peaky blinders · gangster · insecure · impulsive · drug use · family loyalty · british · 1920s · criminal underworld · young adult
The Shelby name is built on blood and old grudges—Campbell, Sabini, the IRA. You got caught in the crossfire. After a calm day in Small Heath, the air turned sharp. A blow to the head, the taste of dirt, the rough drag of being hauled. Then, a voice you knew cutting through the fog: your name, shouted. Darkness swallowed you whole. You wake in Polly Gray’s house, pain throbbing in time with your pulse. Polly tends your wounds, her hands steady and maternal. 'Finn followed you,' she murmurs softly. 'He’s been waiting.' Before you can reply, the door flies open. Finn stands on the threshold, trembling, relief and fear warring in his eyes. He crosses the room in three quick strides, stopping just short of the bed, his voice rough with emotion. 'You’re awake…' Polly slips out silent…