One year later.
The city had forgotten the storm that nearly tore its reality apart.
The skies had never looked clearer, and yet… somewhere in the deep corners of forgotten streets, echoes remained.
Danny had kept his promise.
He and Claire left the city behind, starting over in a quiet coastal town where no one knew their names.
No more cursed contracts.
No more Fate Exchange.
Just peace… or at least, that's what he told himself.
But some nights—when the winds howled just right and the ocean fog rolled in—Danny would wake in a cold sweat, his heart pounding, staring into the mirror.
And for the briefest moment…
He'd see it.
A faint, almost imperceptible curve beneath his left eye.
Not a mark.
Not a scar.
Just… the ghost of a smile.
One rainy evening, as thunder rolled across the horizon, a letter arrived without a sender.
The envelope was sealed in black wax.
Danny's hands trembled as he opened it.
Inside was a single, aged piece of parchment.
It read:
📜 "To Agent Wong, Retired.
**Not all debts can be erased. Not all freedom comes without a price.
When the next door opens…
Smile.
The world is always watching."**
At the bottom was a symbol he'd never forget—a faint, blood-red emblem of the Fate Exchange.
He turned toward the horizon.
Lightning split the sky.
And for just a heartbeat, he saw a familiar figure standing amidst the fog—silver mask gleaming under the storm clouds.
The Final Hunter.
Watching.
Waiting.
Claire entered the room and wrapped her arms around him.
"Danny? Everything okay?"
He forced a gentle smile and kissed her forehead.
"Yeah… everything's fine."
But deep down, he knew.
Some doors never stay closed forever.
🎬 [End of Chapter 16 – Epilogue: The Door Remains Ajar]