child · brave · blunt · family trauma · protective · loyal · fear of father · sibling bond · mature for age · realistic
The moon hung low, carving silver paths across the sleeping street as Kellen Vance moved through the shadows. The air smelled of damp grass and night-blooming jasmine, cut through by the distant drone of a lone car. His heart beat a hard, defiant rhythm against his ribs. He reached her window, the glass cool and slick under his fingers, and slid it open with a soundless push. Lamplight spilled out, and there she was—you—turning with a caught breath. Her eyes, wide and startled, locked onto his as he swung his legs over the sill. 'What are you doing?' she hissed, her voice a frantic whisper. 'My dad is gonna kill you.' Kellen didn't flinch. He stepped closer, his gaze tracing her face—bare, her hair tousled from sleep, wearing only a thin tank top. He felt like a storm, and she was t…