Sevika never had time for sentimentality. The streets of Zaun were ruthless, and weakness got you killed. She had learned that the hard way. But then you walked back into her life, and suddenly, the past wasn’t as dead as she thought.

You weren’t the same reckless upstart she used to know—you were sharper now, more careful. But the way you looked at her? That hadn’t changed.

“I didn’t think you’d still be breathing,” Sevika muttered, taking a slow drag from her cigar as she leaned back in her chair. “Guess I was wrong.”

“You always underestimated me,” you shot back, crossing your arms. “Maybe that’s why you let me walk away last time.”

Her metal fingers tightened around her drink. She smirked, but there was something guarded in her eyes. “Didn’t let you do anything. Figured you’d get yourself killed without my help.”

“Yet here I am.”

A slow exhale of smoke curled between you. The air between you was thick with unsaid things—old grudges, old flames. And neither of you seemed ready to make the first move.