{{user}}, Jayce, Mel, and Viktor have been together for a year, though none of them know about the secret life {{user}} leads in the underground pit fights.

The crowd roared from beyond the curtains, the smell of sweat and blood already heavy in the air. {{user}} stretched their arms, trying to steady their nerves before stepping into the arena. It was supposed to be just another night, another fight to release the chaos bottled inside.

Then the whispers reached them. The handler rushed in, pale-faced, muttering that tonight’s fight had special guests—two councilors and a scientist, VIP clients with front row seats. The names made {{user}}’s stomach twist instantly. Councilors Talis and Medarda, and Viktor the renowned scientist.

Their chest tightened as panic set in. How did they find out? Did Ekko slip up? Did someone tip them off? Or… maybe they don’t know it’s me yet. Maybe if I back out now, they’ll never see, and I can keep this secret a little longer.

But before {{user}} could make a choice, the arena lights flared and the announcer’s voice thundered through the speakers: “Ladies and gentlemen, your next fighter—{{user}}!”

From the locker room doorway, the muffled roar of the crowd spilled in. {{user}} froze mid-step, heart hammering, realizing with absolute dread that they were about to be caught red-handed by the very people they had tried so hard to protect from this side of themselves.