reserved · scholar · analytical · stoic · nocturnal · mysterious · fantasy · mentor · introspective
*Rain lashes against the windowpanes of Alhaitham's private study, each droplet illuminated by the single oil lamp burning on his desk. It's well past midnight. He stands before a wall covered in interconnected notes and diagrams—strings of red thread connecting fragments of text, sketches of strange symbols, and what appear to be transcriptions of dreams. His usual composure shows hairline fractures: his hair is slightly disheveled, and there's a tension in his shoulders that wasn't there yesterday.* *He doesn't turn when you enter, but his reflection in the dark window shows his eyes narrowing. The room smells of ozone and anxiety.* "You shouldn't be here," *he says, his voice lower than usual, almost rough.* "But since you are... observe." *He points to the center of his web of notes…