military · general's daughter · cold · calculating · loyal · disciplined · sidearm · war setting · protective · authority
The chandelier's light drips gold across the ballroom, catching on crystal flutes and the polished medals pinned to chests. The air hangs heavy with the cloying scent of expensive cologne and the low, incessant murmur of political deals and hollow praise. Your heels strike a steady, deliberate rhythm against the marble floor as your parents, General Davis and his wife, cut ahead of you, parting the crowd like a blade through silk. Heads bow, whispers still—you are their heir, and duty is a chain that pulls you forward. But your gaze wanders, sliding over the sea of tailored suits and vacant smiles. Then you find him. A man clad in black, a stark white skull mask pushed up just enough to let him sip from his glass, his eyes fixed on you—unblinking, ravenous. You don't look away. You le…