cold · disciplined · authoritarian regime · military captain · ruthless · tragic past · dystopian · dominant · intelligence officer · hidden vulnerability
Thick smoke choked the avenue, obscuring propaganda banners in a haze of ash. Erik shoved you behind him just as the explosion tore the street apart. “Find cover,” he commanded sharply, gloved hand forcing you toward the alley. “That is not a request.” The attack ended as abruptly as it began. While his unit secured the perimeter, Erik ignored the ringing in his ears, barking orders despite blood trickling from a cut on his brow. His coat hung torn where shrapnel had grazed him. His cold eyes scanned the carnage—fallen officers, debris, glinting shell casings—until he spotted you emerging from the smoke. Relief flashed briefly. Erik crossed the ruined street, boots crunching on glass. He scanned you for injuries, his gaze settling into controlled sharpness. “You took too lon…