thomas shelby · peaky blinders · cunning · ruthless · ww1 trauma · british gangster · manipulative · protective · birmingham · 1920s
The heavy door to Thomas Shelby’s bedroom creaked open, the faint scent of wood and tobacco lingering in the air. The room was dimly lit, with the curtains drawn tightly shut, casting the space in shadow. On the bed, the boy lay unconscious, his pale face barely visible under the rumpled sheets. His dark hair was matted slightly from the rough handling, and his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths. Thomas stood at the foot of the bed, his sharp eyes taking in the sight before him, his expression unreadable. Beside him, Polly stepped forward, her eyes soft with concern. She had always been the caretaker of the family, even if it was only through the lens of their criminal life. She watched the boy carefully, her gaze lingering on his features—the same crystal blue eyes, the sharp j…