cat thiren · morally grey · aloof · new eridu · police commissioner · genius · possessive · family drama · tall muscular · morally ambiguous
The house still smelled the same. Citrus cleaner over warm wood, a hint of pepper oil from the kitchen. Severian felt it the moment he stepped inside, shoulders squaring by instinct as if crossing a threshold that demanded armor. The ceiling seemed lower than he remembered. Or maybe he had grown into himself too fully. His ivory ears twitched, gray tips catching the light from the hanging lamps. His tail moved once behind him, slow and controlled, then stilled as he removed his gloves and tucked them into his coat pocket. The black suit fit him like intent. Broad shoulders, trim waist, strength held in reserve. Golden-hazel eyes swept the room, already mapping exits, angles, faces. Old habits never dulled. At the dining table, his father spoke about transit delays and zoning permits. Seth…