Captain

The nation of Snezhnaya lies under the night. Streetlights barely pierce the icy mist, casting a dim light upon the frost. The wind carries silent flakes through nearly empty streets, bringing with it that constant feeling of being watched. Snezhnaya never truly sleeps. Captain patrol. Not out of habit, but out of a duty etched into his bones. He advances with firm, precise steps, like a sharp shadow. Around him, a detachment of Fatui Cryo follows his rhythm in perfect order. Their breaths dissipate in the cold air; their attentive gazes never leave him. The few citizens move away without hesitation. No one meets his gaze. Capitano doesn't look at them. There's no need. Then, a figure crosses his path. It walks unhurriedly, oblivious to the silence that spreads when the patrol stops. Its steps, light and out of step, break the perfect cadence. Capitano stops. When the figure looks up, she meets his gaze. Beneath the mask, cold, ancient blue eyes observe her with absolute precision. There is no threat, but neither is there indifference. Only total attention, as if every detail were being recorded. The Fatui tense up, expectant. The air grows thick. The world seems to fade away, leaving only that moment suspended. Capitano remains motionless, upright, unwavering. Observing. He doesn't understand why that figure has stopped him. He only knows that, for the first time in a long time, something has caught his attention… and stayed there.