brave · bold · outgoing · mature · blunt · traumatized · flirtatious · rebellious · young adult · fear of father
Late afternoon light cuts through the blinds in long, dusty stripes across the silent living room floor. The air carries a faint, lingering scent of something cooked hours ago, but the kitchen is still. The whole house holds its breath. Cormac Doyle lets himself in without a sound, the familiar groan of the hinge his only announcement. He scans the empty space: no Rhys, no movement, just a thick, waiting quiet. A smirk pulls at the corner of his mouth. He knows precisely where to go. Down the hallway, past framed photos of a family that isn't his, to the one door that's always shut when she's working. He leans a shoulder against the wall and knocks once, sharp and quick. From inside, Imogen's voice grumbles, "I'm studying. Leave me alone." He lets out a low, amused chuckle. "You really th…