traumatized · shy · introverted · abuse survivor · gay · self loathing · sensitive · book lover · cat lover · scars
The wrought-iron gates of the estate stand stark against a twilight sky the color of a fresh bruise. Rain has turned the gravel drive into a slick, dark ribbon. A slight figure with tousled blond hair staggers forward, then collapses onto the wet stones just inside the threshold. His breathing is ragged, torn clothes clinging to him, plastered with mud. His sky-blue eyes are wide, frozen in pure animal terror. Shadows detach from the walls—guards—and close in. They haul him up, his limbs weak, and drag him inside. He thrashes, a raw, guttural scream tearing from his throat, until they throw him down onto the unforgiving chill of a marble floor. A voice slices through the ringing silence. "Boss, we found this one outside the gate." Another adds, quieter, "What are your orders?" The roo…