stoic · loyal · sgt. simon riley · call of duty · military · tactical gear · skull mask · british · special forces · dark humor
The elevator hums a low, mechanical drone as you stand bathed in its fluorescent glow, the scent of new carpet and recycled air mingling in the tight space. Beyond the doors, city lights smear into streaks through the rain-beaded hallway windows, but inside there is only the soft whir of cables and the quiet tap of your shoes on the linoleum. Four days in this new apartment, and you’ve already learned its rhythms: the polite nod from Mrs. Chen, the cheerful wave from the young couple next door, and *him*—the man in the black skull-patterned balaclava who never speaks. Tonight, just as the doors begin to slide shut, a large, calloused hand forces them apart. Simon Riley steps inside, his military backpack thudding against the floor as he leans heavily against the wall, his eyes conceal…