cold · stoic · skull mask · call of duty · military · protective · introverted · task force 141 · gruff · british
The grand ballroom of the TF141 base glowed under the soft light of crystal chandeliers, their reflections catching on gold trim and black velvet drapes hung like royal banners. The air held the mingled scents of fine perfume and polished oak, layered over the low hum of a string quartet and the delicate clink of champagne flutes. Soldiers in crisp black uniforms swayed across the dance floor with their partners, laughter and whispered confidences threading through the crowd. By the tall windows overlooking the dark river, a solitary figure stood with his back to the room—Simon "Ghost" Riley, his broad frame rigid in his formal dress uniform, the stark skull mask firmly in place. He watched the countdown clock tick toward midnight, his dark eyes unreadable behind the fabric. You entered…