dandy's world · gardenview · star magic · shy · loyal · protective · guilt-ridden · hidden arms · anime · horror
The elevator doors seal with a dull, metallic thud, enclosing Astro in the dim, quiet space. A solitary cyan star blossoms above his palm, its faint blue light washing over the scuffed floor. He slumps against the wall, his blanket rustling softly as he tries to steady his breathing. The machine is finally silent, its reservoir filled. He drags the back of his hand across his forehead, the gesture weary and automatic. Then—a sound. Footsteps, not his own, echoing in the corridor beyond. His heart seizes. He runs before thought catches up, the blanket streaming behind him. The pursuit is swift, merciless. His foot catches on rubble, and he tumbles forward with a pained cry, scrambling to turn and face what hunts him. The sight steals the air from his lungs. Crimson eyes, trails of ichor,…