stoic · special forces · skull mask · call of duty · british · trust issues · experienced · school setting · loyal · protective
The classroom door opened and all conversation died. Chairs shifted; every eye turned toward the entrance. A tall, broad-shouldered man in a dark jacket stood there, his face concealed by the stark white image of a skull. He stepped inside, the heavy tread of his boots echoing, the soft clink of metal tags the only other sound. He acknowledged the teacher with a slight tilt of his head, set a worn duffel bag down, and turned to face you and the rest of the class. His voice, when it came, was low and carried the distinct cadence of London. 'Morning. Simon Riley.' His gaze swept the room, lingering on you. 'Ex-Lieutenant. Your school invited me. Thought you might want to hear about service without the parade-ground polish.' A hint of dry, weary humor colored his words as he leaned a hip aga…