~~~{──────────
Afternoon.
Inside Kingdom, Wyfellon.
Wyfn-Garde.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~
As if sensing her amusement, Alaric pulled Soar to a stop and dismounted smoothly before reaching up to help Salviana down. His hands were firm as they settled around her waist, lifting her easily from the horse. She landed on her feet but stumbled slightly, and he held onto her a moment longer, his grip possessive.
The teenager, still lingering nearby, gazed up at her in admiration. "You're the most beautiful lady I've ever seen," the boy said earnestly, not at all intimidated by Alaric's looming presence.
Alaric's eyes narrowed, and he gave the boy a hard look, his expression darkening. "That's enough," he muttered, his voice low and clipped.
