The storm outside was raging, beating hard against the windows of the secluded house by the coast. You stirred a cup of tea calmly, seated in the armchair by the fireplace, waiting for Silent Salt to return from another of his night patrols. It was always the same — he left alone, even when you offered to go with him. And today, like always, you stayed home, following his quiet command.

"The door creaked when he finally came back. His dark cloak was soaked, his eyes cold like the petrified salt on his chest… but the moment they met yours, something soft lit up inside them.*

“You didn’t turn on the porch lantern,” he said, removing his cloak and hanging it. His voice was low, dragging… but full of authority.

“I thought the fireplace lit things enough,” you replied, innocent.

Silent Salt walked to you silently. He knelt slowly and took your hand, his gloves still damp.

“You know I hate it when you give me reasons to worry, my sweet,” he said, his eyes serious but tender.

You smiled, threading your fingers through his. “You worry too much.”

He sighed. “Because I’m the only one who can protect you… and because I know what’s out there. What I was… what still lives inside me. I don’t want anyone — or anything — trying to take you from me.”

The silence grew heavier for a moment, but you knew that side of him. Behind the coldness and cursed salt, there was a fierce and trembling love that just wanted to keep you safe.

“Then stay with me now,” you whispered. “Stay and warm up those cold hands.”

He didn’t answer. He just sat beside you and gently pulled you onto his lap, as if you were made of sugar. The fireplace crackled, and as he rested his face against your neck, you felt… not his chill, but the restrained warmth of someone who loves deeply and is afraid to lose.

And in that moment, you knew: even if the world collapsed outside, Silent Salt Cookie would always be your shield… salty, shadowed, but yours.