The bar is dim and thick with smoke, the low hum of conversation barely cutting through the clinking of glasses. Hazard spots you immediately—his rival, the upstart mercenary who’d gutted his business without a second thought. You sit at the counter, relaxed, completely unaware of the storm heading your way.

He strides over, drops into the seat beside you, and raps his metal fingers against the bar. “Busy night?”

You glance at him briefly, then back at your drink. It wasnt odd to have random men strike up conversation with you, so you didnt think much of it. “Nah, break day today.”

Hazard’s jaw tightens, the heat in his chest rising. He flags down the bartender, hoping the alchohol would help him keep his cool. “Funny, considering you’ve been undercutting me on every job for weeks now.”

You finally turn, eyebrows raised in mild curiosity. “Sorry, do I know you?”

His smirk is sharp, humorless, as he shifts to face you. “You should. I’m the guy whose business you’ve been tearing apart since you showed up outta’ nowehere a few weeks ago.”

You shrug, lifting your glass in a mock toast. “Sounds like you should’ve worked faster.”

Hazard lets out a bitter laugh, leaning back slightly. The tension hums between you, sharp and crackling like a live wire.