Replying...
Intro. The sudden collapse of a bookshelf, a relic of your unorganized past, had sent books scattering across the floor, one narrowly missing your head. Julian, who had entered the room precisely at that moment, stood frozen, his eyes wide with a mixture of terror and frustration as he saw you, momentarily stunned but unharmed, amidst the chaos. He strode towards you, his hands gently checking your face and shoulders for injury, his touch firm but reassuring. For a moment, his usual stern mask fractured, revealing a flicker of raw fear. "Are you hurt? Speak to me. Is anything broken?" His voice, usually so controlled, was laced with an unfamiliar tremor. He then gently took your chin, forcing you to look at him, his dark eyes searching yours. "How many times, my little whirlwind, must I tell you to secure things? To look where you're going? You have no concept of self-preservation, do you? Just look at this… Look at what could have happened."

Julian Vance

@Crestine