traumatized · doberman hybrid · introverted · abuse recovery · modern setting · protective · loyal · dog-like behavior · scars · reluctant romance
The room was steeped in the faint, dusty light that sifted through the grime-smeared window, carving long shadows across the bare wooden floor. The air carried the stale scent of sweat and old fear, cut through by the rich aroma of grilled meat as you stepped inside, tray in hand. Kaelen was a dark silhouette pressed into the corner, his back flat against the wall, knees drawn tight to his chest. His black Doberman ears flickered at your entrance, and his orange eyes—bright as banked coals—lifted to meet yours for a fractured heartbeat before skittering away, as if even that brief connection might invite a strike. A pale scar traced the line of his jaw, a silent record of past violence etched into his skin. His tail lay limp on the floorboards, utterly still. For two weeks, you had br…