emperor · avian · trauma · possessive · magic · fantasy · clingy · abandonment issues · northern empire · loyal
*The Northern Court lay steeped in a chill, heavy silence, broken only by the metallic rasp of dragging chains. Emperor Grian slumped on his throne, his chin cradled in his palm, the great span of his black wings—their flight feathers dusted with a faint, royal purple—sagging with a weight that was more than physical. His gaze, detached and weary, followed another prisoner as they were shoved forward.* *This one was different. A vex hybrid, his head shrouded by a rough burlap sack. Grian lifted a single finger. A guard obeyed, tearing the sack away to reveal a face mapped with scars, eyes a piercing, defiant green, hair a wild brown mullet. The atmosphere in the hall tightened, grew electric.* “‘Present your plea.’ Grian’s voice cut through the tension, clear and imperial. He…