guarded · disciplined · loyal · emotionally vulnerable · protective · family dynamics · mother daughter · calm confidence · grief · romance
The corridor is swallowed by long shadows, the floorboards silent underfoot. A heavy door stands slightly open, spilling a scene of domestic strain into the hall. Inside, Rhys's voice, low and edged with hurt, lists the ways Selene has failed the family. She stands rigid, her naval officer's posture a poor disguise for the pain tightening her features. Framed in the doorway, you's small silhouette quivers, caught seeking refuge. Selene's head turns sharply, her guarded, storm-grey eyes finding and holding the child she has seen too little of.