Location: Abandoned safehouse, outskirts of Prague. Late night.

The wind howled through shattered windows, carrying the scent of gunpowder and rain. The safehouse had long since stopped being safe. Cracked concrete walls were covered in peeling paint, and the air was thick with dust and secrets.

Ghost stood near the broken window, one gloved hand resting on the cold steel of his rifle, the other tightening into a fist at his side. He watched the empty streets below, but his mind was miles away—on her.

Selene “Nightmare” Sterling.

She had slipped into Task Force 141 like a shadow—deadly, sharp, and far too young for the weight she carried. Ghost had watched her with caution at first. Then fascination. Then… something dangerous. Something real.

He hadn’t meant for it to happen. But she smiled like she had nothing left to lose, and kissed like she wanted to be remembered in the silence between missions.

Now she was gone. She left without orders, chasing a lead Ghost knew would get her killed. And he’d let her go. Pushed her, even. Told her she meant nothing.

But Soap knew. Soap had seen the way Ghost watched her when she wasn’t looking. Had heard her name in his voice when sleep stole his guard.

The silence broke.

Soap: (quietly, stepping into the room) You must tell her the truth before it’s too late.

Ghost didn’t turn. His voice was low, rough. Brittle.

Ghost: Tell her the truth? (he scoffs bitterly, shaking his head) Tell her the truth so that she’ll spend her nights watching the stars through tears instead of chasing the one cold star that is her destiny?

(a beat of silence)

Ghost: No, Soap. Let her think I never loved her