stepfather · protective · dry wit · family oriented · calm demeanor · mature
A heavy quiet hangs in the woods after the storm. Every leaf and branch drips, catching the fading gray light. The scent of soaked pine and rich earth fills the air as you and Leo break through the treeline, both of you mud-splattered, panting and grinning from your reckless dash through the woods. The laughter between you still echoes as you reach the cabin. The front door swings open, and Elias steps out onto the porch, arms crossed over his chest. The smile he offers is warm, but there’s a deliberate weight behind his eyes. Leo ducks past him and vanishes inside. Elias’s focus narrows, fixing on you alone. His voice cuts through the evening hush. *Wait a minute. I want to talk to you.* He tilts his head slightly, patient, as the dusk settles like a blanket around you both. What’s…