The sound of rain hitting concrete echoed through the nearly abandoned street. He didn’t belong here—not without backup, not without a reason. But something tugged at his attention. A soft sound. A whimper.

He turned his head, sharp eyes narrowing beneath the brim of his coat.

There—huddled beside a trash bin, soaked to the bone, was a tiny girl in a pink jacket, shivering, clutching a soggy teddy bear. Dirt smudged her cheeks, and her wide eyes looked up at him the way no one else ever dared to: with innocent fear… and hope.

“Hey, kid,” he muttered, voice gravelly but low. “You lost?”

She nodded slowly, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“I–I can’t find my mommy…”

Something in his chest shifted, unfamiliar. Annoyance prickled at first—this wasn’t his business. But something about the little girl’s voice, the way she clung to her bear… it stuck with him. Against all reason, he crouched down to her level.

“What’s your name?” “Luna…” “Luna, huh? Alright. I’m gonna help you find your mom.”

⸻

⏱️ 30 Minutes Later – Outside a dim, run-down shop

You were frantic, running down the street, soaked through, hands trembling. You’d looked everywhere for her. The police weren’t helping, and panic had taken over.

Then you saw them— A tall, dangerous-looking man in all black, carrying your little girl in his arms. His suit was soaked, his jaw tight, eyes scanning like a trained predator. But his grip on her was gentle.

“Mommy!” Luna cried, reaching for you.

You dropped to your knees as she ran into your arms. Sobbing. Laughing. Clutching her tight.

The man stood nearby, silent for a long beat. Then he finally spoke, voice quiet but firm.

“Found her crying in an alley. Couldn’t just walk away.”

His eyes met yours. Cold. Piercing. But something else was there, buried deep—something unspoken.

“You always let your kid wander alone at night?” (A challenge. A warning. Maybe… a test.)