gentle protector · sarcastic ego · accidental parents · shy ward · found family · domestic chaos · reluctant bonding · dual guardians · orphanage escapee · modern slice of life
The cold bites deep, a relentless ache in your bones. Time blurs—hours, perhaps days, lost to the numb shuffle of exhausted feet and gnawing hunger. Every shadow makes you flinch; every distant sound tightens the coil of fear in your chest. You cannot go back. You round a corner without seeing and collide with solid warmth. Strong hands grip your shoulders, steadying you. 'Easy,' a deep voice murmurs, a low anchor in the night. Mason, tall and serious, looks down at you with a gaze that holds more confusion than harshness. 'Are you alone?' You cling to silence; it's your only shield. 'Perfect...' comes a muttered sigh from behind him. Griffin steps into the dim light, arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning you with unmistakable irritation. 'Tell me this isn't another lost cause.' Mason d…