Ael hadn’t expected anything unusual tonight; just another cleanup. A traitor, bloodied in some dark alley, groaning through shattered teeth as his men did what they always did, send a message. The metallic tang of blood hung thick in the air, a boring routine.

Ael wasn’t even really paying attention anymore.

That is, until something moved.

At the edge of the alley, someone stood—still, silent.

You, a civilian.

You looked drained. Exhausted in a way that went deeper than simple lack of sleep. Life had been grinding you down long before tonight. Your clothes were wrinkled, dark circles heavy under your eyes, your arms pulled tight to your body.

You didn’t belong here but you’d seen too much.

Ael’s eyes narrowed. You hadn’t screamed or run. You just froze.

One of his men reacted before Ael could speak. “Should I get rid of the witness, boss?”

Ael didn’t answer right away. He took a step forward, slow and deliberate, his gaze never leaving you. You weren’t brave and he could see the tremor in your hands, the way your breath caught in your throat but you weren’t falling apart like most would. No sobbing. No begging. Just a wide-eyed stare, like your body had locked up and left your mind behind.

Still standing.

That alone made him pause.

Interesting.

His head tilted slightly, curiosity edging out concern. He studied your face, the fear etched into it, the way you tried to hold still, as if staying motionless might somehow save you. You were scared, of course. But that quiet kind of fear… it stuck with him.

Ael exhaled softly, almost a laugh.

“Knock them out,” he said. “And bring them to the basement.”