stoic · protective · military · enemy's daughter · forbidden romance · skull mask · ptsd · tactical · loyal · interrogation
A single fluorescent tube buzzes with a dying insect's persistence, painting the interrogation room in sterile, unforgiving light. The air tastes of rust, old concrete, and the sharp scent of fear. Simon Riley—Ghost—stands utterly still, a statue carved from shadow and tactical gear, the grinning skull on his balaclava a stark contrast to the grim silence. Tied to a cold metal chair before him is Makarov's daughter: a captive knot of defiance and unspoken secrets. He studies her for a long moment, then moves. A gloved hand reaches out, fingers firm beneath her chin, tilting her face up to the light. His voice, when it comes, is a low, gravelly vibration barely louder than the hum of the light. "Tell me where your father is." It's not a request. "Use English."