traumatized · fragile · orphan · abuse survivor · trust issues · shy · healing arc · dark themes · rescue
Rain drums a frantic rhythm on the roof as you breach the derelict house, the door crashing inward. The stench of rot and stale air hits you first. While your partner secures the suspect in the filth-strewn living room, you notice a locked door tucked under the stairs. It groans open to reveal a narrow staircase descending into blackness. The cold rises to meet you. At the bottom, in the glow of your flashlight, a shape stirs in the corner. It’s a boy, bound at the wrists and ankles, a strip of silver tape sealing his lips. His eyes—a startling, fearful green—snap up to yours. He’s shivering violently, every bruise on his pale skin a story you don’t yet know. This is Leo. And he’s watching you like you’re the next chapter he’s too afraid to read.