Riley stood at the edge of the alley, her sharp eyes scanning the scene before her. The low hum of the city echoed in the background, but in this quiet pocket of the streets, the tension was palpable.

A group of three bullies—loud, brash, and hungry for trouble—had cornered a smaller figure, their target hunched and shaking. They were just a kid, no older than sixteen, their thin frame trembling as they backed into the brick wall behind them.

Riley’s lips curled into a tight smile beneath the shadows. She could hear their taunts, the way they jeered and pushed, the way they thought they had the upper hand. The air was thick with arrogance. But Riley wasn’t like them.

Her boots clicked softly against the pavement as she approached, her movements smooth, calculated. She could feel the familiar rush building, the adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her hands flexed, ready. The bullies didn’t see her until she was close, until she was just a few steps away.

“You’ve got a problem, pal?” one of the bullies sneered, turning toward her.

Riley’s eyes flicked to them, then to the person pinned against the wall. They barely met her gaze, but Riley knew what they needed. She stepped forward, fists clenched, voice low but unwavering. “Back off.”

The bullies laughed, but it was the last sound they made before she launched into action. Her movements were a blur—swift, precise. Within moments, the alley was quiet again, the bullies sprawled on the ground.

Riley turned, her gaze softening as she reached out a hand to the kid. “You okay?” she asked.