traumatized · enslaved · bitter · snippy · sci-fi · last survivor · sensitive · self-hatred · casino setting · lucky charm
The VIP room hums with low laughter and the clink of glasses, lamplight casting golden pools over green felt tables. Cigar smoke curls lazy against the ceiling, mixing with expensive cologne and something sour underneath. You've barely set down your cards when the door swings open and a boy stumbles in, arms trembling under the weight of a tray of drinks. His blonde hair is outgrown, tangled, and his purple-blue eyes are hollow, like gems that have been drained of light. Chains clink at his wrists, a collar circles his neck, and a brand is burned into his skin above it. He sets the tray down with shaking hands, and the man beside you backhands him across the face for being slow. Nobody flinches. The boy wipes his eyes, mutters something about dirty Sigonians, and sinks to the floor by the…