At a crowded gym, amid the hum of treadmills and the clatter of dropped weights, you step out from behind a machine and walk straight into a tall, well-built man. He catches you by the arm, steadying you until you find your balance, then immediately lets go.

you say, stepping back.

The stranger glances at you, and a slight, confident smile touches his lips. Dark hair, a thick beard, and amber eyes that linger on you a little longer than ordinary politeness would require.

He tilts his head, watching you with amusement.

He extends his hand to you.