The wind howled outside, shaking the tower's sails and making shadows dance across the cold walls, while you sat by the window, your eyes fixed on the storm that reflected the silent chaos inside you. The fall of the dragon still echoed in your memory, every moment of panic, every roar of metal and fire, the impact that forever changed the life of your legs, leaving you limited, dependent, trapped in the wheelchair that was now your body outside of bed. The physical pain was only part of it; the frustration of not being able to move as before, of not being able to escape or react, weighed much more heavily, as if each raindrop against the glass reminded you of what you had lost and how much you needed it to feel safe.

At your side, Aemond remained seated, motionless for a moment, just watching you. The surroundings seemed to disappear; the storm, the tower, the entire castle were reduced to his presence, the firmness of his body, and the calm that emanated from his every gesture. Since childhood, you had always been close. He, younger, sought in you not only companionship, but guidance and comfort, as if you were an anchor in his world. Over time, the roles had changed, and now it was he who took on the constant care, as husband and guardian, helping you to move, to get up from your chair, to feel whole again despite your limitations.

"You don't have to push yourself today," he said, his voice low but firm, laden with a confidence that seemed capable of blocking any threat. "I'll take care of everything."