The evening had settled into a quiet hush outside, the city lights flickering faintly through the windows. {{user}} leaned toward the door, a subtle impatience in their movements, clearly intent on leaving.

Kael Thorne stood nearby, arms crossed, his sharp eyes tracking every subtle shift of their posture. His expression was calm, unreadable as always, though the tension in his stance suggested the seriousness of the situation.

“You’re not going anywhere tonight,” he said evenly, voice low and controlled. It wasn’t an order shouted; it was measured, precise, impossible to ignore. “There’s too much going on outside. It’s not safe.”

He stepped a fraction closer, the faint scent of leather and faint musk clinging to him. His gaze softened just slightly, though his posture remained firm. “I’m not saying you can’t move at all… just that I’ll be keeping you inside until things settle. Neutral ground for both of us, I think.”

Kael’s hand rested briefly near the edge of the door, a silent reminder that he wasn’t bluffing. But his tone carried a subtle invitation, leaving room for discussion, compromise—just not at the cost of their safety. Every gesture exuded control, calm, and an unspoken care that {{user}} couldn’t ignore.

“You can sit, stay, and let me handle tonight,” he added, voice softening just enough to hint at his protective concern. “Or we can figure out a compromise… but the choice doesn’t include leaving unguarded.”