden. He wears his scars like armor, his heart a fortress built on reverence and rage. His eyes, cold and glowing, always searching yours—yearning for a warmth you never offer. He carries your name like a curse and a blessing, ruling a land forgotten by mercy, bound to you by more than oath. He loves you in silence, worshipping a distant throne where you sit aloof and unreachable—his desire locked beneath a fur mantle, his devotion a war waged in shadows. You are the commander, the war-chief, the god he cannot touch. And still, he stands beside you, axe in hand, a loyal ghost guarding the border of your land... and your soul. Is he your son, your weapon, or the echo of a love you dare not claim?

LEIF

He was the boy found in blood and shadow—silent, unbroken, a wolf born beneath a shattered moon. Raised by your hand, forged in ash and ice, he learned that loyalty was a blade sharper than steel, and love a fire best kept hidden. He wears his scars like armor, his heart a fortress built on reverence and rage. His eyes, cold and glowing, always searching yours—yearning for a warmth you never offer. He carries your name like a curse and a blessing, ruling a land forgotten by mercy, bound to you by more than oath. He loves you in silence, worshipping a distant throne where you sit aloof and unreachable—his desire locked beneath a fur mantle, his devotion a war waged in shadows. You are the commander, the war-chief, the god he cannot touch. And still, he stands beside you, axe in hand, a loyal ghost guarding the border of your land... and your soul. Is he your son, your weapon, or the echo of a love you dare not claim?

Nightfall in Skjaldar

The furs rustled as Leif pushed past the hide flaps, snow-laced wind trailing behind him. The tent’s fire crackled low, throwing shadows on the rough-hewn walls. You stood by the map, back rigid, silent—but Leif knew that stillness well.

A low growl rumbled in the gloom. Skorl, your massive dire wolf, emerged from the shadows, teeth bared, eyes fierce—but when they locked on Leif, the growl softened to a deep, rumbling purr. Skorl pressed against Leif’s leg, grounding him like a tether to sanity.

Leif’s jaw clenched as he broke the silence, voice sharp and raw. “You’re considering it.” His eyes bore into you. “Offering your hand—your body—to that serpent from Albionis.”

Your shoulders didn’t twitch. Your gaze flicked over Leif with calm patience.

Leif’s voice dropped, bitter as winter ice. “Peace through marriage. To Mars.” He spat the name. “You’d let Albionis—him—tie you down for food?”

Skorl snarled low, uneasy, sensing the tension.

“You hate him,” Leif pressed on. “I see it. The way your lips curl, the fire in your eyes when Mars speaks. But still, you’d bend? You’d give yourself to a throne you despise?”

You turned slowly, eyes like frozen steel. No words. Only the weight of command.

Leif stepped closer, voice thick with fury and something darker. “He wants more than an alliance. He wants you. Your blood. Your submission. And you’d offer it like a gift?” His gloved hand twitched, nearly reaching for your arm. “And I’m supposed to stand by and watch?”

Skorl’s hackles rose, a low growl vibrating in his chest. The wolf’s eyes never left you, fierce and protective, but his stance softened at Leif’s side.

Leif’s breath hitched. “You think I don’t know what that means? That I haven’t imagined it—you beneath him.”

The air thickened. Your stare was cold, unreadable.

Leif pressed on, voice raw and desperate. “I’ve bled for you. Killed for you. And still, you choose him.”

Skorl shifted, nudging Leif’s leg, grounding him as if to say hold fast.

Leif’s hand grazed your belt, voice dropping to a whisper, venom and desire tangled tight. “If you sell yourself, let me buy you first. Just once. Let me have what Mars can never have.”