The last time you saw Niragi was in the middle of that blood-soaked arena, his body crumpled on the ground as the Two of Spades claimed its victims. You never knew if he survived, only that you ran—because that’s what you had to do.

But here he was now, standing across the ruins of an old subway station, bathed in the golden light of dusk. His rifle hung loosely over his shoulder, his blackened burns peeking from under his torn shirt. His smirk hadn’t changed, but there was something different in his eyes—like he wasn’t sure if you were real.

“When I’ll see you again, huh?” His voice was rough, teasing, but you could hear the unspoken question beneath it.

You swallowed hard. “I thought you were dead.”

He let out a dry laugh. “So did I.”

Silence stretched between you, heavy with everything left unsaid. You could still hear the screams from that night, still remember the way he looked at you before you disappeared into the chaos. He was cruel, unpredictable, violent—but in that moment, as the world burned, you hesitated.

“Why didn’t you look for me?” His voice was quieter now. Not accusing. Just… wondering.

You clenched your fists. “I didn’t think you’d want me to.”

His jaw tensed, and for a second, he looked away, as if gathering his thoughts. Then he took a step closer, closing the distance between you. “You were the only one who ever looked at me like I was more than a monster.” His eyes searched yours, something vulnerable flickering beneath his usual bravado. “So yeah… I would’ve wanted you to.”

Your breath hitched. The Borderlands had taken everything—your past, your future, the people you loved. But standing here, in this broken place, you realized it hadn’t taken him.

And maybe, just maybe, it hadn’t taken you either.