A knock echoed from the door of my room.
"Come in," I said coldly. My voice was a low rumble, barely audible above the silence of the room. I didn't bother to look up from the documents spread across my desk. The city's problems were endless, and sleep was a luxury I could rarely afford.
Levi entered—silent, but the weight of the news he carried was evident on his face. He moved with the quiet efficiency of a predator, his eyes scanning the room for any potential threats. He was my most trusted lieutenant, a man who had seen too much darkness to be easily surprised.
"King, Agua reported that Seravell wants to get this young lady—named Elaris." His words were clipped, devoid of emotion. He was simply delivering information, leaving the judgment to me.
I listened silently, staring at him, suppressing the sudden shift in the air around me. Seravell was a name that commanded respect, a family known for their ruthless efficiency and unwavering ambition. Why were they targeting a seemingly ordinary woman?
"She also said… Seravell's disposing of women's bodies in their basement. The missing ones." The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. The Seravells were known for their clean business dealings, their public image carefully cultivated. But beneath the surface, it seemed, lurked a darkness far more sinister than anyone could have imagined.
A cold silence fell between us. The weight of the revelation pressed down on us, a suffocating blanket of dread.
Who would have thought—the Seravell known for the cleanliness of their business, was hiding something darker than the night? The missing women… families torn apart, lives shattered, all for the sake of protecting a secret.
"Target's photo?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. The question was a formality. I already knew I would intervene. The Seravells had crossed a line, and I wouldn't allow them to continue their reign of terror.
He took the small envelope from his pouch. His movements were precise, economical. He knew the importance of efficiency, of wasting no time in the face of danger.
Inside it, a picture of a woman with an innocent smile — Elaris, nice name. Her eyes were bright, full of life. Her smile was genuine, radiating warmth and kindness. She looked like someone who still believed in the goodness of the world, someone who hadn't yet been tainted by the darkness that surrounded us.
Something flickered in my chest. I couldn't understand why she was the target of the enemy. A protective instinct, perhaps? Or something more? I pushed the thought aside. Emotions were a liability in my world.
"Block Seravell's men at all cost," I ordered, calm but sharp. My voice brooked no argument. Levi knew the consequences of failure. "Wait for my next signal."
He nodded and left the room. His departure was as silent as his arrival, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I was left alone. The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant hum of the city.
I took a deep breath, and from the window, I could see the city being swallowed by the night. The city was a tapestry of light and shadow, a place of endless possibilities and hidden dangers.
In its lights, there were secrets being covered up—and tonight, I would open one more secret. Tonight, I would delve into the darkness and expose the truth.
I wanted to smell blood. The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of bringing justice to the wicked – it was a primal urge that I could no longer deny.
I took the old phone from the drawer—a line I hadn't used in a long time. The phone was a relic of a different time, a reminder of the life I had left behind. It was a direct line to my past, a connection to the darkness that I had tried so hard to escape.
"Caleb," I called when the other line answered.
A familiar laugh answered. Caleb was my oldest friend, a man who shared my thirst for violence and my disdain for the corrupt.
"Miracle and you thought of calling me, King." His voice was rough, tinged with amusement. He knew me better than anyone. He knew the darkness that lurked within me, the hunger for violence that I tried so hard to control.
"UG." The code word was enough. Caleb knew what I wanted.
"Tell me," he said. "What's bothering you that you want to mark again?" He was eager to join the hunt, to unleash his own brand of justice on the wicked.
"Just tell me if you're in or not." My patience was wearing thin. I needed Caleb's help, but I didn't have time for his games.
"Chill, King. You're like a volcano." He chuckled, enjoying my frustration.
"Just yes or no, as*hole." My voice was a growl, a warning.
He laughed first before answering. "Of course, I'm in. Let's meet at the ring." He knew me too well. He knew that the only way to purge the darkness within me was to unleash it in the ring.
Underneath the old station, people thirsty for blood gathered. The station was a haven for the forgotten, a place where the rules of society didn't apply.
The steam of sweat, smoke, and the shouts of the crowd enveloped the air. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and adrenaline. The crowd was a seething mass of humanity, hungry for violence and release.
And in the middle of the circular arena, Caleb and I—facing each other, both wounded, both alive. The ring was our sanctuary, a place where we could unleash our inner demons without fear of judgment.
With every punch, every blow, I removed the weight from my chest. The pain was a release, a way to silence the voices in my head.
Every splatter of blood was a reminder that I was still alive—and that I still had a mission to finish. The blood was a symbol of my survival, a testament to my strength and resilience.
When the fight ended, we were both broken—bloody but giggling. The violence had purged the darkness within us, leaving us feeling cleansed and renewed.
"Dude," Caleb said while putting ice on his jaw. "I know there's a reason why you missed being a demon." He knew that the fight was more than just a physical release. It was a way for me to reconnect with my past, to embrace the darkness that I had tried so hard to suppress.
"Seravell," I answered coldly. The name was enough to sober him up.
"Again?" He knew the Seravells were not to be trifled with.
"Seravell isn't that easy to kill." I was determined to bring them down, to expose their crimes and bring them to justice.
He grinned. "Looks like the King's hunting again." His eyes gleamed with excitement. He was eager to join the hunt, to unleash his own brand of justice on the wicked.
But tonight, blood wasn't the only thing on my mind. The image of Elaris, the woman with the innocent smile in the photo, lingered in my thoughts.
In my mind was the woman with the innocent smile in the photo. Elaris. Her face was a beacon of light in the darkness, a reminder of the innocence that I had lost long ago.
The next day, I went to JC Club—the bar the target frequented. The JC Club was a den of iniquity, a place where secrets were traded and desires were indulged.
The lights were flashing, the scent of alcohol and perfume mixing in the air. The club was a sensory overload, a place where everything was amplified and distorted.
The sound of the music was loud, but in the middle of the noise, I immediately saw her.
Elaris. She was even more beautiful in person.
Simple. Lively. Unaware of the world wanting to swallow her. She was a breath of fresh air in the stale atmosphere of the club.
While she was arranging glasses at the counter, I noticed the tiredness in her eyes. But under that tiredness, there was light—a kind of courage that I rarely saw. But she was also vulnerable.
She didn't know, but in this world, that kind of light was quickly extinguished by darkness. She was a lamb among wolves, and I knew I had to protect her.
I approached. My presence was enough to make the other patrons take notice.
"Can we talk for a while?" My voice was low, but it carried an authority that couldn't be ignored.
She was surprised. Her eyes widened, and she took a step back.
"You?" she asked, almost whispering. She recognized me from the coffee shop.
"Yeah. Just some matters to discuss." I kept my expression neutral, but my eyes betrayed my concern.
She was silent. I could see the hesitation, but there was also curiosity. She was intrigued, but also wary.
"Your life is in danger," I said coldly while lighting a cigarette. I didn't have time for games. I needed her to understand the gravity of the situation.
"That's not funny," she replied innocently, avoiding my gaze. She didn't want to believe me, but I could see the fear in her eyes.
"I'm serious, woman. I heard there are people who want to get you. I know you've noticed something off lately." I pressed her, forcing her to confront the reality of her situation.
There was a moment of silence. I could see the fear she was trying to hide in her eyes. She knew something was wrong, but she didn't want to admit it.
"Just pretend to be my girlfriend," I said, directly. "I'll make sure you and your family are safe." I offered her a way out, a chance to survive.
Her brow furrowed, obviously not believing me. She was skeptical, but also desperate.
"Wait—do you think I forgot what happened that night?" She was referring to the night at the coffee shop, when I had intervened on her behalf.
"That kiss?" I smirked, enjoying her discomfort.
Her face turned red, obviously annoyed. She was flustered, but also defiant.
"That's not it! You and your men—you're dangerous. I don't need your help!" She was afraid of me, but she also knew that I was her only hope.
I smiled. "Dangerous men save lives too." I knew I was asking a lot, but I was confident that she would eventually see reason.
Before she could answer, my ear-piece rang. The call was a reminder of the danger that surrounded us.
"Positive," my man reported. "They're starting." The hunt had begun.
I quickly pocketed the phone. My focus sharpened, my senses heightened.
"Don't let them near the target," I ordered. I trusted my men to handle the situation, but I couldn't afford to take any chances.
I moved to the second floor, where I had a clearer view of the crowd. From my vantage point, I could see everything.
A waitress approached. "Hi sir, what's your order?" She was oblivious to the danger that lurked in the shadows.
"Whiskey. Straight." I needed something to calm my nerves, to steel myself for the battle ahead.
While I waited for the drink, I looked at Elaris again below. She was still arranging glasses, smiling at the customers, with no idea that there were eyes watching her from the darkness. Her innocence was both her strength and her weakness.
Every move she made was like music—gentle, quiet, but captivating. She was a work of art, a masterpiece that I was determined to protect.
And with every rotation of the light, it became clearer in my mind: I've seen too many people die. But losing her… that, I won't allow. I was willing to do whatever it took to keep her safe, even if it meant sacrificing myself.
A person at the end of the bar moved strangely. He was wearing a bonnet, and on his right arm was a tattoo—Big Bang Assassin. They were a notorious group of killers, known for their ruthlessness and efficiency.
I had long erased them from the list of the living. They were a stain on the world, a plague that needed to be eradicated.
So why was there one more of them here? What did they want with Elaris?
"Eyes on the left," I whispered into the comms. "Target moving." I alerted my men to the threat, preparing them for the inevitable confrontation.
Everything was silent, but I could feel the start of the storm. The tension in the air was palpable, the anticipation almost unbearable.
I slowly stood and circled the bar. My senses were on high alert, my body coiled like a spring.
I saw two men approaching Elaris—shadows moving with the music. They were closing in on her, their intentions clear.
I quickly grabbed her arm. My grip was firm, but gentle. I didn't want to scare her, but I needed her to understand the urgency of the situation.
"Don't scream," I whispered. My voice was a low growl, barely audible above the music.
"What—" Her eyes widened in alarm.
"Look behind you." I directed her gaze to the two men in black.
When she turned, we saw the two men in black. One, holding a gun. The sight was enough to send a shiver down her spine.
"Stay behind me," I ordered sternly. I positioned myself between her and the threat, ready to defend her with my life.
The people started running, the place became chaotic. The club descended into chaos, the music replaced by screams and shouts.
I pulled her towards the emergency exit, but before we could get out, another man in black was by the wall—just inches from where we were. The man was blocking our escape, his eyes cold and calculating.
Elaris screamed, almost paralyzed with fear. Her fear was contagious, but I couldn't afford to let it affect me.
I covered her mouth and pulled her into the kitchen. The kitchen was a maze of stainless steel and sharp objects, a dangerous place to be trapped.
We hid in the dark part of the kitchen, in the middle of the smell of oil and alcohol. The stench was overpowering, but it masked our scent.
I could feel the rapid beat of her heart, almost in sync with mine. Her fear was a tangible presence, a weight that threatened to crush me.
Her hand was shaking while holding my arm. She was clinging to me for dear life, her only source of comfort in the chaos.
"W-why are they doing this?" she asked almost whispering. Her voice was trembling, barely audible.
"Because you saw something you shouldn't have," I answered. "And they think killing you will hide their tracks." I explained the situation in simple terms, trying to make her understand the danger she was in.
She was silent. A few seconds before she spoke again. The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant sounds of gunfire.
"Who are you really?" Her question was a challenge, a demand for honesty.
I looked at her. In the darkness, our eyes met. Her gaze was intense, searching.
"Someone who kills monsters," I answered. "And right now, they're hunting you." I revealed a glimpse of my true self, the darkness that I tried so hard to hide.
A few minutes passed before I signaled my men. The waiting was agonizing, but I knew we had to be patient.
"Secure the back. Get a car ready." I gave the orders efficiently, trusting my men to execute them without fail.
I went back to Elaris, slowly holding her hand. Her hand was cold and clammy, but her grip was surprisingly strong.
"Come with me." I offered her my hand, a symbol of trust and protection.
She was still hesitant but nodded. She was putting her faith in me, trusting me to lead her to safety.
When we got out the back door, we were greeted by the cold air. The night was dark and unforgiving, but the stars offered a glimmer of hope.
Under the moonlight, she stopped and looked at me. Her eyes were filled with fear, confusion, and a strange strength.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked, her voice a mix of fear and trust. She needed to know why I was risking my life for her.
I quickly put her in the car. Time was running out.
"Because I owe someone a life," I answered. "And I think it's yours." I offered her a cryptic explanation, hinting at a past debt that I was determined to repay.
Inside the car, silence prevailed. The silence was heavy, pregnant with unspoken questions.
I stared at her in the mirror—her eyes full of fear, confusion, and a strange strength. I was drawn to her vulnerability, her innocence.
"Where are we going?" she asked. Her voice was barely a whisper.
"To a safe house." I offered her a destination, a promise of safety.
"Safe?" with a hint of doubt. "Or another kind of danger?" She was wary, suspicious. She knew that nothing in my world was ever truly safe.
I smiled, slightly. "Both." I offered her a glimpse of the truth, a warning that the danger was far from over.
While the car was running, I couldn't help but look at her again. I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
She didn't know—the world I moved in didn't give safety. She was stepping into a world of violence and betrayal, a world that would test her to the limit.
But on that night, one thing was clear: The moment I met her, danger stopped being my enemy— It became hers too. Her fate was now intertwined with mine, and I was determined to protect her, no matter the cost.
When we arrived at the safehouse, I silently got out and opened the door. The safehouse was a fortress, a place where I could control the environment and protect my assets.
But before we could even enter, a voice echoed from the darkness. The voice was familiar, laced with malice.
"Long time no see, King." The voice was a threat, a promise of violence.
From the shadow, a man with a familiar smile came out—holding a dagger. The man was an assassin, a ghost from my past.
"You finally found her." He was referring to Elaris. He knew that she was the key to hurting me.
And behind Elaris, a red laser dot appeared on her chest. The red dot was a death sentence, a symbol of the danger that surrounded us. The game had changed. It was no longer just about protecting Elaris. It was about surviving.