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“Jinx.”
Twelve-year-old Jinx hummed from where she was stretched over the top of Silco’s office chair, twisting around a piece on her latest contraption.
“I need your attention,” Silco said from the chair, placing his pen down. “Face me, please.”
Jinx wiggled her weight forward until gravity took her. An arm caught her before she tumbled over and she landed right into Silco’s lap, grinning up at him.
Silco gave an amused sigh before his focus reappeared. “Do you remember what I said I was doing tomorrow?”
Jinx took a moment to think about it, twisting the piece over and over again. She hadn’t really been listening. It was a big problem that Silco kept nagging her about. “Um… you’re doing something important?”
“Yes.” Silco let her off the hook. “I’m meeting with the other chem-barons.”
“Okay?” Jinx didn’t understand why he was bringing it up. He didn’t tell her what he was doing most of the time. He came and went as he pleased with usually a vague time he’d be back. “So?”
“Do you remember when I took you to see the tailor a few weeks ago and he made you that dress?” Silco inquired. Jinx wrinkled her nose as she remembered having to stand still for ages to be measured and then poked as the dress was fitted.
“Yeah. He took forever.” She dragged the last word out, tipping her head back with a groan.
“Do you remember why I said you needed to have that dress?” Silco continued. Jinx hated the stream of ‘do you remember’ questions because she frankly didn’t.
“No.” Jinx stared at the contraption in her lap, not wanting to see his disappointed expression.
“Because of presentation. I told you that I might need to introduce you to some important people.” Silco set a hand over the contraption so Jinx was forced to look at him. “I’d like for you to come with me tomorrow.”
Jinx peered up at him in confusion. “To the meeting?” she asked.
“Yes.” Silco watched her for her reaction. “I need to introduce you to them.”
Jinx frowned. She didn’t particularly want to go, but it involved a lot of important people so she figured she wasn’t exactly allowed to deny it. “Okay.”
Silco inclined his head, a small sign of approval. “Good. Now, I need you to focus, Jinx. This is important. There are three things I need you to do while we’re there. Are you listening?”
Jinx dropped the contraption into her lap, her fingers stilling as she turned her full attention to him. “Yeah,” she said, a bit more seriously. “I’m listening.”
“Firstly,” Silco began, raising a single finger for emphasis, “you are not to speak unless I address you directly. No answering questions, no comments, no outbursts. If anyone else speaks to you, you ignore them. Repeat that.”
Jinx mirrored his gesture with her own finger. “One: Don’t talk to anyone unless it’s you.”
“And only if I speak to you first,” Silco added.
“Only if you speak to me first,” Jinx echoed.
“Good.” Silco raised a second finger. “Secondly, you are to look only at me. No glancing at them, no reacting to their stares or whispers. Your focus stays on me at all times. Understood?”
“Why can’t I look at them?” Jinx asked, her brows knitting together.
“Because,” Silco said evenly, “curiosity is a weakness they will exploit. If they see hesitation, they will test you. If they see interest, they will probe for vulnerabilities. Do not give them that chance. Repeat number two.”
Jinx nodded slowly. “Two: Only look at you and ignore everyone else.”
“Exactly.” Silco raised a third finger. “Finally, when I introduce you, I will touch your shoulder. At that moment, you will look at each person at the table. One glance per person. Memorize their faces, but show them nothing. When you’ve done that, return your attention to me. Clear?”
Jinx’s nose scrunched up. “That’s a weird rule,” she muttered, unable to hide her skepticism. “Why do I have to look at them if I’m not supposed to care?”
“Because it’s not about you caring,” Silco explained, his tone sharp but patient. “It’s about them remembering. When you look at them, they will see you—truly see you—and they will understand. You are not a curiosity or a pawn. You are my ward, and you are not to be trifled with. That single moment of acknowledgment is all they need.”
Jinx tilted her head, considering his words. “So… you’re saying they’ll remember me, even if I don’t say anything?”
“Precisely,” Silco said, his lips curving into a faint smile. “It’s a subtle power, Jinx. One you’ll learn to wield in time.”
Jinx didn’t quite understand why it was so important, but she nodded. “Okay. If that’s what you want.”
Silco gave her a careful smile. “Repeat the three rules back to me.”
Jinx straightened up, adopting a mock-serious expression. "One, don’t speak to anyone unless you talk to me first." She raised one finger. "Two, only look at you and ignore everyone else." A second finger went up. "Three, when you introduce me, I look at each person once, and then back at you." She ticked the third finger up proudly. "Got it?"
“Excellent.” Silco’s smile lingered, but his eyes softened slightly as he studied her. “I’m counting on you, Jinx.”
Jinx tilted her head, her brow furrowed. “This is kinda serious, huh?”
“It is.” Silco’s tone was calm but firm. “These are people who respect power, or at least the illusion of it. They’ll need to see that I trust you, that you’re more than... an afterthought.” He touched her shoulder gently. “You understand, don’t you?”
Jinx hesitated. She didn’t fully grasp all the layers of what Silco was saying—she wasn’t sure she wanted to—but the weight in his voice was unmistakable. “Yeah,” she said, her voice quieter than usual. “I think so.”
“Good girl.” Silco leaned back in his chair, seeming satisfied. “Now, there’s one last thing I need from you before tomorrow.”
“What?” Jinx perked up, eager to shift the mood back to something lighter.
“That contraption in your lap,” Silco said, nodding toward the device she had been fiddling with. “Whatever it is, I need you to leave it behind tomorrow. No tinkering, no distractions.”
Jinx pouted, clutching the device closer. “But it’s not finished! And it’s gonna be so cool—”
“I have no doubt it will be,” Silco interrupted gently but firmly. “But tomorrow, it’s not about gadgets or explosions. It’s about them seeing you as someone who commands their respect. They won’t take you seriously if you’re too busy with a toy.”
“It’s not a toy,” Jinx muttered, but she stopped arguing, sensing this wasn’t a fight she could win.
“Thank you.” Silco’s voice softened again. “After the meeting, you can tell me all about your newest invention. Deal?”
“Deal,” Jinx said reluctantly, crossing her arms but letting the contraption rest in her lap.
Silco chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. “You’re a quick learner when you choose to be, Jinx. That’s part of what makes you special.”
Jinx’s grin widened, but it quickly faltered as another question popped into her mind. “But... what if they say something to me? Or ask me something? What if they try to, like, trick me or something?”
Silco’s expression turned serious again. “They might. They’re not above testing you—or me. That’s why the rules exist. If they speak to you, ignore them. If they push, I’ll handle it. Your silence will say more than words ever could.”
Jinx mulled that over, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “But what if I mess up?”
“You won’t,” Silco said firmly, his sharp gaze locking onto hers. “I wouldn’t bring you if I didn’t think you could handle it. Trust in yourself, Jinx. And trust in me.”
That gave her pause. Silco’s faith in her, while often understated, always carried weight. She nodded, a small flicker of determination lighting up her face. “Okay. I’ll do it.”
“Good,” Silco said, his voice softening as he placed a hand on her shoulder. “And Jinx? This isn’t just for them. It’s for you, too. One day, you’ll understand the power of being seen and remembered. This is only the beginning.”
Jinx didn’t fully understand, but something about his words sparked a strange sense of pride. She nodded again, more confidently this time. “Alright. I’ll make sure they remember me.”
Silco’s lips curved into a faint smile. “That’s my girl. Now, go and get some rest. Tomorrow, we make an impression.”
Jinx hopped off the chair and bounded toward the door, her energy returning as quickly as it had waned. She paused at the doorway, glancing back at him with a mischievous grin.
“Hey, Silco?”
“Yes, Jinx?”
“If they stare too hard, can I at least imagine blowing them up?”
The corners of Silco’s lips ticked up in amusement as he shook his head. “Whatever helps you keep your focus, my dear. Just... don’t act on it.”
“Deal!” she called, disappearing down the hall, her laughter echoing behind her.
The next day left Jinx feeling overwhelmingly nervous. The dress from Adair wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. It was a black color with golden trim that reminded her of Silco’s jacket. She stood still and patient as Silco pulled her hair back out of her face. She lamented the fact that she wouldn’t be able to bring anything to fidget with.
“You can do this,” Silco said, setting a hand on her shoulder to give it a squeeze. “Remember the rules?”
Jinx nodded her head, reciting the rules he gave her the previous night. She kept repeating them in her head as she followed after him.
When Silco sat in his seat at the head of the table, he reached out and lifted Jinx into his lap. She liked being able to lean against him when he worked, but doing it in front of other people made her feel weird.
Jinx perched on Silco’s lap, her legs tucked tightly under her, her small frame stiff as she tried to follow every rule he’d given her.
The large oval table in front of them was surrounded by the other chem-barons. Each of them was as imposing as they were strange—bulky bodies adorned with mechanical augmentations, gaudy jewelry, or unsettling masks that hid their faces. Their voices were a mixture of growls and sneers, undercut with occasional forced laughter that didn’t reach their eyes.
Jinx didn’t dare look at any of them. She fixed her wide eyes on Silco, her hands gripping the fabric of his coat like a lifeline. She was trying so hard to remember the rules, to be the quiet, invisible shadow he needed her to be.
Rule one: Don’t speak unless Silco speaks to you first.
She clenched her jaw tightly every time a voice rose or a comment was made that piqued her curiosity. There was a sharp laugh from across the table, something about “Silco bringing his pet to the meeting.” Her fingers twitched, wanting to grab something, anything, but she forced herself to stay still. Silco hadn’t looked at her or said her name, so she stayed silent.
Rule two: Only look at Silco.
Her gaze didn’t falter, even when the chem-baron to Silco’s right leaned forward and muttered something low and mocking, her words like needles aimed at provoking. Jinx could feel the heat of her stare, the weight of the ridicule, but she stayed focused on Silco’s face. His expression remained calm, his single visible eye gleaming with the sharp edge of restrained power.
“Your theatrics grow tiresome,” Silco said coldly, addressing the chem-baron without breaking his composure. The subtle shift of his hand on Jinx’s knee was all the reassurance she needed. He was still in control. Everything was okay.
Rule three: Look at everyone once when introduced, then back to Silco.
Jinx’s stomach churned as Silco finally addressed her. “This,” he said, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade, “is Jinx.” His hand moved to her shoulder, a light but steady pressure, the signal she’d been waiting for.
Her heart pounded as she slowly shifted her gaze, one by one, to each face around the table. The chem-barons stared back, their expressions ranging from curiosity to disdain. One smirked as her eyes met his, while another tilted her head as though dissecting her with her gaze.
Jinx’s stomach twisted tighter with each glance, but she followed the rule. One look, no hesitation, no expression. When she finished, she snapped her focus back to Silco, her small hands trembling slightly where they clung to his coat.
“Memorize her face,” Silco continued, his voice calm but firm. “And remember: if you ever think to test her, you are testing me.” The room fell into a charged silence.
Jinx’s chest swelled with a strange mixture of relief and pride. She had done it—followed all the rules without messing up. Her grip on Silco’s coat loosened just slightly as he leaned back, his hand giving her shoulder a subtle, approving squeeze.
That was her first taste of what it meant to wield power.
Isha stood still as Jinx focused on tying the red bow around her neck carefully. She didn’t want it to look lopsided.
“If you take much longer, they’re going to start without you,” Sevika commented from nearby.
“Hush,” Jinx scoffed at her, looking down at Isha. She couldn’t help but think back to the three rules that Silco gave her as a child. Part of her wondered if she should use the same ones with Isha, but Isha wasn’t the same as she was.
Isha peered up at her, tilting her head to the side as she tried to judge what was on Jinx’s mind.
“You look good, kid,” Jinx said as she leaned back. The outfit that Adair put together for Isha consisted of a loose button-down shirt in a cream color and black shorts. There were dark brown leather suspenders that clipped onto the pants and gold socks that went up her calves that were covered by brown shoes. Overall, she matched Jinx in terms of color scheme. “Are you bringing that?”
Jinx nodded to the object in Isha’s hand and Isha glanced down at it. It was the beloved stuffed rabbit she brought home from Piltover one day.
Isha glanced up at her and asked if she was allowed to bring it. Jinx shrugged, not caring about a simple toy. It would keep Isha occupied and let her not focus on everything else. With Jinx’s approval, Isha decided she would bring it.
“Alrighty, kid. Let’s get a move on.” Jinx straightened, smoothing down her suit jacket before glancing at Sevika. “Look okay?”
Sevika gave the two of them a once-over before inclining her head. “You both look fine. Now get before you’re late.”
Jinx took Isha’s hand and they left the Last Drop. Jinx moved with purpose, trying not to let it show how nervous she was. She didn’t want to be making a mistake by introducing Isha. Silco had done it with her and it protected her from the bigwigs, and she needed Isha to have that same kind of protection.
Jinx got there just a tad early and took a seat. Isha didn’t think twice about crawling into her lap and settling against her, glancing around the room curiously.
One by one, the rest of the chem-barons showed, glanced at her, and then took their seats.
“Oh fuck,” Margot whispered when she saw Jinx. Jinx grinned at her.
She waited until everyone was seated to begin business. She wasn’t ready to announce the air filters yet. She needed them to bring it up to her. They had to notice her work and then ask her for her help to do the same thing to their sections. Jinx needed the upperhand.
She listened to the others go over business, mainly content to focus on the words washing over her and the weight in her lap. Isha busied herself with running her fingers over the ears of the stuffed rabbit in her lap.
Jinx waited until the end of the meeting to finally address their curious stares. "You’re probably wondering who I have with me here."
Isha shifted slightly in Jinx’s lap, but instead of the innocent curiosity one might expect from a child, she watched the room with guarded eyes, her fingers lightly curling into the fabric of Jinx’s jacket.
"This," Jinx continued, her voice suddenly soft as she stroked Isha's hair, "is my daughter."
Isha met the gazes of the chem-barons, her eyes flickering with wariness. The room was filled with tension, but Isha sat, unflinching, her back straight as she leaned just slightly against Jinx.
Jinx’s expression softened as she wrapped an arm around her kid’s shoulders, pulling Isha closer to her chest. The gesture was both a shield and a reassurance. Isha, despite the toughened exterior she had developed over the years, seemed to melt into her embrace, her fingers gripping Jinx’s sleeve just a little tighter.
“And let me make one thing crystal clear,” Jinx said, her eyes sweeping the room, landing on each of them like a predator marking its prey. “If I catch anyone messing with her—looking at her wrong, thinking about her wrong—the bomb I sent to Piltover will look like a damn sparkler compared to what I’ll do to you.”
The room remained heavy with the tension of Jinx's warning. The chem-barons, all hardened by years in the criminal underworld, exchanged cautious glances. They had learned to fear Jinx’s unpredictable and violent nature long ago. Jinx didn’t play at manipulation, she was a force to be reckoned with and if anyone slighted her then they’d know it without question.
But even as the silence hung in the air, they knew better than to ask for more information. No one dared break the unspoken rule, not when it came to Jinx. The presence of the young child sitting so innocently on her lap was almost like a strange, silent reminder of the line Jinx had crossed.
Turning away from the kid, Jinx was prompted about what she was doing with her territory and she started to explain the seat she took back from Sevika and her plans for the future. Isha didn’t seem bothered by the conversation, instead nestling deeper against Jinx. Her thumb hovered near her lips as she absentmindedly chewed on the corner and Jinx didn’t stop speaking as she gripped the kid’s hand and replaced it with the chewy.
Chross finally dared to clear his throat, glancing over at Isha again, though he tried to do it discreetly. His voice dropped when she spoke. “And... the child?”
Jinx shot him a look that could freeze water, her smile twisted and dark. "I told you. She's not a concern. Now, do you want to talk about business, or do you want to play the babysitter? Because I've got things to do.”
Chross wisely did not push. His men likely already informed him about their encounter with Jinx and Isha. However, it was clear that he was still trying to decipher the full picture.
Jinx finished her rundown with a sharp smile, leaning back in her chair as she surveyed the room. “That’s all you need to know for now,” she said breezily, patting Isha’s head. “Anything else can wait until next time. Meeting’s over.”
With that, she stood, Isha in her arms, and strode toward the exit, leaving the chem-barons behind in uneasy silence.
As Jinx reached the door, she paused, glancing over her shoulder at the room of chem-barons. Her grin spread wide, more a warning than a show of amusement.
“Oh, and one last thing,” she said, her voice deceptively casual. “Don’t even think about trying anything. You might think you’re clever, but I’m smarter. And if you ever mess with me or mine, well…” Her grin turned feral. “Let’s just say you won’t get a second chance.”
The chem-barons remained silent, their faces carefully neutral. Jinx let the weight of her words settle over them before turning and striding out, Isha still perched on her hip.
Outside, it was quieter; the faint hum of halogen signs was the only sound as Jinx walked briskly. Isha shifted slightly in her arms, her stuffed rabbit clutched tightly to her chest. She tapped Jinx’s shoulder gently, her big, curious eyes meeting Jinx’s
“What’s up, bunny?” Jinx asked, slowing her pace.
Isha pointed back toward the meeting room, her brows furrowing slightly. Her hands moved in small, hesitant gestures—a silent question.
Jinx watched her for a moment, then chuckled softly. “Oh, you’re wondering why we went through all that, huh?”
Isha nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.
“Well,” Jinx began, shifting her hold on Isha so they were face-to-face, “it’s like this, kiddo. Those people back there? They’re powerful. Not like me and you—our kind of power’s different. They use numbers, deals, and threats to get what they want. But today, we showed them something they weren’t expecting.” She grinned, a glint of pride in her eyes.
Isha tilted her head, still not entirely following. Her small hands moved again, asking another silent question.
“Why it matters?” Jinx translated, her grin softening. She looked ahead for a moment, thinking. “It matters because now they know not to mess with us. You don’t have to talk to make people listen, kid. You just have to make ‘em feel something. Fear, respect, curiosity. They’ll think twice before crossing us now.”
Isha’s eyes widened a little, her grip on her rabbit tightening. Her expression wavered, a flicker of doubt passing over her face as she signed something quickly.
“Oh, you’re worried you did something wrong?” Jinx guessed, brushing a strand of hair from Isha’s face. “Nah, you were perfect. Sitting there all quiet and watching like a hawk? They don’t know what to make of you, and that’s a good thing. Keeps ‘em guessing.”
Isha’s lips quirked up at the corners, a small, shy smile blooming as she nodded.
Jinx started moving once again, feeling stuffy inside of her suit. “Listen, kid, you’re still figuring out this world, and that’s okay. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it doesn’t always make sense. But you? You’re gonna learn how to handle it all, one step at a time. And you’ve got me to show you the ropes.”
Isha smiled up at her, her shoulders relaxing as she leaned into Jinx’s hold.
Jinx was going to ensure that everything she did, she did for Isha. And for anybody who even dared to look at her kid wrong, she’d make them regret it.
