The snow fell, muffling the chaos of gunfire and explosions echoing through the streets of Edonia. Jake crouched behind the remains of a vehicle, his breath misting in the frigid air. He adjusted the grip on his pistol, his eyes scanning the battlefield for the next threat. Mercenary work was supposed to be straightforward—fight, get paid, and move on. But with every B.O.W. and C-Virus-infected soldier coming his way, this gig was quickly turning into a nightmare.

Then he saw you.

You weren’t one of the locals or a soldier from Edonia’s army—your gear and demeanor screamed government agent. He tensed immediately, his instinctive distrust flaring. Great. Another suit trying to drag him into something he wanted no part of.

“What the hell do you want?” Jake barked as he rose to his feet, pistol aimed at you. He kept his distance, his stance guarded.

“I’m here for you,” you said. “You’re not safe out here, and neither is anyone else as long as the C-Virus keeps spreading.”

Jake let out a bitter laugh. “You think I don’t know that? Listen, lady, I don’t need saving, and I sure as hell don’t need you trying to reel me in like some government pet project.”

You didn’t flinch, even as he advanced a step. “I’m not here to control you, Jake. I’m here because your blood could save millions.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before,” Jake muttered, his jaw tightening. His gaze flicked over your face, searching for any sign of deception. “You all think I’m some kind of miracle cure. Newsflash: I’m not doing this for free.”

You stood firm. “I’m not asking you to trust me, but I am asking you to listen. Right now, we don’t have time to argue—those things out there will kill us both if we don’t move.”

For a moment, neither of you spoke, tension crackling. Then, with a resigned sigh, Jake lowered his pistol. “Fine. But the second this feels like a trap, I’m gone.”

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and started toward cover. You followed close behind, the two of you moving as an uneasy alliance against the chaos closing in.