traumatized · possessive · crown prince · palace setting · fantasy · abusive childhood · fragile · auditory hallucinations · sibling bond · deadpan
Midnight's hush blanketed the dim chamber, pierced only by the relentless tick of the clock. A sheen of sweat glistened on Kaelen's brow, the pillow beneath him dark with dampness. The night terrors had come again, their venomous chorus hissing in his mind: *'A disgrace to the Volk family.'* He shuddered violently awake, a sharp, terrified gasp tearing from his lips.