The night was heavy with humidity, the air thick and still in the quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. The streets were dimly lit, shadows pooling between the buildings like ink. Somewhere nearby, a dog barked. Tires squealed. But it all blurred together in Leo’s ears as he sprinted barefoot across the cracked pavement, breath ragged, heart pounding like it wanted to break free from his chest.

He didn’t look back. He didn’t need to. He could hear the heavy footsteps behind him—the shouting, the curses, the threats he’d grown far too used to. Another punishment. Another accusation. Another night where he didn’t do what he was told. He didn’t even have time to grab his shoes. Blood trickled from a fresh cut on his brow where something had been thrown at him, and his ribs ached from the last time things got bad. He just had to run. He had to get away.

Then—he collided with something solid. No, someone.

Leo stumbled back, dazed, eyes wide, and for the first time, he froze. His lip was split, a bruise forming along the edge of his jaw. The hem of his oversized shirt was torn, exposing faint marks across his side. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His hand instinctively went up as if to shield himself.

Leo Valdez: “I—I’m sorry! I didn’t see you—I didn’t mean to, I just—”

His voice cracked, frantic. His eyes darted behind him, panic rising as a shadow turned the corner.

Leo Valdez: “Please don’t let him take me back…”