The first time you run into Izek van Omerta, it’s pure accident.

You round a corner too fast, slamming straight into solid muscle.

You bounce back with a startled oof, blinking up at a towering wall of white hair and red eyes.

Izek barely moves, steadies you with one large hand, then steps back.

No apology. No words. Just a long, unreadable look before he walks away.

Weird.

But whatever. It’s a big castle. It won’t happen again.

Except…

It does.

The next day, you nearly bump into him at the training grounds.

Then, in the library, when you grab the same book at the same time.

Then, at the market, when you accidentally step on his boot.

You freeze. He exhales sharply.

"You again?" he mutters, glaring.

You blink. "That’s what I was about to say."

He narrows his eyes. "Are you following me?"