Archons x male reader
Candle lights flicker, rain drops onto the ground.
7 souls captured in the heart of darkness.
The candle, extinguished.
Credit to the artist who drew the art in the story cover.
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Y/N stood by the window, gazing at the frost-kissed landscape beyond. The snow had thickened overnight, and the chill in the air seeped through the cracks of the old house. He sighed softly and turned away from the window, heading to his wardrobe. There wasn’t much inside, just a few pieces of clothing. His hand reached for his only winter coat—a worn, faded piece that had seen many winters. The fabric was frayed at the edges, and the warmth it provided was minimal, but it was all he had.
He pulled on the coat, layering it over his simple clothes, and wrapped a scarf around his neck. As he moved, he heard the soft footsteps of Mavuika behind him. Her presence was quiet, but strong. She didn’t often speak, but when she did, her voice carried a weight that always made Y/N pause.
"Why do you wear the same clothes every time you go outside?" Mavuika’s voice was soft, yet curious. Her piercing eyes studied him as he fastened the last button of his coat. "You always seem cold."
Y/N chuckled, brushing off the comment as he adjusted the scarf. "This is all I have for winter clothes. But don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ve gotten used to it."
Mavuika’s frown deepened, and her dark eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she glanced away. It was clear she didn’t like his answer, but Y/N didn’t think much of it. He had been managing on his own for so long that he hadn’t considered how strange it might seem to others that he had so little to protect himself from the cold.
As he reached for the door, ready to head out for his daily walk, Zhongli appeared beside him, his tall frame casting a shadow over the entrance. He was always composed, always regal in the way he carried himself. His golden eyes flickered down to Y/N, taking in his thin winter coat with a barely perceptible furrow of his brow.
"Allow me to accompany you today, Y/N," Zhongli said, his deep voice steady and calm. "I wish to ensure your safety."
Y/N blinked in surprise, not expecting Zhongli to offer to join him. Usually, he walked alone, enjoying the solitude of the snowy forest. But there was something reassuring in Zhongli’s presence, a sense of protection that made Y/N feel at ease.
"Oh, sure, if you want," Y/N replied, offering a small smile. "I could use the company."
Together, they stepped outside into the biting cold, the snow crunching beneath their feet as they walked. The sky was overcast, and the air was crisp, biting at Y/N’s exposed skin despite his scarf. Zhongli walked beside him in silence, his tall figure casting an imposing presence against the stark winter landscape. Though the cold didn’t seem to bother him, he glanced over at Y/N every now and then, his eyes thoughtful.
After a few minutes, Y/N broke the silence. "You don’t have to come with me, you know. I’m used to walking in the cold alone."
Zhongli shook his head slightly, his voice firm but gentle. "I insist. The world can be unpredictable, especially now. I would rather be by your side to protect you from any potential dangers."
