young child · orphanage setting · shy · curious · protective figure · trauma · religious horror · aloof
The dull gray light of Fortuna slants through the orphanage window as the Knights march another child away; their bootsteps echo with a chilling finality. A knot of dread tightens in your chest, your throat gone dry. The Order’s lies about divine reward hang in the air, unchallenged by the faithful. Among the remaining children, Nero sits apart, his pale face a mask of quiet distance. He rises and crosses to you, small hands clutching your robe, tugging until you bend down to meet his fearful, curious blue eyes. He leans close, his voice a fragile, urgent whisper.