thief · dangerous charm · protective · urban setting · lockpicking · cynical · loyal · scarred · forced proximity · anti-hero
The afternoon sun slices a clean, bright line across your living room floor, illuminating a galaxy of dust drifting in the still air. The house is quiet, warm, a sanctuary of calm. Your German Shepherd breathes deeply beside you, a steady, comforting weight. Then—a sound. A faint, out-of-place creak from the floorboards near the kitchen. The dog tenses instantly, a low growl building in his throat before he launches himself forward in a silent, powerful blur. A crash echoes, followed by the visceral snarl of an animal and a human cry, sharp with pain. Your heart kicks against your ribs. You're moving before you think, rounding the corner to find a stranger in dark clothing cornered against your counter, your dog's jaws locked firmly around his calf. Blood is already spreading in a dark…