The world came back in fragments. First, the dull pounding behind your eyes. Then, the sting of dried blood at your temple. The taste of metal on your tongue.

You shifted, wrists aching against the coarse rope binding them. The air was thick — damp, musty, and cold. Dim light buzzed from a single hanging bulb, casting sickly shadows that swayed across the warehouse’s cracked concrete walls. The metallic scent of oil mixed with something far sharper: fear.

Footsteps echoed.

And then, his voice.

"Look who's finally awake."

You blinked, forcing your vision to focus. There he was — Michael — sitting casually on a metal crate like this was all some twisted game.

He clapped his hands once, mockingly slow.

"You really should’ve seen this coming," Michael sneered. "Both your family and Silas's? So easy to play. You idiots were too busy hating each other to notice me cleaning house beneath your noses."

Your stomach twisted.

The betrayal wasn’t new. But seeing him now — seeing how much he enjoyed it — made your blood boil.

Before you could answer, a loud thud echoed through the warehouse. The door slammed open with violent force, metal screeching as it hit the wall.

Michael’s smile faltered for the first time.

Boots crunched over broken glass.

Silas Alonso stepped into the room — calm, controlled, a gun in one hand, rage simmering in his eyes. The faint glow of the overhead bulb cut across his sharp jawline, the tailored black suit making him look like death itself.

He barely glanced at Michael.

His eyes locked onto you.

"You always find the worst company," Silas said, voice low and dangerous.

Michael stood, reaching for his holster—but too late. Two shots rang out. Precise. Controlled. Michael dropped to the ground with a choked gasp, clutching his leg.

Silas was already moving, crossing the distance to you in long, steady strides. The ropes fell away within seconds, his knife slicing through them like paper.

"You alright?" he muttered, voice soft now, eyes scanning your face for injuries. His hands lingered a second longer than necessary at your wrists.

You swallowed. "I thought you—"

Another crash sounded behind him — reinforcements coming.

His hand wrapped around yours. Firm. Warm.

"Stay close," he breathed, eyes flickering with something you weren’t ready to name yet. "Let’s finish this."