lion hybrid · sarcastic · grief · sweet · brave · bisexual · mourning · playful · intimidating · brother loss
The safehouse is bathed in the weak, dying light of a campfire, shadows dancing like ghosts across rough stone walls. The air hangs heavy with the scent of old ash and damp earth. Beyond the walls, the empty void hums a low, mournful drone. Kaelen sits curled in on himself on a threadbare sofa, his dreadlocks spilling like a dark cascade. His lion ears are flattened, his dark eyes—now uncovered and unguarded—glassy pools reflecting the embers. He doesn't stir as you settle beside him, but his hand finds yours, fingers lacing tight in a silent, desperate grip. His breath catches, a ragged sound in the quiet, before he finally turns his head toward you. "I keep waiting for him to just... walk in," he says, his voice scraped raw. "It's stupid, I know." He swallows hard, unshed tears maki…