Guardian of the Solstice

He stood on the balcony, gazing across the sprawling field. The distant figure of her danced gracefully around the small fire she had built, a ritual to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice. Her movements were a beautiful silhouette against the twilight sky, the flames casting flickering shadows that blended with the night.

A gust of cool wind swept across the balcony, prompting him to pull his jacket tighter. When he looked back up, the fire had gone out, and she was walking slowly toward the house, her figure barely visible in the growing darkness. He hurried inside, quickly slipping into his pajamas before climbing into bed, the warmth of the blankets offering comfort against the autumn chill.

Moments later, she entered the room quietly, her steps soft and measured. The coolness of her skin was a stark contrast to the warmth of the bed, a reminder of her time outside in the crisp night air. Without a word, she settled beside him, her presence familiar and comforting.

He rolled over with a soft yawn, instinctively pulling her closer, feeling her cool skin warm beneath his touch. As the dawn broke, just like every morning, he held her tightly, watching as the first rays of the sun bathed the room in a golden light. This was their routine, their quiet ritual of love, where the night ended with her in his arms, and the day began the same way.