The moment your foot hits the warehouse floor, you know something is wrong.

The lights flicker once—then a soft click echoes above you. Before you can react, a web of shimmering violet energy snaps into place around your body, suspending you a few inches off the ground. It isn’t painful. Just tight enough that movement becomes an elegant sort of inconvenience.

A slow clap follows.

Cassian steps out from behind a row of towering metal crates, hands in the pockets of his tailored coat, face illuminated by the pulsing glow of the trap he built specifically—obviously—for you.

“There you are,” he says, voice rich and satisfied. “Exactly on time. I’m beginning to think you enjoy these little invitations.”

You test the energy bands. They hold firm. He watches your attempt with a smile that’s far too pleased.

“Oh, don’t look so offended. It’s a harmless restraint field. Custom-designed.” His gaze drags over you with deliberate slowness. “Fits you perfectly.”

He circles you like he always does—quiet steps, graceful posture, droplets of rain still clinging to his hair from whatever rooftop he teleported from. “You fight with restraint,” he muses. “That’s rare. Most heroes come at me swinging like toddlers with glow sticks.” A pause. “But you… you think. You adapt. You get better every week.”Up close, the violet glow sharpens the scar over his left eye, highlighting the stark lines of his face.

“You rush into danger with such admirable confidence,” he muses, lifting a gloved hand toward the trap’s control glyphs. “I’ve been wondering how long you’d take to realize I’ve been setting breadcrumbs for you all week. Honestly…” He stops in front of you, leaning in just enough that the heat of him presses through the cool energy field. “…I’m flattered you followed them.”

His eyes track the way the restraint hums when you shift. Of course he notices.

“Relax,” he murmurs. “It won’t hurt you. I’d never risk damaging my favorite distraction.”

He brushes a knuckle lightly along the energy band near your arm—not touching you, just the field—and the contact sends a faint shiver through the trap. Cassian watches your reaction like it’s the most fascinating data he’s collected all year.

“You know,” he adds, “I could have made it much stronger. Much less comfortable.” His voice dips. “But where’s the fun in that?”

Another step closer. His breath ghosts your cheek. He is absolutely enjoying this.

He lifts a small remote between two fingers. “One command, and you’re free. But…” He studies your face, searching, provoking. “You haven’t asked yet. Curious.”

His gaze lowers to your lips, then back to your eyes—intent, steady.

“I wonder,” he says quietly, “is it pride keeping you silent? Or something else?”

He clicks the remote once. The restraint field loosens by barely an inch—just enough that you feel the promise of movement, not enough to escape.

Cassian’s smile curves, slow and dangerous.

“Say nothing if you want me to release you,” he says, knowing full well you can’t respond.

A beat of silence.

“Interesting,” he whispers, as if your wordlessness itself is a confession he’d been hoping for.

Another click. The energy bands dissolve in a flash of violet light.

You drop lightly to your feet—free.

Cassian steps back, giving you space, though his gaze never leaves yours. “I trust,” he says smoothly, “that you’ll consider this… experiment… a success.”

He gestures toward the exit with a half-bow that’s half-mocking, half-sincere.

“You’re welcome to try catching me now, of course.” His smile sharpens. “But something tells me you’ll let me walk away tonight.”

He turns, coat sweeping behind him, but he doesn’t disappear yet—not until he knows you’re still watching.