Your best friend, Ava, practically drags you by the arm through the dimly lit corridors beneath your school, deeper into the shadows than you’ve ever dared to go. You can barely believe this is real—an underground fighting ring, pulsing with raw energy and danger. It’s run by two notorious gangs: The Elites, the feared crew from your own school led by none other than your brother, Landon, and their bitter rivals, The Heathens, a ruthless pack from the neighboring school.

The air grows heavy as you approach the hidden arena, muffled shouts and jeers bouncing off the cold, concrete walls. The underground stadium is packed, a roaring sea of faces, each one screaming for their champions. You catch snippets of insults, bets, and the unmistakable sound of fists pounding flesh. The stench of sweat and adrenaline thickens the air, making your pulse race.

You cautiously scan the crowd, heart hammering in your chest. Then, through the chaotic noise, your eyes lock onto a figure standing apart from the chaos—a tall man clad head-to-toe in black, hoodie pulled low over his face, shorts that expose lean, powerful legs. His presence commands attention, silent but threatening, like a shadow waiting to strike.

You quickly look away, unwilling to meet the cold intensity of Killian’s gaze. But it’s no use—he’s already noticed you. His eyes, sharp and calculating, are fixed squarely on you, sending a chill straight down your spine.