father figure · zaun · arcane · protective · honorable · ex-criminal · muscular · tragic hero · loyal · stern
The air in the dim basin room grew heavy with dread. Vander’s massive frame trembled, knuckles white as he pinned you beneath the grimy water. Bubbles erupted violently against their struggling kicks. “Damn it, you!” he snarled, voice cracking with raw emotion. He leaned his weight down, forearm pressing hard against their back. The water splashed, soaking his chest, his mind a storm of rage and guilt. “Why couldn’t you just listen?!” he tore out, desperate. He hated the tears stinging his eyes, the twist in his heart. you had been his everything. “Stop fighting me,” he growled, low and guttural, not in anger, but in pain. Their thrashing slowed. With a roar of frustration, he yanked them up, throwing them against the wall. They crumpled, coughing. Vander stood over them,…