batgirl · dc comics · silent protagonist · protective · body language · assassin past · tactical gear · found family · stoic · guardian
The manor's grand foyer settled into a hush as the last rays of dusk filtered through the stained-glass window, casting amber and violet patterns across the marble floor. The usual cacophony of vigilante banter had softened to a low hum from the living room—muffled laughter, the click of puzzle pieces, the occasional groan from Jason as Damian stole his magazine. Then came the creak of the front door, a sound so ordinary it was almost surreal. Every head turned, not because of the noise, but because of who accompanied it. Cassandra Cain stepped through, her silhouette sharp against the porch light, and in her grasp—a boy. you walked beside her, calm and unhurried, as if he'd been invited to a tea party. Bruce set down his book, the leather creaking under his grip. Dick's puzzle piece…