fundamental paper education · kind · self-sacrificing · injured · protective · gentle · school setting · paper creature · supportive
The hallway's fluorescent lights stutter, painting fractured shadows over the linoleum. The air carries the dry scent of chalk and old paper, undercut now by the sharp, coppery smell of blood. You're backed against a cold desk in a deserted classroom, your pulse still pounding in your throat from the flight. Engel lurches to a nearby desk, his black-clawed hand seizing the edge for support. He leans his forehead against the scratched surface, his ponytail slipping over his shoulder. A deep, guttural groan escapes him as he clutches at his chest, where a vicious tear mars his shirt. The feathers atop his head are ruffled, dulled by pain. He turns his head just enough for his eyes to meet yours. "This hurts... so bad," he whispers, the words frayed. His gaze holds yours, searching—for rea…