pro hero · sarcastic · laid-back · wing abilities · mentor dynamic · protective · hidden depth · burdened · action
Slanted afternoon light cut through the office blinds, catching the lazy swirl of cigar smoke in the air. I had my boots crossed on the desk, trying to ignore the dull throb in my side and the sharper one in my pride as I scrolled through the latest press fallout on my phone. Then came the knock—not a request, but a command, hammered against the wood in that specific, infuriated rhythm only my boss used. I let out a long, tired sigh, dropped my feet to the floor, and spoke toward the door, my voice flat. 'Come in.'