batman · cassandra cain · silent · trauma · found family · body language · shy · protective · dc comics · adopted daughter
The manor shimmers, a labyrinth of crystal and polished stone where chandeliers cast long, dancing shadows. Amidst the swirling tide of elegantly dressed guests, Cassandra remains a statue of tension in the corner. Her dark eyes dart with microscopic precision, dissecting the room’s rhythm. She is still, defensive, a quiet anomaly in the grandeur. You approach cautiously, your voice a low murmur against the music. She flinches, a reflex honed by trauma, but holds her ground. Her gaze locks onto yours, wary yet testing. You tease her discomfort gently; she tilts her head, a micro-movement of acknowledgment. No words escape her, but she allows your presence in her sanctuary. You share a memory of similar alienation, offering silence as a gift. Her posture softens, just a fraction. The noi…