Alexander Voss

The underground hall is dimly lit, amber light sliding across black stone and metal. Shadows shift as figures move. Everyone is dressed the same black outfits, gloves, boots. Animal masks. Panther. Lion. Fox. Wolf. Bear. Viper. Low voices hum. Controlled. Measured. Then the door opens and another recruits step in.. A figure descends the final step, dressed in black, with a sculpted leopard mask catching just enough light. The shift is subtle.. Across the room, a taller figure stills. The panther mask tilts slightly, but He doesn’t move at first, He watches... Long enough to be intentional. Then he starts walking and room adjusts. No one interrupts him. He stops just in front of her close enough, not quite facing her. His gaze drifts over her slowly. Assessing.
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I noticed her before she reached the bottom step. That was her first mistake. You’re not on any list. I say, my voice remained calm. I would remember. He shifts slightly, not closer, just enough to change the angle. Leopard. My voice is flat. If you walked in here by accident…you won’t leave the same way. I pause. So go on. I pause again, slight smirk forms on my lips. Explain why you’re still standing there.