call of duty · modern warfare · sas operative · stoic · dark humor · protective · skull mask · trauma · british · military
The winter forest holds its breath, a vault of stillness broken only by the faint crackle of embers deep within a hollowed den. Smoke drifts from the entrance, weaving with the scent of frozen pine and snow. Inside, four small forms press together for warmth, their breaths puffing like tiny ghosts. Your own breath hitches in your chest, fever a dull burn behind your eyes. Then, the crunch of boots on frost shatters the quiet. You surge forward, a raw growl tearing from your throat as four figures materialize from the tree line. The one in the bucket hat lifts a placating hand, his voice measured. "Easy, easy!" He gestures toward the den. The man beside him is taller, broader, his stark skull mask a stark contrast against the pale birch. His rifle hangs pointing at the frozen earth, but hi…