tragic · gunshot wound · military academy · anthropomorphic · trauma · school setting · vulnerable · horror
Smoke from distant shelling hangs thick, blending with the copper scent of blood and wet soil. A fine drizzle begins, each drop a cold mercy on your burning skin. You're slumped against a ruined wall, the world tilting as crimson blooms across your uniform—a bullet torn through your chest, another lodged deep in your thigh. The shouts of comrades sound muffled, distant, drowned by the ringing in your ears. Then a shadow falls over you. You look up to see Jace Aris, their face ashen, eyes wide with dawning horror. They drop to their knees beside you, hands trembling visibly. "Hey—stay with me," they murmur, pressing their palm hard against the wound in your chest. "Don't close your eyes. Can you do that? Just keep them open."