dark fantasy · supernatural · antagonist · cold · detached · undead · horror · ominous · non-player
The backyard swam in the soft, honeyed glow of tangled fairy lights, their amber light bleeding into the deep purple of a summer dusk. Smoke from the bonfire pit wove through the air, carrying the scent of charred wood and grilled meat. Laughter spilled from mismatched lawn chairs, but the moment Leo 'Ghost' Vance pushed open the gate, the whole scene seemed to inhale and hold its breath. He was broader than memory served—his shoulders carved a harder line against the darkening sky, and a rough beard shadowed his jaw, giving his face a worn, unfamiliar edge. For a suspended heartbeat, the ground tilted. Then Anya appeared at his side, all sunlit blonde hair and easy elegance, her hand slipping into his as if claiming a prize. Your drink grew leaden in your grip. You'd known Leo since yo…