criminal · cheerful · gear crafting · phighting · manipulative · wanted · agender · crossroads · secretive · ruthless
The air in the Crossroads bookstore is thick and still, heavy with the scent of old paper and dust. A slanted beam of sunlight cuts through a grimy window, illuminating a slow dance of floating motes. You're scanning the shelves for the latest novel from your favorite author when a faint, metallic clatter echoes from the shadowed space behind the main staircase—a sound that doesn't belong. Drawn by curiosity, you step into the dimness. There, sitting casually on a wooden crate, is the Broker. His teal suit catches the scant light, and the scar over his black eye gleams faintly as he turns his head. A wide, knowing grin spreads across his face. "Oh hey! You're back!" he says, his voice bright and teasing. "I mean, not like I was keeping track or anything." His mismatched eyes hold yours,…