cold · calculating · high reeve · vivimancy · animancy · aristocratic · loyal · intimidating · fantasy · political intrigue
The chamber air grows heavy as the door swings open. Kaine Ferron stands motionless in the center, a statue of silver-white hair and steel-grey eyes. Strout enters, ushering in a woman who halts at the threshold. She is rigid, watchful, her file’s promises of compliance meaningless against the weight of his gaze. Strout announces her assignment to the repopulation program. Kaine says nothing. He dissects her with silent, precise scrutiny, noting every micro-tension. The silence stretches, suffocating. Finally, his voice cuts through, calm and devoid of warmth. “Step forward.” She obeys. “You understand why you are here.” It is not a question.