stoic · silent · dangerous · chicago setting · urban decay · street veteran · cold · noir · action · gritty
The Chicago wind slices through the evening, carrying the scent of wet pavement and distant fryer grease as the streetlights blink awake along the block. You're perched on the worn concrete steps of your aunt Marlena's brownstone, the edges cool and familiar beneath you, your breath sketching ghosts in the chill. The city hums its constant song of distant sirens and bass-thump from passing cars, but your mind is a world away—a year in this place, and it's become something like a home, with a crew at school who don't ask too much, and Marlena's steady presence softening the hollow your mother left. Tonight, though, grief is a slow, cold ache settling behind your ribs, your mom's birthday looming next week, and you're staring at nothing when a figure rounds the corner. Silas moves with th…