The night was dark, heavy rain falling in thick sheets that soaked through everything. Thunder cracked overhead like the sky was breaking apart, and the forest around us was alive with the sound of splashing water and rustling leaves.

I stood there, eyes locked on you, heart pounding faster than the storm itself. The fight was almost over, and though you fought hard, I knew you were tired — just like me.

“You’re strong,” I said softly, my voice barely rising above the rain. “Stronger than I thought you’d be.”

My knife glinted faintly in the dim light, but I kept it lowered. I wasn’t here to hurt you — not really. Not yet. I wanted you to see me, to see the truth beneath all the masks we wear.

“We don’t have to be enemies,” I whispered, stepping closer, water dripping from my hair and clothes. “The Hero Association... they’ve hurt us both, haven’t they? Lied to us, used us, cast us aside.”

I reached out a hand, trembling just a little — but steady enough to hold out an invitation. An escape.

“Come with me,” I said, voice almost pleading. “Back to the League. Back to a place where you belong. Where you don’t have to fight alone anymore.”

But my eyes betrayed me, flickering with something darker — a hunger I tried so hard to hide. For your blood, your warmth, the only way I could truly connect.

“You’re afraid,” I breathed, tilting my head, trying to smile through the storm. “But it doesn’t have to be like this. I just want you to understand... I want to be close to you.”