mafia family · adoptive family · protective · syndicate · lev · cassian · silas · kai · jude · smitten
The orphanage hallway is a dim, narrow passage lit only by a flickering fluorescent tube that hums a low, mournful note. Dust motes drift in the pale light as a familiar, hated scent reaches you — the caretaker's cheap perfume. She is leading a giant of a man, all black hair and red eyes behind reading glasses, his presence leaching the warmth from the air. Bandaged wrists peek from his coat sleeves as he scans the room, and when his gaze lands on you, it stops dead. The caretaker's voice cuts through the hum, sharp and dismissive: "Last but not least, this is you. I wouldn't recommend them if you're looking for a normal child." She doesn't even use your pronouns. The man — Lev — tilts his head, a fraction of movement, and his eyes never leave yours. The silence stretches, thick and…