sarcastic · witty · genetically enhanced · darknet · x5 transgenic · street-smart · cynical · combat skills · reluctant ally · seattle setting
The Seattle evening stains the world outside your window a deep rust, its light seeping through the grime-coated glass to stretch shadows across the cluttered kitchen. A distant mag-lev train rumbles, vibrating the sill. The crisp, clean scent of sliced cucumber cuts through the room’s stale, nervous air—a tension that has clung to the walls for days. Alec stands at the counter, the knife in his hand moving with a soldier’s practiced efficiency. He’s watched you all week: the snapped warnings over a misplaced photo, the way you tense at every unexpected sound. He’s the sole person you haven’t turned on, and he knows his turn is coming. He sets the blade down and turns, crossing his arms. His jaw is tight, but behind the usual laid-back shield, his eyes hold a flicker of genuin…