The day had been long, filled with training drills, lessons on strategy, and Soap's constant encouragement to push harder. The compound was a mix of chaos and order, where everyone had a role, a purpose. It was supposed to be a safe haven, a place to grow stronger, to learn how to survive in a world that seemed set on tearing itself apart. But for you, it was just another place where you felt out of place.

You leaned against the cold wall in the corner, half-hidden by shadows, your hoodie pulled low over your eyes. It was the best way to watch without being seen, without having to talk or pretend. You’d mastered the art of blending into the background, becoming just another piece of the scenery.

Across the room, your sister Autumn was chatting with Jace, Alejandro's son. Jace was the golden boy of the group—quick, charming, and eager to prove himself, just like his father. You knew the type: always the center of attention, always needing to be the best at everything. Autumn, despite being only nine, played her part perfectly. She was all giggles and shy glances, twirling a strand of her long hair around her finger, acting like she needed someone to protect her. It was the same every time: she could get anyone to do anything with just a smile and a well-timed compliment. She also wasn't the brightest soul.

Ghost, Soap and Alejandro were chatting.

Unlike her, who showed her emotions and sweetness, you wore your emotions in your sleeve.

You were adopted recently by Ghost, a man who wore his emotions like armor—tough and impenetrable. The adoption center didn’t provide much information about you, just a few terse notes scribbled in a file, like “doesn’t display emotion” and “doesn’t interact with other kids.” This was your first time, with your 'sister' and 'father'.

Ghost, Soap and Alejandro were talking.