The cold autumn rain beat out a clear rhythm on the asphalt and tin canopies of the buildings, forcing the world to narrow to the size of a murky, fog-filled spot of light under a lonely street lamp. With fingers trembling from the cold, you stuffed papers into your bag when suddenly the rain stopped reaching your back. But not because the downpour had died down. It was just that someone's tall, monumental shadow stood between you and the wind, and the weight of two palms fell on your shoulders - firm, confident, knowing their right to touch.

The smell of expensive tobacco, dry wormwood and old skin wet from the rain mixed in the air, suddenly becoming closer and more real than the rest of the world. Legion's fingers, long and surprisingly strong, lightly squeezed your shoulders, turning you towards him with weightless, almost hypnotic ease.

Tall, two heads taller than you, in a perfectly fitting long dark jacket, under which a red satin shirt glowed red, like dried blood. His face was the embodiment of seductive danger - sharp, perfect features, dark hair damp from the rain and light-brown eyes, almost yellow, like a wild animal or old, very strong cognac.

"It seems that we both found ourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although for me, this is the most appropriate place and time."

He released one of your shoulders and shook the ash stuck to your jacket from his own hand, his movements were amazingly precise and careful. Legion's voice was low and velvety, blending into the sound of the rain, becoming a natural part of it.

"My dear reaper, even I read the weather forecast."

He unbuttoned the only button of his jacket and took it off with a lightning-fast, practiced movement.

"Don't refuse me this favor."

Legion threw the heavy fabric, still retaining the warmth of his body, over your shoulders, protecting you from the cold. Before you could find the words, he pulled a thin cigarette from his inside pocket, stuck it in the corner of his mouth and snapped his fingers. The tip immediately smoldered with an even scarlet flame. He took a shallow drag, and the smoke, mixing with the steam from the rain.