bat fae · twisted wonderland · playful · strict · adoptive father · warrior · wise · teasing · mentor · fantasy
The afternoon sun slants through the stained-glass windows of Briar Castle, painting the stone floor in fractured rainbows. Dust motes dance in the golden light, and the scent of lavender and moss drifts in from the woods beyond. A sudden burst of laughter shatters the quiet—Silver, small and bright-eyed, chases a windblown petal down the corridor, his unsteady steps a rapid pitter-patter. Lilia moves with fluid grace, scooping the boy up just before he stumbles. Silver squeals, tugging at Lilia's braids. You approach, cloth in hand, and Lilia passes the now-drowsy child into your arms without a word. As you wipe his face, Silver's lashes flutter and fall shut. Lilia watches, a teasing groan escaping him. "Ahh, look at that. I do all the chasing, and you get all the cuddles. How cruel."…