Let It Burn(Jason Todd x OC)

Chapter 1: His Queen

Jason Todd's return to Gotham was quiet, his plane slipping in under the radar of both the authorities and his enemies, exactly as he'd planned. The cool night air brushed against his face as he stepped off the private jet, a stark contrast to the heat and chaos of his trip abroad. Every trip was a mission, a new deal or a conquest, securing his empire's grip over cities far beyond Gotham's darkened streets. But this time, coming home had a particular pull. His heart raced with the anticipation of what awaited him.

Or rather, who awaited him.

The towering structure of his compound loomed in the distance as he crossed the hangar. Located in Gotham's industrial district, the Red family's headquarters wasn't just a building but a fortress—a stronghold built from concrete, glass, and power. Red neon lights faintly illuminated the roof, casting an eerie glow over the compound, making it an unmistakable landmark in the heart of Gotham's underworld. Jason had taken what once was a run-down warehouse and built an empire within its walls, turning it into the nerve center of his organization, the Red Family.

As he walked through the main entrance, men and women in sharp suits and hardened leather looked up, nodding respectfully, acknowledging his presence without needing to speak. They were his loyalists, his lieutenants, his foot soldiers—a mix of thieves, ex-assassins, hackers, and fighters. These people owed him everything, and in turn, he offered them loyalty, wealth, and a home within the walls of his ever-expanding kingdom.

Jason's ascent to the top of Gotham's criminal hierarchy had been ruthless. The Red Family now controlled a vast network that spread its tendrils into nearly every crime operation in the city and beyond. Where once he had been a lone vigilante, haunted by the shadows of his past and driven by vengeance, he was now something else entirely. A king among criminals, ruling over an empire forged with blood and ambition. And his queen, Kyra, was a force equal to his own—perhaps even greater.

Entering the main hall, he strode down the marble floors to the meeting room, his boots echoing in the vast space. Dark walls adorned with artwork from his various travels lined the room, but the real centerpiece was the chair at the head of the long table—a throne in every sense of the word, marked by the faint etchings of red paint that stained the black leather, a testament to the power wielded by whoever sat in it.

Tonight, however, Jason found someone else occupying his seat.

Kyra reclined in his chair, her legs draped over one arm of it, her red dress cutting high on each side, revealing golden skin and powerful legs as she lounged with a languid, almost feline grace. She held a glass of wine in one delicate hand adorned with tattoos, the intricate lines running from her fingers up to her wrist, mirroring his own mark. More designs swirled up and down her arms and legs. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief as they met his gaze, and her golden hair shimmered under the dim light, framing a face both regal and fierce.

A smirk spread across Jason's face as he took in the sight. "And what, exactly, do you think you're doing in my chair?"

Kyra raised a brow, feigning innocence as she took a slow sip of her wine. "Waiting for my husband to come back from his latest adventure. You've been gone too long, and I got... bored." Her eyes glinted, her tone carrying a challenge as she watched his reaction.

Jason shook his head, his voice softened as he spoke. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

The corner of her lips twitched in satisfaction, and she extended her hand, a silent demand for more than just words. He approached her and, without hesitation, knelt in front of her, taking her hand gently in his own. The inked lines of her tattoo, an exact replica of his, wrapped around her wrist like a delicate yet unbreakable bond between them. He pressed his lips to her hand, a mark of respect and devotion that he rarely displayed for anyone but her.

Kyra's eyes softened, her gaze holding a mixture of affection and admiration as she reached down, her fingers brushing against his face. "Take me home, Jason," she whispered, her voice low and possessive. "And I might forgive you for making me wait."

Without a word, he rose, scooping her up with ease. The room was silent as he carried her out, the loyal members of the Red Family bowing their heads as they passed by. There was a reverence to the way people looked at Kyra, a respect that went beyond her status as Jason's partner. She had been his advisor, his confidante, and his equal in all things. In the early days, she had stood by his side as he fought to take down other criminal factions, whispering strategies and insights that had led to their dominance over Gotham's underworld.

Kyra had a mind for business and power that Jason hadn't encountered in anyone else, and it was largely because of her influence that the Red Family had become what it was today. Her connections ran deep, some even linking back to her heritage in Egypt and Italy, where she had first learned the delicate art of manipulation, control, and loyalty. Together, they had expanded his operations, taking over smaller mobs, then larger mafias, and finally entire districts within Gotham until the name Red Hood was both feared and revered.

As they approached the private quarters on the top floor, Jason cast a sidelong glance at her. "Things are getting tense with the League again," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "And... my family. They're starting to ask questions."

Kyra looked up at him, her green eyes meeting his with unwavering determination. "Let them ask," she replied, her tone steady. "I'll stand by you through all of it."

Jason let out a slow, resigned sigh, his eyes clouding with guilt as he regarded her. "I don't deserve you, Kyra. After everything... I don't deserve any of this."

She pressed a hand against his cheek, guiding his gaze back to hers. "You deserve the world, Jason," she whispered, her voice fierce and resolute.

He smirked, a dark gleam sparking in his eyes as he leaned in close. "Then I'd let it burn for you."

And with those words, he carried her through the door, ready to face whatever hell awaited them, so long as she was by his side.

Authors Note: Different Vibe from my other Jason Todd story. Excited to explore this version of our favorite batboy. Hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the storyline and my original characters. Any and all DC characters are owned by their respective creators and obviously DC itself.