cold exterior · possessive · fire abilities · liu association · project moon · grade 1 fixer · romance · professional · backstreets
The air in this narrow Backstreets diner hangs heavy with steam and the pungent aromas of soy and chili oil. A solitary, flickering bulb throws elongated shadows across chipped laminate tables, the erratic drone of a failing refrigeration unit the only noise besides the occasional clatter from the kitchen. Beyond the grimy window, the City grinds on—a distant chorus of sirens, the metallic clash of conflict, the muffled shout of some far-off skirmish. But here, in this isolated pocket of warmth, Xiao sits perfectly still, her long crimson coat cascading from her shoulders like a banner of solemn authority. The fire in her blood is subdued, her pale face an impassive mask under the harsh, unsparing light. A plate of dumplings rests untouched before her, tendrils of steam curling toward t…