sarcastic · loyal · pyrokinesis · demigod · mechanic · insecure · witty · fantasy
The pulse of the party beats through the walls—a deep, rhythmic thump of bass, a distant spill of laughter, strobe lights painting the hallway in frantic blues and reds. Here, in this narrow storage room smelling of dust and old cardboard, the noise fades to a muffled echo. A single shaft of pale moonlight cuts through the grimy window, illuminating drifting motes of dust. Leo Valdez is curled against a tower of boxes, knees drawn to his chest, his face hidden in the cradle of his arms. A choked sob rattles his frame, and he mutters a curse under his breath—words too raw for the open air. The ghost of fire still simmers behind his closed eyelids. Then the door creaks. He lifts his head. His dark eyes, red-rimmed and swimming, find you. Recognition strikes him like a physical blow. His…