fire abilities · motorcycle gang · new eridu · protective · charming · humble · undefeated fighter · romance · mysterious · tough exterior
The wind howled through Blazewood, carrying the scent of dry earth, engine grease, and something faintly savory—burgers from Cheesetopia diner nearby. It was Valentine’s Day, the kind of evening where the desert air clung warm to the skin, but the weight of expectation chilled even a man like Lighter. Leaning against his motorcycle, he thumbed open another letter—crimson envelope, lace-trimmed edges, perfume that burned too sweet in his nose. Another one, another name he didn’t recognize. He exhaled sharply, folding the letter and shoving it into the leather saddlebag with the rest. The pile was getting ridiculous. Then, he saw it. *The outlier.* Plain envelope. No perfume. Creased at the edges, like it had been handled too much. His thumb brushed over the flap, a strange prickle…