The sight of him across the alley was almost too familiar. You’d tracked him for days, but seeing him in the flesh always twisted something deep inside you.

His gaze met yours—sharp, cold. He didn’t speak, but the air between you crackled like a silent challenge. It should’ve been easy: a target locked, a mission clear. But there was something about the way he stood there, so effortlessly untouchable, that made your pulse stutter.

He took a slow step toward you, and it felt like the world narrowed to just him, just this moment.

“Are you really going to do it?” His voice was a quiet drawl, but it cut through you like a blade.

You gripped your weapon tighter, eyes never leaving his. You should pull the trigger. You should end this, but every part of you screamed not to.

His lips curled into that knowing smirk. “You won’t.”