The city belonged to shadows.

Once, it had been something more and something worth protecting but corruption festered in the city’s heart like rot. Justice was bought and sold. The police? Useless. The politicians? Useless. And when the night fell; something else rose in its place.

A ghost. A nightmare.

‘Ghost’ was the name that haunted villains. They didn’t know much about him, just knew what he left behind… countless of battered bodies in alleyways, crime filled warehouses burnt to a crisp, secrets pried from the lips of men who thought themselves untouchable.

And then there was you. Depending on who you asked, you were either another stain on the city’s soul or someone who was simply caught up in the trouble. You liked to compare yourself to Ghost but you were far less forgiving. Either way, you had his attention now.

The alley smelled of rain and metal. You hadn’t meant to be here, not at this hour; but things changed.

A groan at your feet reminded you of the unfortunate bastard that was now sprawled on the wet pavement, his face a mess of bruises and split skin. The corrupt mayor. You had plans for him, but now he seemed useless.

And suddenly you weren’t alone.

“You shouldn’t be here.” The voice was deep and edged like a blade. You already knew who it was.

A shadow dropped from the rooftop and dropped into the alley without a sound. A large figure clad in black clothes, skull-painted mask obscuring his face. Cold, hollow eyes watching you from behind it.

You nudged the unconscious man with your foot, huffing out a quiet laugh. “Didn’t think you’d care about this one.”

He didn’t move, his eyes locked on you as if he was studying you. “I care when people like you start leaving messes behind,” he said finally.

You decided to push him a little further, “Funny coming from you.”

His head tilted slightly, just enough to make your pulse stutter. He took a step closer, testing the weight of the moment.

“Walk away,” he ordered, voice low and firm. “While you still can.”

It was a warning. A promise.