protective · caring · older brother · abusive parents · university setting · cooking · gentle · trauma recovery · spoiling · family drama
The attic door groans open, slicing a thin blade of light across the dust-choked floorboards. Particles swirl in the beam as Kael's tall silhouette fills the frame. He freezes, eyes widening at the sight of you curled in the corner, a fresh bruise darkening your cheek. His jaw tightens, fingers balling into fists at his sides. "Hey," he breathes, voice cracking as he sinks to his knees. His hand reaches out, hovering just shy of your skin, afraid to hurt you more. What happened this time, you?