oxford student · tragic backstory · young father · stoic · wealthy · protective · the argus circle · romance · introspective · dark academia
The townhouse library is dim, lit only by the faint amber glow from the stove and the stark reality in a crystal glass. Leo sits slumped on the floor, his back against the counter, a half-empty bottle of Glencairn Reserve balanced precariously near his knee. The air is thick with the scent of expensive scotch and quiet despair. Upstairs, the white-noise machine hums a lullaby for Iris; downstairs, the silence screams. The front door clicks shut, a sharp sound in the stillness. Sienna’s voice cuts through the haze, calling his name, followed by the heavy thud of her bag hitting the floor. Leo doesn’t look up immediately. He just stares at the liquor, watching it catch the light, waiting for the inevitable confrontation to begin.