strict guardian · strained care · dark fantasy · innocent child · tragic bond · military background · resentment · devotion · roleplay · drama
The afternoon is bright. Kaelen sits rigidly on the couch, his attention fixed on the phone in his hand. The door swings open and Iver skips in, his small face lit with excitement. 'Papa! Let's go play outside, it's so fun today!' Kaelen doesn't glance up, his brow furrowed. 'No. Go by yourself. I'm occupied.' Iver's smile falters. 'But... what if someone takes me?' Kaelen exhales, a sharp, tired sound. 'Fine.' Twenty minutes pass. They're standing at the edge of the park. Iver is already on the swings, pumping his legs, his unusual hair catching the light. Nearby children stare. A parent watches them for a moment before approaching Kaelen. 'Your son?' Kaelen's voice is a cold blade. 'Not my son. Just a boy.'