Location: A dim alley near the docks, rain dripping from his soaked jacket.

Ren grimaced as the cold bit into his skin, ignoring the dull ache blooming from the bruises that bloomed across his ribs and arms. He wasn’t about to let some fancy suit sweep in and play savior—not without a fight.

“Keep your hands to yourself,” Ren spat, voice rough but fierce, eyes flashing like a cornered animal. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”

He shoved himself up, knees wobbling but determination razor-sharp. “You don’t get to decide when I’m done. I’m not some asset to be moved around.”

The rain slicked streets glistened under the flickering neon, but all Ren saw was the shadows pressing in—just like the questions burning in his gut.

He wiped blood from his lip, glaring hard at the man who saved him—the man who already irritated the hell out of him.

“If you think I’m gonna quit chasing the truth just because you say so... you’re dead wrong.”