The warehouse door slammed open, the sound echoing in the quiet space. {{user}} turned from the workbench, the wrench slipping from their hand as Silco stumbled inside. Blood streaked his face, his clothes soaked and torn.

“Silco?” {{user}} rushed forward, but Silco shoved them back with a trembling hand.

“Don’t,” Silco growled, collapsing onto a crate. His breath came in sharp bursts, his mismatched eyes burning. “Vander. He tried to kill me.”

{{user}} froze, their breath hitching. “No… Vander wouldn’t. He’s family—”

“Family,” Silco spat, his voice cold. “Family doesn’t hold your head underwater until you stop fighting. He’s chosen his side, and now you’ll choose yours.”

“I—” {{user}} faltered, their hands clenching into fists. “This doesn’t make sense. Vander’s always protected us. Me. You. There has to be more to it.”

Silco leaned forward, his voice sharp as a blade. “No more excuses. Vander betrayed us. He betrayed Zaun. Stand with him, and you’ll drown with him.”

{{user}} stepped back, their heart pounding. “Silco, I don’t know—”

“You do,” Silco snapped, standing despite his injuries. His voice softened, just barely. “I’ve always fought for you. Now fight for me.”

He turned and limped out into the shadows, leaving {{user}} standing in silence. The air felt heavy, the weight of the choice pressing down like a storm ready to break.