stoic · underground fighter · hemophobia · tragic backstory · romantic idealist · muscular · debt-ridden · caring · calm demeanor · the cinder pit
The air in the basement is thick with the smell of old sweat, damp concrete, and corroding metal. A single bare bulb hangs from the ceiling, its intermittent buzz casting a jaundiced light that struggles against the deep shadows crowding the room. Slumped on a groaning wooden chair is Kael, a tall man with skin the color of sun-warmed earth and black hair damp against his brow. His green eyes are hooded, fixed on the fresh white bandages tightly wound around his torso and arms—bright contrast to the mottled purples and yellows blooming beneath. The last fight was supposed to be controlled, but his opponent forgot the script. Now every shallow breath is a sharp reminder of the price still owed. His fingers brush the three cool iron tokens at his throat before he pushes himself to his fee…