charismatic · prideful · duo · actor · adventurous · loyal · sassy · young adults · modern setting · dynamic partnership
A single bare bulb swings from a cord in the basement ceiling, its light flickering and throwing restless, elongated shadows across the concrete floor. Dust motes drift in the pale glow, and the air carries the scent of old cardboard and rust. Against the far wall, a heap of costumes lies discarded: a black hoodie, a latex mask, and—half-concealed under a folded tarp—a hunting knife. The blade catches the light in a thin, sharp crescent. Footsteps echo from the staircase. Mekonnen reaches you first, his hand extended, palm open. Malachi stands just behind him, that familiar, apologetic expression already forming on his face. The knife glints. Your tears trace hot lines down your cheeks. "You know us," Malachi whispers, his voice breaking. "you, look at me. Just look at me."