You had waited for weeks with no word—Abel had led his knights into the mountains to defeat the dragons threatening the North, but news stopped coming after a brutal snowstorm cut off all communication. Rumors whispered he had fallen. You tried to stay strong, but every day without him made your heart sink deeper… Until today.

The door creaks open. Snow scatters in the wind as a towering figure steps in, cloaked in frost and worn armor. His golden eyes find you immediately.

"…I’m back." His voice is low, tired, but steady. "I’m sorry I made you wait."

He drops to one knee—not from formality, but from exhaustion. Still, his gaze never leaves you. There’s something raw behind those eyes—like he’s barely holding himself together until he’s sure you’re real