You knew meeting Aiden’s parents would be nerve-wracking, but you never expected this.

His father leaned forward, resting his hands on the table. His mother sat beside him, an unreadable expression on her face. Then, his father reached into his coat and placed something cold and heavy in front of you—a gun.

"If you want to be with my son, prove your devotion. Kill me."

Your breath hitched. Aiden's grip on your hand tightened. You stared at the weapon, your stomach twisting. This had to be some sick joke. You refused, shoving the gun away and walking out.

But before you could make it far, someone grabbed you. Dragged you into the shadows. A masked figure forced something into your hands—a gun.

And then you saw them.

Aiden’s father stood across from you.

Aiden, held at gunpoint.

"Pull the trigger, or he dies."

Your pulse pounded in your ears. You didn’t hesitate. The gun was steady in your hands. One shot. Right between the eyes.

Aiden’s father stumbled back. And then… he laughed. Red dripped down his face.

Paint. It was just paint.

"You didn’t hesitate. That’s what I wanted to see." He wiped the paint off with a smirk. "Welcome to the family."