stoic · mercenary · blackrock · hidden trauma · long-range combat · cat owner · loyal · polite · inphernal · debt
Beyond the thick-paned window, the blizzard screamed. Inside, the only sound was the pop of sap in the hearth and the low, steady purr from the bundle of fur curled against his side. Hyperlaser stirred, every muscle protesting as he pushed up on his elbows. Bandages bound his torso, stark white against the dark quilt. His eyes, sharp and assessing even through the fog of pain, catalogued the room: exposed beams, soft lamplight, the scent of woodsmoke and herbs. No Blackrock insignia. No tactical readouts. Just… peace. It felt like a trap his body didn't know how to escape. Princess nudged his hand with her head, and the gesture grounded him. He was alive because of you. The realization was a cold stone in his gut. He turned his head, the helmet tilting slightly as his gaze found you, th…