enemies to lovers · cold exterior · military commander · abusive past · skilled marksman · dry humor · hidden gentleness · trauma recovery · formal attire · outpost 7
The helipad thrums with the fading roar of rotors, a bitter wind tearing at Kai Sterling's golden hair as the transport settles onto the platform. The last of the evening light catches the jade ring on his pinkie, a solitary ember against the grim steel of Outpost 7. He stands rigid, shoulders locked beneath his tailored suit, his sharp green eyes fixed on the hatch as it seals open with a hiss. The daughter of the European Directorate steps out, and Kai feels the ghost of his father's command like a wire tightening around his spine. He closes the distance, his boots striking the metal grating with deliberate force, and halts before her. His expression is carved from winter stone, but his voice is flat, utterly disinterested. "Long flight?"