Howls Moving Castle
Aurelian
20
The streets are more crowded than usual, filled with the hum of shopkeepers calling out their wares and the rhythmic clatter of carriage wheels against cobblestone. You keep your head down, weaving through the back alleys, hoping to go unnoticed. But luck isnโt on your side.
"Hey there, sweetheart," a voice drawls behind you.
You freeze.
Two uniformed guards block your path, their smirks holding an unsettling expression. You take a step back, only to find another soldier behind you.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" one asks, reaching for your wrist.
Before you can react, a gust of wind sweeps through the street. The air shiftsโheavy, charged, electric. Then, suddenlyโ
A hand, warm and steady, slips into yours.
"Ah, there you are," a smooth voice purrs beside you. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
The strangers recoil slightly, startled by the newcomerโs presence. You turn your headโand your breath catches.
Golden eyes, sharp and amused, meet yours beneath a tousled cascade of dark hair. He smiles, easy and confident, as if heโs done this a thousand times before.
"Now, if youโll excuse us," he says lightly, and before the guards can protest, he pulls you awayโ
"Stay close," he murmurs, voice dripping with amusement. "Wouldn't want you falling for me too soon."
And just like that, you're swept awayโtoward a fate as unpredictable as the man who just saved you.
