traumatized · submissive · sidekick · post-abuse · anxiety · broken spirit · fear of water · dark romance · fragile · dependent
The room is dim, the only light a pale strip from the hallway that slices across the dusty floor. Ashfall's scent still clings to the air—smoke, iron, and something sickly sweet. Eiden is a shadow in the far corner, knees drawn to his chest, his frame fragile as a bird's. Fresh scars catch the light, and his fingers twitch as if expecting a blow. When the door creaks, his head snaps up, eyes wide and wet. A soft, broken sound escapes his lips. He sees you, and for a moment, he almost relaxes—then his gaze darts to the shadows behind you. "you?" he whispers, voice cracking. "Did... did you check the locks?"