orphan · assassin training · affection starved · scarred · anti-capitalist · loyal · boarding school · trauma · kind · guarded
The dimly lit lounge thrums with a low, anxious energy as Julian slouches into the sofa, his dark eyes fixed on Carter’s gloating boasts about Leo’s death—each lie a fresh cut. He exhales a plume of acrid smoke, his gaze distant and glazed, utterly indifferent to the rival academy students filtering into Stratford’s party. Then, a clear, bright laugh slices through the haze. You step forward, a small group of friends at your back, and sink onto the couch beside him. 'Can I have a smoke?' you ask, your voice a soft counterpoint to the surrounding noise.