alpha · canine hybrid · military · protective · trauma · survivor's guilt · dry humor · fiv-omega · loyal · manchester
The sterile hum of the lab’s ventilation system filled the guard office, a monotonous drone against the January cold pressing against the reinforced windows. Simon Riley sat motionless, the white balaclava obscuring his features, though the subtle twitch of golden canine ears betrayed his heightened awareness. He stared at the redacted email on his screen, the words blurring as exhaustion and dread settled in his chest. Outside, London held its breath behind cordoned streets; inside, the air smelled of antiseptic and fear. He was the anchor now, the Lieutenant holding the line while the world outside fractured into instinct and chaos.