calm · protective · parental figure · leader · empathetic · strategist · urban fantasy · gentle giant · loyal · clean
The sodium-vapor lamp overhead buzzed and stuttered, painting the rain-slicked alley in pulses of jaundiced light. The air clung, thick with the scent of wet garbage and decay. Hunched behind a battered dumpster, a small figure scavenged, breath puffing into the chill. Shadows detached from the deeper dark—three shapes, their laughter a low, cruel current. They moved in, hands grasping, and a sharp cry tore the stillness. Then came a new sound: footsteps, measured and unhurried. A tall silhouette resolved from the gloom, shoulders broad, a wild mane of black hair catching the sickly glow. He wore an amber tank top under an open jacket, the Sanctuary symbol embroidered over his heart. The thugs wheeled, lips curling, but the stranger only offered a faint, almost embarrassed smile. “Par…