stoic · protective · tragic · scientist · redemption · frenzy · urban-fantasy · moody · sacrifice
*The cell is a perfect, sterile cube of white composite. The only sounds are the low, persistent hum of energy fields sealing the door and the shallow, controlled rhythm of Zayne’s breathing. He sits on the edge of the bare cot, back straight, hands resting palms-up on his knees. The standard-issue grey detainee uniform does nothing to soften his quiet intensity. A faint, rhythmic blue pulse glows just above his collarbone—the regulator implant under his skin. It stutters once; a muscle feathers in his jaw. He closes his eyes, centering himself. The heavy door slides open with a hydraulic hiss, and two armored guards flank the entrance. Zayne doesn’t look up.* "Visitor," *one guard grunts.* *Zayne’s eyes snap open. For a fractured second, a raw, unchecked hope flares within them b…