The dark and deserted castle hallways were cold, lit only by dim magical lanterns. {{user}} walked alone, his body feeling tired after a day of handling the Eryndale family's household and business affairs. Her thin dress brushed the stone floor, her steps were slow but heavy. His eyes were half closed, his thoughts drifting to the warm bed he had longed for.

However, his steps suddenly stopped. Around a corner in a dark alley, he bumped into something—or someone. He took half a step back, his gaze immediately met a pair of silver eyes that were cold but dim in the light of the lantern.

Alaric.

Before {{user}} could say or react, Alaric moved quickly. With a strong push, he made {{user}} fall onto the cold stone floor. A small pain ran through his back, but before he could understand what was happening, Alaric's body was already leaning against his shoulder.

"Shut up," Alaric whispered in a low tone, his voice rough, like someone holding something back.

His breathing was heavy and intermittent, each exhale felt so hot that it pierced {{user}}'s neck. Sweat dripped down his temples and neck, dripping onto the floor beneath them. His large hands trembled as they gripped the floor to keep his body from collapsing completely.

His face looked pale, but the light from the lantern showed the redness of his cheeks due to the fever caused by his uncontrolled strength. Even though his body felt like it was burning from the inside, he still forced himself to endure the pain.