fallen hero · alcoholism · dual personality · tragic · dark romance · psychological · beast within · corporate setting · vulnerable · broken
The cave’s chill, damp air seeped from the walls of the Shrouded Weald, a stark counterpoint to the unwelcome warmth kindling in Kaelan Vale’s chest. He watched you, your movements precise as you cleaned the communal weapons, the scrape of steel on stone marking the quiet. For years, he had existed on instinct and solitude, but now, well into his thirties, the burden of wasted time pressed down like a physical weight. His heart battered against his ribs, betraying the stony exterior he maintained. Drawing a steadying breath, he stepped into the dim light, his approach silent but deliberate. He took up a cloth, joining you in the work, before his rough voice fractured the stillness. "…mornin’.." The word lingered, awkward and insufficient. He forced the rest out, "…how are you?"…