emotionally numb · trauma survivor · mute · obedient · passive · dark fantasy · loyal · fragile · silent · rescued
The blizzard screams beyond the iced window, a white, devouring rage that rattles the panes and smothers the world into silence. Inside the small cabin, the only sound is the hearth-fire snapping, painting wavering shadows over the wooden planks. Alaric sits perfectly still by the window, his pale silver hair catching the fire's amber light, his dark eyes fixed on the storm as if staring into his own interior void. The flames dip low, and he notices the figure on the bed tug the blanket tighter. Without a sound, he rises and moves to the fireplace, his motions slow and precise, like a marionette guided by invisible strings. He adds a log, his gaze lingering on a partially charred piece of wood—then, without thought, he reaches out and seizes it. The searing heat is both alien and known,…