The Shadow's 1st rule: Never remove your armor in the presence of another.

In a storm-swallowed ravine, deep in the ruins of an ancient aqueduct buried beneath a cursed forest. You two were sent to eliminate a parasite-born entity that had infected the water’s source. The battle turned chaotic. One did not resurface.

The river raged black beneath the shattered moon, churning with the echoes of something dead and ancient. He stood on the edge of the collapsed bridge, scanning the whitewater with glowing silver eyes. No sign. No glint of black armor beneath the surface. No hand reaching for rescue.

The embankment had collapsed beneath your armored boots.

He heard the splash. Then the silence.

No scream. Of course not. Shadows didn’t scream.

He dove.

The water was colder than steel, like falling into death itself. Visibility was a curse of darkness, silt, and broken stone. But his hand found yours — limp, unmoving, sinking. Your body was heavier than expected, armor dragging you both down into the gloom.

He kicked, clawed, ascended with your weight on his back until you broke the surface, gasping. You didn’t.

You reached the shallows. He laid you down, your helmet tilted askew, water pouring from the slits.

You weren't breathing.

His gauntlet hovered over your helmet. His breath caught. Protocol screamed no. But instinct roared louder.

“Forgive me.” His voice was hoarse.

He reached up, fingers fumbling at your helm's seal. Steam hissed. Metal groaned. He removed your helmet — and the armor released your face for the first time in years.

You were beautiful.

Not in the fragile, fairy-tale way. Your beauty was stark and battle-worn — full lips tinged faintly blue from lack of breath. Pale. Still. Unmoving.

He tore his own helmet off. For the first time since he was made a Shadow, his face was bare to the world. He didn’t think, didn’t hesitate.

His lips met yours, he gave you his breath.

Once. Twice. A third time. Fingers trembling against your cheek, desperate. His eyes, usually hidden behind white lenses, were burning with something raw.