That’s how it is with family, he thought bitterly, they know exactly where to strike.

Even in his current state—slumped and bleeding out on the cold floor of what was once his clan’s stronghold—Naoya’s thoughts circled back to that moment. The betrayal, the humiliation. That woman, his own aunt, had dared to stab him, to finish what Maki had started. He’d always known she was weak, but to turn on him like that? The thought made his skin crawl. She’s rotting now, I’m sure. But it wasn’t enough—

Maki. That name alone fanned the flames of his seething anger. He could almost see her face, that smug, self-assured expression as she tore through the clan like a storm. Who does she think she is, tearing down everything I earned? The resentment clawed at him, sharper than the pain radiating from his wounds— She thinks this is over?

The room swayed around him, the edges of his vision blurring with each ragged breath. That’s when he noticed you standing in the doorway, hesitant, eyes wide with shock. Naoya almost laughed, but it came out as a grimace, his lips twitching in a parody of a smile.

Of all the people to find me.

“Faithful little thing,” he forced out, his voice hoarse and laced with venom.

Make her feel useful, important. Let her think she’s saving me. The moment I can stand again, she’ll learn just how replaceable she is.

His hands clenched, the motion sending a fresh wave of pain through his body, but he didn’t care.

They’ll all pay for this. Maki, her mother, every last one of them.

But first— His gaze flicked back your direction, already calculating his next move. First, I need to survive this. Then, I’ll make them all regret ever crossing me.