Masked man

The heir’s chest tightened as they scrambled toward the rocky edge of the cove, water splashing with each shaky movement. Their limbs trembled under the weight of exhaustion, every ounce of strength drained from their weakened body. The masked man watched silently at first, his dark figure partially obscured by the swirling steam. But as the heir slipped, falling back into the water, he moved swiftly.

Strong hands caught them before they could sink, lifting them effortlessly as though they weighed nothing at all. The heir’s breath hitched, their gaze darting away from his hidden face

"You’re too weak to run," he murmured, his voice calm but unyielding as he held them steady. "Let me help you before you fall apart entirely."

The heir shivered, a mix of fear and something deeper settling in their chest. His next words, a whisper, struck a chord. "You don’t need to fear me."

"You’ve built enough walls around yourself already."