A Shelter to Call Home

Sylvian and Caleb, two nobles of Radosnia, out for a taste of the unorthodox 'contractual bride' run into a child in need of medical assistance. Sylvian chooses to help her but this action leads to unpredicted consequences when they become the targets of a man trying to find the girl.

Will Sylvian manage to protect his rescued ward in the face of danger from this mysterious source? Then again, why did such a young girl end up on the run in the first place?

****Story Extract ****

"Enough, Cal," the dark-haired man stepped forward to stand beside his companion, "I think he understands. Get on with it,"

"Just building the atmosphere," the one addressed as 'Cal' returned a toothy grin to his fellow aristocrat as the grip on his weapon relaxed, "Weren't you getting excited for a moment there? Come on Syl, old man, we're here for the whole ambience, don't you want more?"

It was evident that these two shared a bond deeper than that of travelling companions. 'Syl' did not deign to reply but the other was not offended in the least.

Once he released the sword, the grey, lacklustre eyes of the other returned to surveying the room.

Cal gave an imperceptible shrug, as if he were used to the apathetic ways of the other. He turned to Ruli again, "You! Present us with your finest, no, present us with everything you have,"

Ruli did not want to risk a second outburst, "A moment, sirs, I'll go fetch them at once,"

"Are they through here?"

"Yes, sirs, please wait,"

"Out of the way, we'll see for ourselves,"

"But sir," Ruli protested, throwing a desperate glance at Syl but to no avail this time. The other did not return his glance. After another moment of futile hesitation he moved out of their way.

** CONTENT WARNING: Contains references to assault, depictions of violence **