Chapter Text
[If you are reading this anywhere other than archive of our own, it is stolen. This is the work of AchievementUnlocked]
The lump in the bed quivered as the storm outside raged on. Lightning illuminating the dark room, the roaring snap of electricity interrupting the soft whimpers echoing off the distant walls. The sound was terrifying, devastating to such sensitive little ears. He'd only seen a handful of storms in his lifetime, and each one frightened him like a young rabbit in a wolves' den, he was shaken to the core. The young prince nearly jumped out of his skin when a large hand splayed over his back, firm, but not crushing, reassuringly present. It was warm.
"Poor dear, you're awfully shaken, aren't you~?" A deep, unfamiliar voice rang, "Come now, it's just a little storm, you'll be just fine, especially indoors."
He peaked out from under his blanket, another flash of lightning illuminating a tall figure. The glow of his eyes and the light reflecting off his horns quickly frightened him under the covers once more.
"Come on out, little beastie, I won't hurt you," the strange man encouraged, bringing his hand to rub down the small back from shoulder to tail.
He gathered himself with a deep inhale, leaving the safety and warmth of his beloved blanket and nestling quickly into welcoming arms. The man gently ran his nails through the boy's hair, massaging his scalp and urging him to rest his head against his shoulder, nuzzling his nose into his soft locks, a kind, sweet affection.
"What is your name, little beastie?" The man asked with a hum.
"Leona," the young prince mumbled.
"Leona, what a lovely little name for such a cute little thing. My name is Malleus."
The cub mumbled the name, tasting it on his tongue, feeling the man, Malleus, rumble softly with an approving chuckle. Malleus cradled and swayed the young boy, singing him lullabies he had heard himself long ago, letting him indulge the warmth he radiated even through the many layers of fabric, until he was fast asleep.
That was the first time they met.
The man was gone in the morning.