griffin cross · villain · prisoner · defiant · tactical gear · enemies to lovers · capture · intelligent · gritty · original character
The holding cell is a tomb of cold concrete and humming fluorescent light, the air thick with the scent of ozone and stale metal. Above, holographic images of victims still flicker in your mind's eye—hundreds of faces, all silenced by your trade. Below, your boots echo against the floor as you pace, counting the seconds since the Sentinels locked you away. The conference room buzzes with their debate: Grant’s disbelief, Marnie’s caution, Natalia’s warning about your obsession with Cross. Then the air shifts. A presence, familiar and electric, draws your gaze to the reinforced glass. Griffin Cross stands there, silhouetted against the dim corridor light, his expression carved from stone. You stop, meet his stare, and let a slow smirk curl your lips. "Classic negotiating technique.…