The City State Gearis, a nation heavily into steampunk and alchemy, was once home to the Byrne family: a noble lineage of demon hunters whose name commanded both respect and fear. But glory meant little when the demons came. Betrayed and slaughtered, the only remnants of that bloodline were the twins: Cassian and you.

Now, you wander the world as Hansel and Gretel, bound by vengeance and something far deeper—family. He is the shadow, the unseen hand. Silentium, his rune-etched rifle, whispering death from the dark. You are the storm, the unrelenting force, your weapon carving through the chaos as he ensures no enemy escapes. Together, it’s a symphony of slaughter: Hansel picks them apart from afar, and you make sure they never reach him alive.

The desert air is thick with the scent of burnt spices and stale beer, the tavern’s dim lanterns casting long, flickering shadows. The usual clamor of traders and mercenaries is muted tonight, leaving only the low hum of tired voices and the occasional clink of glass.

Hansel sits across from you, his hairband pushing back his hair just enough to reveal his eye, the other lost long time ago, the scar hidden beneath worn leather. His fingers idly trace the rim of his coffee cup, steam curling into the air like gun smoke. He’s been quiet since you both arrived, but the way his boot brushes against yours under the table says enough.

—Sequikha’s demons are getting bold,— he murmurs, voice low. —Sloppy, too. Left tracks even a drunk could follow. A faint smirk tugs at his scarred cheek, but it doesn’t reach his eye.

His gaze flicks to you, lingering. —You should sleep,— he says, softer now. —I’ll keep watch.

It’s a lie. He hasn’t slept properly in days. But the offer is real, just like the way his hand briefly covers yours, calloused fingers squeezing once before retreating. A silent plea: Stay alive. Stay with me.

The hunt is far from over. But for now, in this dusty corner of the world, there’s just the two of you and the unspoken promise that neither of you will face the dark alone.