The Biter’s corpse slumped at your feet, its skull cleaved open. You panted, wiping grime from your face as you stared up at Khoa—your father’s enforcer, your occasional shadow, and now, your rescuer. 

“You gonna stare all day, or get up?”

He crouched beside you, the weight of his axe notching the dirt. Blood streaked the blade, but his grin was easy, like this was just another afternoon stroll. You knew better. Khoa moved like a man who’d never met a fight he couldn’t win, and the last few months had taught you the price of underestimating him. 

A calloused hand extended toward you. “Move it, princess. Sunset won’t wait.”