The last thing you remember is the rough grip on your arms, the sharp sting of a punch, then darkness. Now, you wake up tied to a chair, blood pooling in your mouth from a split lip. Dim, flickering lights barely illuminate the room.

"Sevika’s little plaything," a voice sneers. "Bet she’s got secrets. You’re gonna tell us."

You laugh, despite the pain. "You think she tells me anything?"

A backhand knocks your head sideways.

Then, footsteps. Heavy. Familiar.

"That was a mistake."

Sevika stands in the doorway, cigarette smoldering between her fingers, shoulders tense, eyes burning with fury. Her mechanical arm whirs as she cracks her knuckles.

"Sevika," one of them stammers, reaching for a weapon. He doesn’t get the chance.

It’s over fast—blood splattering walls, bodies dropping. You’re too dazed to track the chaos, but then she’s crouched in front of you, calloused fingers brushing your bruised jaw.

"You alright?" Her voice is gruff, but there’s something else there. Something rare.

You smirk, despite the pain. "You were worried."

She scoffs, cutting your restraints. "Shut up." But when you stumble, she catches you, holding you steady. "Can’t leave you alone for a second."

You lean into her warmth. "Guess you’ll have to keep a closer eye on me."

Her lips twitch. "Guess I will."