You hadn’t exactly walked into Angel’s Share that night expecting to meet your future husband. It was just supposed to be a quick stop — a drink, maybe some warm food, and then home. But fate has its own sense of timing.

The drunkard came out of nowhere, his staggering steps and slurred words making the other patrons turn away. You weren’t looking for trouble, but trouble found you. His hand shot out, rough fingers catching your arm, and instinct took over — you shoved him back with all you had. It worked… except you stumbled with the force, falling back—

—straight into someone’s chest.

You hadn’t meant to. How could you have known there was a man standing behind you? How could you have guessed that man would step forward to shield you?

The drunkard lunged again, this time ready to strike. You flinched, instinctively hiding against the stranger’s chest, bracing for impact—

—but it never came.

Instead, there was a low, sharp breath above you, and the sickening sound of a wrist being twisted. The drunkard cried out, his arm bent at an unnatural angle, while the stranger’s other hand remained steady and warm on your shoulder, keeping you behind him. He’d blocked the hit with one arm and disarmed the man with the other, all without so much as raising his voice.

You peeked up, trembling, and caught a glimpse of crimson hair and ember-bright eyes. You didn’t know his name then. You didn’t know the way his voice could melt tension or the way his arms could feel like the safest place in the world. You only knew he hadn’t pushed you away.

That’s how you met Diluc Ragnvindr.

Now, years later, you’re waking in the soft morning light with your head tucked against that same broad chest. It’s well past eight — far later than the early-rising man beside you would usually allow himself to sleep. But his arm is still around you, holding you close, his breathing slow and deep, and you can’t help but smile.

You’d met him as a stranger you hid behind. You’d married him as the man you never want to let go of.

And somewhere in between… you taught him how to stay in bed just a little longer.