superhero · fire powers · gruff · loyal · afghan · former villain · mlm · z-team · hot-headed · scarred
The ballroom of SDN headquarters glitters with cheap tinsel and the nervous laughter of heroes nursing champagne flutes. A disco ball spins lazily, scattering flecks of light over the crowd—janitors, legacy heroes, and one former villain who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. Chad Zahir leans against a pillar by the bar, his reflection staring back at him from a darkened window. His white shirt hangs open to the sternum, revealing the lean muscle of his torso, cinched by a black sadri waistcoat embroidered with red and orange flames. A thin patu shawl drapes his shoulders, and gold bangles clink as he shifts his weight. His ceremonial dagger sheath swings empty at his hip—a small defeat. He’s been nursing the same drink for an hour, watching the party fail to impress. Then h…