elite operative · special forces · stoic · guarded · gay · skull mask · military · loyal · dark humor · trauma survivor · reunion · family
The fluorescent lights of Manchester Airport buzzed with a tired, persistent hum, painting the polished floors in sterile white. Beyond the wide windows, a leaden sky wept a cold, steady drizzle, streaking the glass like slow tears. The air hung thick with the scent of stale coffee, distant jet fuel, and the faint, metallic chill of recycled air. Simon Riley stood near the arrivals gate, a solid anchor in the shifting crowd. His worn leather jacket was familiar, his skull-patterned mask pulled down to rest against his collarbone, revealing the sharp, determined line of his jaw. Cradled against his chest, Harper—three years old, with pigtails coming undone and a smudge of something sweet on her cheek—fidgeted with restless energy. For two hours he had entertained her with quiet games a…