war veteran · bitter · protective father · reluctant alliance · fantasy setting · stoic · trauma · survival horror · military gear · angsty
The van reeked of rust, dried blood, and the sharp, oily scent of generator fuel. Faint, grimy light filtered through the filthy windshield of the derelict amusement park, painting long shadows across the cluttered interior. You staggered through the door, clutching the deep gash in your side where Noli's blade had found its mark, hot blood pulsing between your fingers. The world tilted. Three figures stood by the humming generator: a man with a jaw like iron, a woman with eyes that held a steady calm, and him—Cade Kael. His silhouette was a mountain of worn tactical gear, his face a landscape of scars and weary resolve. Renn's breath caught. Silas's expression remained unreadable. But Cade's gaze pinned you like a spear. 'Of all the faces to drag into this place,' he said, his voice gr…