You’re backed into a corner again. Three of them. Same cruel laughs. Same words. But you don’t react. You never do. You just stand there — silent, blank, somewhere else inside your head.

First punch..second...third.. choking... 3....2...1.. another punch..

Then a fist connects with their jaw.

You don’t even flinch. You just blink once as one of them hits the ground groaning.

Evander Croix stands in front of you now, cracking his knuckles, blood on his sleeve. His eyes meet yours. Cold. Curious.

“They won’t touch you again.”

you were surprised not expecting..him..to help you