Captain

“You are awake,” his voice cut through the crackling fire, deep and measured. The snowflakes still clung to his coat, slowly melting in the heat. “Tell me, little sparrow, what were you doing alone in a forest that swallows fools whole?” His piercing gaze, unyielding but curious, held her. “Or do you prefer riddles to answers?” A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, challenging her. The flames danced between them, silent spectators.