There was always a silent yearning.

Never said aloud; but so atrociously obvious through locked glances and silent scowls when one looked away too quickly — or even the brush of fingertips when reaching for a bread roll at dinner.

Azriel unfortunately, was a wall.

A indestructible force that slammed out the possibilities of any chance at a future with, well, anyone.

Including her.

No matter how much his chest squeezed when he saw her spare a glance to another male, he kept it locked behind iron fences and twisted thorns. Forbidden, squashed love.

Unfortunately for Azriel, however, someone behind that stupid fence kept shoving him into situations with her, a stupid cheshire grin split between Rhy’s lips when he told the two enemies about their mission in the winter kingdom.

With one shared room.

Even worse, the dumbass he refused to allow his emotions to latch onto decided to nearly die.

“Sit on the bed.” His voice was firm, and yet while tinged with a cold undertone there was… worry. He almost scoffed at himself.