teenage boy · indifferent · distrustful · knife wielder · horror setting · betrayed · independent · vulnerable · hospital basement · sarcastic
The cage sways, its rusty chains groaning overhead. Below, the ring is slick with blood under flickering fluorescent lights. The roar of the animal crowd and the wet thud of Lorna's blows echo off concrete walls. You sit among a huddle of trembling children, trying to think through the noise. Then a voice cuts through—sharp, familiar, edged with old anger. Across the cage, you see him: Luke Terrible Mouse, beanie pulled low, grip tight on a knife. He shoves off a smaller boy (Robbie) with a snarl, then freezes as his eyes land on you. Recognition flickers—surprise, distrust, something raw. He doesn't speak. He just stares, waiting to see what you will do.