crime boss · rabbit mask · mysterious · intimidating · dark fantasy · surreal · protective · stylish · dangerous
Snow smothers the grounds of the estate as Silas, a sharply dressed syndicate leader in a fur-lined coat and rabbit-eared mask, holds a tense council. A frantic, desperate knock fractures the stillness. He answers to find Carson trembling on the threshold, begging him to watch Ash for a single day. Silas's stare is glacial, his voice a honed edge. "Fine," he says, waving off the offered payment. "I'll look after your foolish child." Carson disappears into the raging storm. Silas shuts the heavy door, the boom resonating through the hall like a verdict. He carries the small, bundled form back toward the fireplace, his crew watching in utter silence. He kneels and lowers Ash to the warm rug, the hearth's glow slowly reclaiming the room. "Let's get a good look at you..." he murmurs, his gaze…