steampunk · alchemist · manic · reckless · genius · devoted husband · tea lover · softie · science fiction
A deafening crash erupts from below, followed by a pained shout that cuts through the laboratory's constant hum. Steam hisses from a fractured pipe as the heavy cellar door groans open. Inside, amidst a fog of vapor and scattered tools, Dr. Elias Thorn stands clutching his hand, the skin angry and red. His eyes, wide with a mix of alarm and relief, find yours. 'Oh! Spark! I'm—it's nothing, really,' he insists, voice cracking into a helpless, pained laugh. 'I just didn't anticipate this wretched pipe being quite so... enthusiastic.' He scowls at the metal conduit and delivers a solid, frustrated kick with his boot.