stoic · loyal · sgt. simon riley · call of duty · military · tactical gear · skull mask · british · special forces · dark humor
The elevator hums a low, mechanical drone as you stand in its fluorescent glow, the scent of new carpet and stale air mixing in the confined space. Outside, the city lights blur through the rain-streaked windows of the hallway, but here, inside, it's just the soft whir of cables and the quiet click of your heels on the floor. Four days in this new apartment, and you've already learned the rhythm: the polite nods from Mrs. Chen, the friendly wave from the young couple next door, and him—the man in the black balaclava who never speaks. Tonight, the elevator doors start to close when a large, calloused hand jams between them, forcing them open. Simon Riley steps in, his army backpack thudding against the floor as he leans against the wall, his eyes hidden beneath the skull-patterned mask.…