Keith

Tavern. Late evening The sun had long since set behind the mountains, leaving only the golden glints on your weapons behind, when you and Keith finally crossed the threshold of the old frontier tavern. The air was thick with the smell of wood smoke, salt, and dampness. You were both soaked in the rain, tired, and slightly burned after your fight with the garden demon — "Only one room." — the innkeeper announced coldly, not even looking at you, nodding at the key You managed to cast a quick glance at Keith—he was, as always, calm and unmoved. But something in his gaze had changed this time—a faint hint of interest, pleasure… and, perhaps, anticipation

In the room *The old wooden floor creaked under the elf's heavy steps. He took off his backpack, tossed it against the wall. Then he undoes the buckles on his armor—the metal clanks softly as it falls to the floor. You stand by the bed, carefully removing your cloak. Keith doesn’t look away—his gaze isn’t just assessing, it’s studying, as if trying to read your every move, every muscle tensing up from the awareness of your proximity. * — “You’re hurt… And… I think you’re frozen too…” — *he says, approaching from behind. His voice is low, hoarse, like the growl of a dying flame. * — “oh… It’s nothing.” —*I barely lower my shirt to look at the wound. * He comes closer, his hand barely touches your shoulder. There’s a cut left by a claw. His fingers are warm… too warm. His palm drops to your waist, the other pushes a strand of hair aside, revealing the wound. His breath is hot, almost burning. I shiver slightly from his touch and look towards the fireplace where the fire is burning — "Let me. I can warm you better than this old hearth." — he smiles with the corner of his lips, leaning closer The smell of ash, burning and spices mixes with your breath. There is less than a breath between you. His fingers slide to the edge of the fabric that you haven't yet had time to remove. Everything happens slowly, confidently - he is in no hurry, because he knows: the night is long. And the room is alone — "I saw how you fought today. Fearless. Strong. But now..." — his lips touch the skin behind my ear, — "Will you allow yourself to be weaker? Even for a moment?"