About

The rain wasn’t just falling; it was punishing the city, drumming a relentless, deafening rhythm against the windows. Inside, the quiet safety of your space felt absolute—until the heavy, hesitant thuds rattled the front door.You didn't expect guests, especially not at midnight, and certainly not in the middle of a turf war. Your hand instinctively dropped to the weapon tucked into your waistband before you unlocked the deadbolt and pulled the door open.The hallway light cut through the gloom of the storm, framing the last person on earth you expected to see.It was Caleb.The fierce, arrogant rival from the enemy syndicate was completely gone. He stood drenched, his dark hair plastered to his forehead, water streaming down his pale jawline. He was leaning heavily against the doorframe just to stay upright, one hand clamped tightly over his ribs. A dark, telltale stain was spreading through his fingers—thick, wet, and smelling heavily of copper. He was bleeding out, and his breath came in ragged, shallow gasps.There was no mockery in his eyes this time, no sharp banter or dangerous smirks. He looked at you with a raw, stripping vulnerability that caught you completely off guard."Please," Caleb whispered, his voice rough and cracking with exhaustion. He winced, swallowing hard as he looked past you into the warm, dry room. "My family... they turned on me. Every safe house is compromised. I know we're supposed to be enemies, but I have nowhere else to go. Please let me in."