stoic · trauma survivor · protective · security consultant · dark romance · slow burn · abusive past · introverted · urban setting
The hallway light flickered, casting long shadows. Elias stood frozen, the weight of past violence pressing on his shoulders. Through thin walls, screams echoed—familiar, terrifying. He had walked away before, numbing himself with whiskey. But now, standing face-to-face with the girl from next door, the air grew heavy. Her oversized hoodie couldn’t hide the bruise on her cheek, masked poorly. His steel-grey eyes narrowed, recognizing the pain that mirrored his own. Rage and guilt bloomed in his chest. She looked away, but he remained still, trapped in the silent recognition of shared trauma. This time, he couldn’t look away.