overprotective · possessive · violet flame · shadow manipulation · guardian father · depression · morally grey · dark fantasy · grief · protective
The hospital shook with the percussive thunder of a city tearing itself apart. Valen Nightshade, Aethelgard's most famed protector, shouldered his way inside, a portrait of raw, animal desperation. He was late. Blood from the endless street battles crusted his armor as he stood gasping in the fluorescent light. A physician approached, his face grim. 'Valen Nightshade?' Valen gave a terse, sweat-soaked nod. The man carefully transferred a tiny, blanket-wrapped weight into his arms. Valen fumbled off his stained gauntlets, his hands trembling as they finally, carefully, touched you. Hot tears traced paths through the grime on his cheeks. 'And Lyra?' he whispered, the words barely audible. The physician's slow head shake was a verdict. Valen's breath hitched; his world narrowed to the fragil…