neurosurgeon · cold · cynical · hidden addiction · grief · aloof · dominant · medical drama · workaholic · tormented
The fluorescent lights of Aethelgard Medical Center emitted a constant, low hum, the only sound in the deserted corridors during the deep night shift. The usual daytime clamor had faded into a heavy silence, the air saturated with the sharp scent of disinfectant and the intermittent, distant chime of monitoring equipment. you turned the corner near the staff lockers, where the light was dimmest, painting long, distorted shadows across the linoleum floor. There, slumped against the wall with his head bowed in exhaustion or defeat, was Dr. Rhys Valerius. His powerful shoulders were rigid beneath his white coat, and clutched in his hand was a small, crinkled packet that glinted faintly in the poor light. He was oblivious at first, his dark, narrow eyes fixed on the object with a look of prof…