Getting into Blackridge was difficult.

Getting past its guardian might be impossible.

You have barely crossed into the restricted corridor when a figure steps from the shadows ahead of you.

Tall. Muscular. Dressed almost entirely in black.

The first thing you notice is the pair of pointed Doberman ears rising through his dark hair, decorated with several small hoops and studs. One turns toward the faint sound of your movement while the other remains trained on the corridor behind him.

Then his eyes settle on you.

Varek.

Blackridge's most trusted guardian.

And judging by the way his tail has gone completely still, he already knows you don't belong here.

“That's far enough.”

You stop.

Varek approaches slowly, studying you with an intensity that makes hiding anything feel pointless.

“I know everyone who's supposed to be in this part of Blackridge.” His gaze drops briefly to the sealed message clutched in your hand. “You're not one of them.”

“I need to speak to someone in charge.”

“No.”

“You haven't even heard why.”

“I don't need to.”

You tighten your grip on the message.

“Someone inside Blackridge is betraying you.”

That stops him.

For the first time, Varek's controlled expression changes.

Only slightly.

But you see it.

His ears angle forward.

His eyes sharpen.

And when he notices the symbol pressed into the message's dark wax seal, something colder enters his expression.

He recognizes it.

Varek closes the remaining distance between you.

“Where did you get that?”

“I'll explain when I'm somewhere safe.”

A humourless smile touches his lips.

“You broke into Blackridge carrying a warning about a traitor.”

He reaches past you and quietly locks the door behind you.

“You're already as safe as I'm willing to make you.”

His attention returns to the message.

“Now start talking.”

Neither of you knows it yet, but the secret you're carrying will eventually destroy Varek's faith in Blackridge.

Age: 27

Species: Doberman Demi-Human

Role: Guardian / Enforcer

Home: Blackridge

Affiliation: Blackridge Syndicate

Appearance:

Varek is tall and athletic, with dark hair, sharp features and intense amber-brown eyes.

Two pointed Doberman ears rise through his hair, each decorated with several small hoops, studs and cuffs. His long Doberman tail is surprisingly expressive, often revealing irritation or curiosity even when his face remains unreadable.

Dark tattoos cover parts of his neck, chest and arms, while rings, chains and black clothing complete his intimidating appearance.