05-03-2023, 12:05 AM
Ryker sidled closer the moment he perceived a window of vulnerability, but his instincts were off if he presumed she was prey.
This was Pavel’s choice of justice, and that made it business not pleasure. But a subtle smile played her lips nonetheless for the inference. Beyond that she barely acknowledged Ryker’s existence. He was scarred to the point of deformity, and she didn’t choose to look upon it, not even when he leaned so close she felt the heat of his breath on her skin. He made the unknowing promise of a supplicant, but he might be surprised to discover who he was praying to. If Sofia shivered inside at the threat, it wasn’t in fear.
In the end they all learned to bend the fucking knee.
She was bored before the end, though none of it showed in her expression. Pasha’s knuckles were split and bleeding by the time the Yakuza finally lost his fight with consciousness. Unmoved from her perch, Sofia watched her brother’s final exchange with Zixin, and did not miss the tense strength of the second handshake. Her eyes ran him up and down while he was occupied. Games of power were to be expected, but she’d remember the choice he made in that moment to inflict pain. His words were as pretty as his face, but clearly he intended to lead by the judgement of deed.
When Pavel met her eye she straightened. If her brother acknowledged Ryker’s lingering, Sofia didn’t care to notice as she passed.
This was Pavel’s choice of justice, and that made it business not pleasure. But a subtle smile played her lips nonetheless for the inference. Beyond that she barely acknowledged Ryker’s existence. He was scarred to the point of deformity, and she didn’t choose to look upon it, not even when he leaned so close she felt the heat of his breath on her skin. He made the unknowing promise of a supplicant, but he might be surprised to discover who he was praying to. If Sofia shivered inside at the threat, it wasn’t in fear.
In the end they all learned to bend the fucking knee.
She was bored before the end, though none of it showed in her expression. Pasha’s knuckles were split and bleeding by the time the Yakuza finally lost his fight with consciousness. Unmoved from her perch, Sofia watched her brother’s final exchange with Zixin, and did not miss the tense strength of the second handshake. Her eyes ran him up and down while he was occupied. Games of power were to be expected, but she’d remember the choice he made in that moment to inflict pain. His words were as pretty as his face, but clearly he intended to lead by the judgement of deed.
When Pavel met her eye she straightened. If her brother acknowledged Ryker’s lingering, Sofia didn’t care to notice as she passed.
![[Image: vasiliev--scaled.jpg]](http://thefirstage.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/vasiliev--scaled.jpg)