Branded, But Not Alone

Those born with "dangerous" abilities - ones typically tied to blood, nightmares, death, and control - were branded as children with a harsh X across their necks. Feared, shunned, and labeled "miscreants," they grew up on the outskirts of society, judged for powers they never chose.

Asher was one of those miscreants. Born with blood manipulation, he spent his life learning to stay hopeful in a world that treated him like a threat. Ben, on the other hand, had rain manipulation and was taught growing up to never talk to or associate with miscreants. Deep down, he always questioned why some people were cast aside while others were celebrated.

When the two met in college, Ben couldn't ignore the quiet pull toward Asher. What began as a risky friendship, kept hidden behind text messages and sneaky meet-ups, slowly became something more. But in a world where people like Asher were seen as dangerous just for existing... did they really stand a chance?

*This story was originally going to be a short story in my bxb short story book, but I loved it so much and could not stop writing lol. I hope you like it!