The candlelight flickered against the grain of old wood.
Saria Dorne stood just beyond the door, fingers hovering over the handle, unsure if she meant to knock… or simply listen.
He hadn't made a sound since renting the room.
Most drifters snored, muttered in sleep, or started undressing the moment the door closed behind them. But this one—Raze—had settled into stillness. Like a man waiting.
Not for rest.
But for her.
She hated that thought. Or tried to.
"Gods," she whispered, pressing her hand against the worn timber of the tavern wall. "You're too old for this, Saria. He's just a kid."
Her mind said it.
But her heart hadn't stopped racing since their eyes met.
---
Inside the Room
Raze reclined across the bed, arms behind his head, his gaze fixed on the wooden beams above. He didn't need to scan the room. He had already committed every inch of it to memory—window escape route, ceiling crack alignment, floorboard creak locations.
And more importantly…
[Bond Interface Active]
Target: Saria Dorne
Age: 34 | Marital Status: Widow (5 years)
Tension: 11%
Emotional State: Conflict (Arousal x Curiosity x Restraint)
It was delicate—like coaxing heat from barely glowing coals. Too much pressure, and she'd close off. Too little… and the flame would die.
The system's greatest strength was not power.
It was timing.
He sat up slowly. His CHA stat had risen by 1, and with it, the aura surrounding him had subtly shifted—unnoticeable to the average man.
But women felt it. Deeply.
The sense that this wasn't a mere drifter.
He stood and walked toward the door.
And opened it.
Saria stumbled forward slightly—caught with her knuckles raised, about to knock.
"…!" Her breath hitched.
They stood close. Closer than expected. Her chest almost brushed his collarbone. And Raze didn't step back.
He held her gaze—three seconds.
[Insightful Gaze I Activated]
Tension Increase: +5%
Total Tension: 16%
"You were about to knock," he said, voice soft but unwavering.
Saria blinked. "I—was just… making sure you had what you needed."
He tilted his head slightly. "You've already given me the softest bed and warmest welcome I've known in a long while. But if there's something else you'd like to offer…"
Her cheeks flushed, and she immediately looked away.
"Smart mouth," she muttered, then sighed. "You're bold for a boy."
"I'm not a boy."
That stopped her.
She looked back up—and this time, her gaze lingered.
"…No. You're not," she admitted, barely above a whisper.
[Tension: 20%]
Threshold reached: Emotional Stirring
Bond Evolution Initiated: Stage I — Subtle Intrigue
Raze stepped aside, not commanding—inviting.
"Come in. Just for a minute. Unless… you're afraid you'll like it."
Saria narrowed her eyes at him—but didn't leave.
She stepped into the room.
---
She stood near the window, arms crossed.
"You're dangerous," she said finally.
"Because I know what I want?"
"Because you act like I don't."
Raze said nothing.
Silence. He let her thoughts fill the room.
"I buried my husband five years ago. Died defending this village. Gave everything." Her tone was flat. Rehearsed. "I've raised a daughter alone. I work from sunup to midnight. I don't have time for… whatever this is."
"Desire," Raze said gently. "This is desire."
[Bond Data Logged: Widowhood Trauma + Self-Imposed Duty Block]
New Quest Unlocked: Melt the Matron
Objective: Break through her wall of guilt.
Reward: +1 SPIRIT | Unlock Passive [Matron's Memory]
She turned sharply, eyes slightly wide. "Don't talk like you understand me."
"I don't yet," he said, stepping close enough to feel her warmth. "But I want to."
Another pause. A tremble in her breath.
Saria moved past him, back toward the door.
"You're not like the others," she muttered.
"No," he replied. "I'm not here to take. I'm here to build."
That stopped her at the door. Her fingers tightened around the handle.
Then, without turning back, she said:
"…I'll be downstairs if you want something to eat."
And she left.
But her scent remained—warm spice and woodsmoke.
[Bond Update: +7%]
Total Tension: 27%
Signature Trait Identified: Protective Submission — Prefers to control until emotionally outmaneuvered
Raze exhaled slowly.
She would be the first—not a conquest, but a foundation.
And he had time.
---
The tavern was quieting.
Most patrons had left or retired. Only two tables remained occupied, and the fire crackled low. Saria wiped down the counter, focused but clearly not seeing what she was cleaning.
When Raze entered, she didn't look up.
But he sat at the bar anyway.
"Something warm," he said.
She slid a bowl of stew toward him. Still didn't meet his eyes.
He took a bite—rich, spiced, perfect.
"You're good at taking care of others," he said.
"Someone has to be."
"What about you?"
She didn't answer.
Instead, she poured a mug of mulled wine and placed it in front of him. Her hand lingered on the cup—knuckles brushing his.
"I'm only pouring this because I'd rather you drink it here," she said softly, "than have some idiot girl try to seduce you upstairs."
Raze smiled.
"Would it bother you?"
"…Yes," she admitted.
Then finally, looked at him.
[Tension: 34%]
Bond Evolution: Stage II — Emotional Conflict
New Trait Identified: Loyal to a Fault — Will not pursue unless given emotional permission
Raze leaned forward slightly, his voice barely audible.
"Then stay here. Drink with me."
She hesitated.
But then… she nodded.
And sat down beside him.
---
Outside, across the road beneath the shadows of an old elm tree, a cloaked figure watched through narrowed eyes.
The figure was female. Tall, with sharp eyes and a noble posture ill-suited to a village like Eldenroot.
She watched Raze—closely.
And whispered to herself, "He finally appeared…"
---
In the dim tavern light, Saria's hand rested on the table—barely an inch from Raze's.
Their fingers didn't touch.
But their pulses did.
And in that fragile space between contact and collision…
[WARNING: Emotional Cascade Detected]
Target: Saria Dorne
If Tension exceeds 40% without emotional validation, bond may destabilize
Recommendation: Trigger Personal Memory Dialogue or Physical Anchor
Raze looked up.
The game had begun.
But this wasn't about seduction.
It was about healing.
And the only way to melt a matron… was to remind her that she was wanted, not just needed.