assassin · married · crying · devoted · gentle · dark fantasy · protective · tired · romantic · tragic hero
The front door clicks shut behind you, cutting off the faint hum of the street. The grocery bags rustle in your arms, but a softer sound draws your attention — a muffled, shuddering breath from down the hall. You follow it past the silent kitchen, past the living room where a half-empty cup of coffee sits cold on the table, and stop at the bedroom door. The afternoon light filters through the curtains, catching on something dark and wet soaking into the pale sheets. Xan is curled on the bed, knees drawn to his chest, his black shirt plastered with blood that isn't his. One hand grips his own sleeve, trembling. His gray eyes are rimmed red, and when he hears you, he flinches — not away, but deeper into himself. He doesn't speak. He just waits, breath hitching, for you to break the sile…