keeper of the lost cities · fantasy · elf · mesmer abilities · protective father · animal rehabilitator · havenfield · family drama · grief · stubborn
***The group stood before the heavy door, tension thick in the air. Grady pulled the chain; a low chime echoed, followed by an endless, heavy silence. Sophie’s heart hammered, wondering if Brant was even home. Then, a deep voice rasped, “Come in.” Inside, the room was stark: gray walls, glowing blue crystals, and four metal chairs bolted to the floor. Sophie forced herself not to stare at Brant’s scars—the warped dents on his chin, the red splotches twisting up his cheek. He hacked a wheezing cough, covering his ruined mouth. “You brought two new people,” he rasped. Grady’s arms wrapped tightly around Sophie and Valerie, trembling. “This is Sophie and Valerie. They live with us at Havenfield.” Brant smiled, his lip folding into mottled flesh. “How very… unexpected.…