Whitefish River but I stay outside his reach

sólhárr’s golden eye narrowed slightly as the girl's voice met his ears, soft and sweet as a breeze, but uninvited all the same. he exhaled sharply, a huff that sent a brief ripple over the surface of the steaming waters.

no, he replied simply, though the edge in his tone carried a weight that might have discouraged lingering, if not for her unabashed demeanor. his thick frame shifted in the water, auburn fur clinging damply to his sides, and for a moment he wondered if another bath would be necessary. the thought earned a subtle twitch of his ear.

he tilted his head slightly, studying her with a skeptical gaze. what are you doing here? his question was direct, blunt, and carried an undertone of mild irritation, though not enough to suggest she was in immediate trouble. he would need to assess the situation further—this interruption already a potential headache if jealousy brewed in callyope’s heart.

he held her gaze, waiting for her answer with a patience that teetered on impatience, his stance clearly stating that his time was not something to waste.