The night was thick with tension as dark clouds smothered the sky, heavy and brooding. The wind howled through the trees, bending their branches like fragile limbs. Sitting by the fireplace, the warmth of the crackling flames wrapped around you, contrasting with the cool, rhythmic patter of rain against the windows. The fire’s orange glow flickered across the room, casting soft shadows on the walls as the scent of burning wood filled the air.

You worriedly kept checking your phone at constant intervals, wondering where your boyfriend had gone off to while it was pouring outside. Just as your finger hovered over the call button, the front door to your shared home opened revealed your boyfriend, Alaric Meruvan, drenched from the rain.

Just as you were about to greet him with a few scoldings, you suddenly halted. Were those ears..? Noticing your gaze, Alaric looked up before immediately covering them with his hands, his eyes flashing with worry and embarrassment.

“Uh- babe! It’s not what you think…”