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(For all who came here from Chapter 12 and for those who are starting out
Crawlin' back to you)
 *** “Damn it,”You cursed as another lockpick snapped inside the mechanism. Easy job, huh? Sure. If you ran into Camille back at the base, you’d make sure to show her just how “easy” it had been. The intel was solid—or so they claimed. One of the houses by the river had recently been abandoned under mysterious circumstances. Rumor had it the family fled across the bridge, fearing for their lives.You remembered the house. Tall, with oddly protruding rooms jutting out at strange angles, as if the builder had suddenly decided to slap on an extra bedroom mid-construction. The plan was simple: get in, grab anything valuable, and offload it fast before someone higher up the food chain sniffed it out. You hadn’t asked where the tip came from—coin was coin.Of course, they picked you for this gig. Who else? Sometimes, you regretted those boring afternoons when your father taught you how to pick locks. It was a handy skill, sure—so long as no one caught you red-handed.“How much longer?”“If you keep breathing down my neck, longer,” you snapped.But he had a point. You didn’t know him—probably a fresh recruit, or maybe just one of those faces you passed daily without a second glance. The longer you stayed here, the higher the risk of getting caught. Whatever mess the owners had gotten themselves into with the Slickjaws, it was bad. And the Slickjaws didn’t just let things slide.Finally, the lock gave a familiar click. You exhaled through gritted teeth and grabbed the handle. Whatever was inside wasn’t your problem. Your crew worked like clockwork—everyone had their task. No one got involved in the whole operation. You’d only met the rest of the team because the family had installed a fancy lock, the kind more suited to a Piltover estate. Sure, you cracked it, but at what cost? Time was precious, and you’d burned too much of it already.A hand on your shoulder reminded you to get moving. You’d have to wait for your cut until the goods were sold. The smell wafting from the open door made your skin crawl. With a curt nod, you slinked back into the shadows. No one would notice you leaving; everyone here kept their heads down, their faces hidden—safer that way.The streets of Zaun were never silent. Somewhere, someone was always yelling, fighting, or drowning themselves in booze—or shimmer. It had a strange smell: sweet, sticky, yet sharp with chemicals. How could anyone drink that stuff? You’d been tempted, sure, but the thought of losing yourself to it stopped you cold. Shimmer cost a fortune, and your meager earnings barely covered your rent. Adding another addiction? You might as well start selling yourself just to afford the next fix.Not worth it. Not even close.The farther you got from that cursed house, the better. The stench lingered in your nostrils—familiar, yet your mind refused to connect it to any memory. The walk home should’ve taken thirty minutes, but you stretched it to nearly two hours, taking every detour to make sure no one was following. That prickling sensation at the back of your neck—it wouldn’t go away. You shivered and quickened your pace.The only way to shake this feeling was to climb high—above the smoke and the suffocating air. Higher than any rooftop you’d called home. There was one place, far from your usual haunts, worth the risk.It took you two hours to reach the other side of the city. Without a watch, the rhythm of the night was your only guide, and you figured it was closer to dawn than midnight. If you timed it right, you might catch the sunrise.The farther you ventured from the Lanes, the quieter it became—but also the more dangerous. Here, the risk wasn’t a broken nose or stolen coin. It was a quick death—or worse. You didn’t dwell on the rumors of cannibals lurking in these darkened streets. Probably stories to keep fools like you from wandering too far.Your destination was an old tower, once a library. Who read books in Zaun anyway? The old caretaker had fled to Piltover when things got dicey, taking most of the collection with her. The building remained, abandoned. No one had claimed it—not yet, anyway.The front doors were as locked as you’d left them. Glancing up, you checked to make sure no one had discovered the second entrance. You’d kept this place a secret. Nothing had been yours in years; survival meant moving constantly, fleeing in the dead of night with nothing but a backpack.This tower was your last resort.A few steps to the right of the doors, a hatch lay hidden beneath a layer of dirt. You scanned your surroundings, then tugged at the handle. The heavy lid groaned but didn’t scream—a relief. The dried branches you’d used to camouflage it were losing their leaves; you’d need to replace them soon.You slipped through the narrow gap and dropped to the ground, coughing as a cloud of dust rose around you. Only when you were cut off from the moonlight did you feel the faintest sense of calm. Listening for a moment, you flicked on your flashlight.The tower’s interior was as you remembered: vast and cylindrical, each floor narrowing as it spiraled upward. The design was meant to funnel sunlight through the enormous glass ceiling—now cracked but still impressive.The silence was soothing, a balm for your frayed nerves. Back in the Lanes, you’d be struggling to fall asleep as the streets roared to life. Here, in the stillness, you could think. You could breathe.Climbing the stairs was almost comforting. Months of scaling rooftops had made you nimble, and the dust-covered pages scattered across the floors brought a strange sense of peace. The untouched decay of this place made it feel oddly alive.You hesitated at the door to the rooftop. Something felt off—a knot tightened in your stomach. Even a few deep breaths couldn’t shake it.Pushing the door open with your forearm, you stepped into the cold night air.The winds were stronger up here, sweeping away the city’s toxic haze. Breathing felt intoxicating, each gulp of clean air clearing your mind.The view was breathtaking. The Lanes sparkled below, stretching toward the Rift and beyond. Somewhere out there lay places you’d never been—and probably never would. The idea of "reaching the top" wasn’t meant for someone born at the bottom.That was a Piltover dream, not yours.They tinkered with their inventions, indulging in fresh fruit, while you scraped by every day, buying leftovers from the tavern downstairs at half price. Not bad, but you doubted the quality of the ingredients.Here, on the rooftop, you could finally be yourself. The only listener to your thoughts was the wind—silent, ever-steady, and quick to carry your worries away without offering solutions. Not that you needed them. Speaking the words aloud was often enough to untangle the knots in your mind.You perched on the edge, staring out at the cityscape. The tools in your pack needed cleaning before rust set in—a necessary chore. Reaching into a nearby crate, you pulled out a cloth and a bottle of water. These tools were all you had left of your father. A faint smile tugged at your lips as you traced the engraving on one of the lockpicks. It was wearing thin with time, like the memory of his face. Oddly, you didn’t feel grief anymore, nor anger. Just emptiness. That was all.Shifting uncomfortably, you realized you were sitting on something hard. Reaching behind you, you retrieved a small firearm. Basic, nothing fancy. It had been a precautionary carry. Staring at it, the scent hit you again—familiar and sharp.Gunpowder.And then it clicked. That smell back at the house—it had been gunpowder all along.Unfortunately, you didn’t have time to dwell on it. A flash lit up the skyline by the river, followed by the echo of an explosion. *** “What exactly are you trying to tell me?” you snapped.“Loot’s gone. Lay low for a while.”Grabbing Camille by the wrist, you yanked hard. “You’re joking.”She pulled back, irritation flashing in her eyes. “What do you want me to say?”“You can sing it for all I care. I want my cut. I did my job.”“Everyone who went inside is dead. What part of that don’t you get? No crew, no haul, no cash.”Scoffing, you crossed your arms. “That’s a load of crap.”“Look, maybe we can talk at the base later. I might be able to scrape something together for you—”“No.” Your voice dropped, cutting through her excuses like a blade. “You’re paying me now, or I take the rest myself and make sure James knows you blew it.”Camille’s face paled for a moment before she regained her composure. Pulling a coin pouch from her vest, she began counting reluctantly. You swiped it from her hand and tucked it into your pocket in one smooth motion.“You’ve got to be kidding me!” she barked.“That’s for the job. And for my silence,” you said with a thin smile.She didn’t know who she was dealing with. Camille was new, and you didn’t waste time sharing your history. Nobody needed to know you’d helped build this gang from the ground up. James wouldn’t question you showing up with proof of her failure, and she knew it.As you headed home, the weight of the pouch in your pocket was a comfort. Enough for a few weeks. You could take a break, figure out your next move.Your resolve wavered as the scent of roasted meat drifted from a nearby tavern. It had been too long since you’d had anything decent to eat. Impulse won, and you stepped inside.The tavern was dimly lit, hazy smoke curling beneath the ceiling. It gave the place a perpetual sense of gloom. Behind the counter, the bartender—a stocky, middle-aged man with an unremarkable face—gave you a knowing nod. A face like his was safety: forgettable, unmemorable, and perfect for blending into the crowd. He was also the owner, and over time, he’d taken a liking to you.“Feeling cheery today?” he asked, setting a drink in front of you.“You could say that.” Tossing two coins onto the counter, you added, “Pour one for yourself.”“Don’t need to ask me twice,” he chuckled. “Got something for you, by the way.”You raised an eyebrow, leaning over the counter to see what he meant. A swift tap on your head with a spoon stopped you short.“Easy. It’s not dessert,” he said, setting a scrap of paper in front of you.“What’s this?”“Read it.”It wasn’t from a newspaper or flyer. Too small for that. It looked like someone had torn it from a larger card and scrawled a few words across it.

The Last Drop. Evening. Today.

“What the hell is this supposed to mean?”“Take a closer look,” he said with mock indignation. “What’s stamped on it?”Turning the card in the light, you noticed a faint insignia pressed into the paper. Almost invisible, it only became clear from a certain angle.“No…” Your voice lowered. “Where did you get this?”“You think all I do is pour drinks?” His grin widened. “Go. You won’t regret it.”“You can’t seriously be telling me you work for him?”“Who doesn’t?”Your thoughts spiraled. You’d avoided The Last Drop for a reason: its leader was the most dangerous figure in Zaun. And now, your favorite bartender had revealed himself as one of his people, handing you what could only be an invitation.“This isn’t a good idea,” you said, pushing the card away.“I gave you this because I know what you can do.” He raised a hand to silence your protest. “Don’t think for a second I don’t know what you’ve been up to at night.”“W-what?”“I knew the moment you opened that door for me. You’re sharp. Go. Prove me right.”Your heart raced as the implications of the invitation sank in. Something significant was happening at the Last Drop that night, and by some twist of fate—or deliberate intervention—you had been invited. Was this a random chance, or had someone taken notice of you, offering a lifeline to a new, more dangerous path? It was both intoxicating and terrifying. A new chapter under the shadow of a powerful gang could mean danger, excitement, and better pay than your recent scraps had earned. But was it worth the risk?“Do you know anything more about this?” you whispered, clutching the note.“Even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you,” the bartender replied, leaning over the counter with a sly grin. “You can skip it and go on with your life, or you can see if you’re really cut out for something bigger. Either way, you’ll regret not going.”You hated that he was right.With a crooked smile, you sipped your drink, trying to steady your nerves. Fear of failure wasn’t what gnawed at you—it was the fear of what kind of people might be waiting inside. But if you had been invited, how bad could it really get?You studied the bartender’s unassuming face, seeking any clue that might betray his deeper involvement. He seemed the same as always, but now that you knew who he really worked for, your perspective shifted. A smuggler? A recruiter? Maybe both. You stared long enough to bore holes into his back, but he simply hummed a cheerful tune, ignoring you.There were still hours before evening fell. You decided to bide your time, bantering lightly to calm your nerves. *** You had never set foot in this part of Zaun. Ever since Silco took over, the area had transformed into a pulsating hub of lights and sounds, a seductive yet intimidating beacon of his dominion. Nobody came here just for fun. Everything that happened at the Last Drop had purpose—intent that was rarely benign.A nondescript man stood by the entrance, scrutinizing those who approached. You observed him from a distance, leaning against the wall of a nearby building. Doubts swirled in your mind, but curiosity eventually overpowered hesitation. Pushing off the wall, you approached the doors, bypassing the line of hopefuls.“What do you want?” the guard growled, eyes narrowing. Without a word, you held up the note. He barely glanced at it before jerking his head toward a side alley. “Back entrance.”A shiver ran down your spine—not from fear, but adrenaline. You felt alive, invigorated by the risk. The alley reeked of urine, and you gagged, pressing a sleeve to your nose. The back door was slightly ajar, inviting but ominous. Quietly, you slipped inside, each step a gamble against unseen danger.How many people would be here? And what if this was a trap? You acted alone—an ant compared to the gang leaders, but enough to have stepped on someone’s toes. You froze mid-step. Could the bartender have known what you’d done the night before? Or did he genuinely believe in your potential?Voices drifted from the next room, accompanied by a dim blue glow. You stayed in the shadows, slipping in unnoticed. Hugging the wall, you observed. You weren’t the only latecomer—a boy entered after you, just before the door slammed shut. The murmurs rose to a buzz, but you scanned for exits instead of listening. A small window on the far wall caught your eye. If things went south, it might be your only way out. You edged toward a chair and dragged it under the window under the guise of seeking a better view.“Listen up, dimwits, because I’m not repeating myself!” A loud voice cut through the room, commanding attention. A single blue bulb above illuminated a tall figure.“You all received invitations. Prove you’re worth our time, and you’ll join the crew. Your task? Find something at the site of the first shimmer factory. Whoever brings it back first is in.”“What are we looking for?” someone called out.“If I have to spell it out, you’re already out,” the man sneered. “Now get to work.”With a dismissive clap of his hands, he turned to leave. The crowd erupted, frustration bubbling into shouts and arguments. You ignored them, focusing instead on a faint hiss and a glint in the corner of the room. Narrowing your eyes, you pulled out a small flashlight and aimed it at the source.“Shit,” you hissed under your breath.A gas canister sat ominously in the corner, leaking its contents into the air. Panic stirred in the crowd as the first coughs began to ring out. You wasted no time. Clambering onto the chair, you fiddled with the window’s rusty lock. It resisted at first, but you forced it open just as the murmurs turned to cries of alarm. Fresh air hit your face as you wriggled through the gap and tumbled onto the street.The guard from earlier stood nearby, casually donning a gas mask. His unbothered demeanor spoke volumes: he knew exactly what was going on. Glancing back at the building, you saw chaos spreading inside.You had the advantage now. While the others panicked, you bolted toward the ruins of the factory. What exactly was waiting there? You weren’t sure, but if this was a test, you intended to pass it.The ruins were a skeletal reminder of Vander’s downfall, a grim monument to Silco’s rise. Your memories of the place were foggy. After the fire, anything of value—documents, shimmer samples—had been salvaged or destroyed. Whatever you were meant to find must have been planted recently, part of this elaborate trial.But what could it be? Shimmer itself seemed unlikely, as did any surviving artifacts from the fire. It had to be a decoy or a symbol, something to test your cunning. What could Silco want in a recruit? You thought back to the crowd—burly bruisers, sly thieves, and everything in between. Not all of them could be after the same prize.And yet, here you were, running for a chance at something bigger. Well, there was no point in thinking about it and wasting energy. You were confident, and you treated this more like a challenge than a job offer. If it didn't work out, you could always go back to James. If it did, you'd have a new, better-paying position. Maybe that's why, since you didn't care as much as the others, you were the first to escape the trap. You didn't hear footsteps behind you. They might have taken a different route, or they might have been lying dead. Either way, you were inexorably approaching the factory.It felt strange to see the symbol of change and feel absolutely nothing. You should have been sad that Vander was dead. You should have been angry that Silco had taken power, but instead, you felt emptiness. No matter what had happened here, it hadn’t affected you. Your life hadn't changed at all. You still stole and picked locks on commission. Did it really matter who you were doing it for?The factory loomed ahead, emerging from the mist like a ghost waiting for a victim. A chill ran down your spine as the first raindrops hit the dock boards shortly after you stepped onto them. You needed to catch your breath before going inside. You had lost your vigilance. The pounding blood in your ears had masked the footsteps behind you. Suddenly, someone kicked you in the side, and you nearly ended up in the dirty water. A girl in loose pants with a determined look briefly stopped next to you, hit you, and then ran on toward her goal. Your heart pounded, pumping more adrenaline into your veins. You clenched your fists and ran after her.Suddenly, you cared.She was the first to grab the handle and pull the door toward her. You saw only the dark ponytail disappearing behind the door when something heavy fell onto it. You yanked at the handle, but it was as if the door was nailed shut. You swore loudly and stepped back a few paces. Far above, there was a glass roof, which had collapsed almost completely during the explosion. You could get in that way. The broken bricks made for perfect climbing, but the rain had made them dangerously slippery. Did you have a choice? Soon, a whole gang would be charging in, searching the factory. Damn, you really started to care about this job.It was worth the risk.You climbed as fast as you could, as quickly as the conditions allowed, but it still took several minutes. You hoped you were smarter than that girl and that you would be the first to reach the treasure. From above, you had a much better view. And the view was staggering. Glass scattered across the floor still faintly glimmered purple from remnants of shimmer. You were glad you were up high. Below, your opponent was peering into every corner, searching for the prize. Not long after, as you’d predicted, people began pouring in through the windows and other doors. You crouched on a beam and focused your thoughts. This wasn’t obvious, and whatever the goal was, it definitely wouldn’t just be lying around. You furrowed your brow. Nothing jumped out at you. You should start searching other rooms, but below, chaos was breaking out. When the first blood was spilled, you silently thanked your climbing skills.A young boy, only a little older than you, rushed out of a room below, holding something that looked like a silver statuette. Another man spotted it and grabbed the boy by his hair, throwing him to the ground. The unconscious kid dropped the item, and the giant snatched it up for himself. Was this it? Had you just lost? You couldn’t tear your eyes away from the scene below. People were jumping at each other. Blades flashed, and the first screams rang out. The statuette passed from hand to hand—only the strongest would win. It was terrifying. You wanted the money, but you hadn’t thought that working for a vile gangster would drive people to such extremes. Had you missed something? Maybe it was about more than just a job.You turned your gaze away from the sight of the girl who had outrun you with her throat slit. If you had been down there, you could have been bleeding out. Slowly, you began to retreat. Since the prize had already been found, and the opportunity had been stolen right from under your nose, you could just wait it out. Staying where you were risked losing your life. You covered your ears with your hands, waiting for the last screams to fade into the empty walls. You preferred not to look down. Whatever happened there, you wanted to erase it from your memory.Of course, the big, muscle-bound thug won. Proud of himself, he wiped the blood from his cheek and grabbed the figurine with his slick hands. Whistling to himself, he walked out into the rain. You hoped you'd never get in his way. You couldn’t go back the same way. It was too slippery. On the opposite side of the building, you noticed part of a floor. The beams were low enough that you wouldn’t break your neck jumping. Well, maybe just an ankle. But you had to get home somehow.The closer you got to the ground, the more the metallic smell of blood became palpable. The thought of the massacre made you sick.“Well, I might as well take a look around,” you muttered as you pulled out the flashlight.The light flickered on briefly and then went out. You hit it a few times with your hand, but it didn’t seem like it wanted to work. It slipped from your wet hands and rolled down the railing. Maybe it was faulty, but it was the only one you had. You sighed loudly, frustrated, and went after your lost light. It miraculously worked again, casting a beam directly onto a table that, strangely, had survived the fire. Something about it seemed off. It was wooden; it shouldn’t have been standing here. The burned wood indicated the path the fire had taken. Whatever had exploded had started close to where you were standing. This piece of furniture should have turned to ash. You approached it curiously, inspecting it from all sides. You ran your finger along the edge and didn’t register the layer of dust you had expected. There was something wrong with it. You held the flashlight in your mouth and slid your hands over every surface, searching for something unusual. But there were no drawers or hidden compartments. A slight disappointment pricked at you, but there was still one option left. You lay on the floor, crawling underneath.“Well, look at that,” you whispered, feeling a laugh building in your stomach.A piece of paper and a ring were stuck to the underside of the tabletop. You glanced at it and, with satisfaction, saw a symbol similar to the one on the note you had received earlier that morning. You reached for the note, squinting as you read aloud:"Good job." *** The return to the Last Drop was filled with doubts. You turned the ring over in your hands, thinking about it. Was this right? It really seemed like "the thing" you were supposed to find. Plus, the note and the fact that it had been stuck to the bottom of the table. Deep down, you felt that you had found the real prize.What did that mean for you?Money, yes, you kept repeating that every time. But you still had a chance to back out. You didn’t have to go back and prove your skills to everyone. No, you didn’t have to, but you wanted to. Damn it, you wanted to show them that you had outsmarted all those eager workers. You also wanted to prove to yourself that you were worth more than the few moments James had graciously thrown your way.You stepped out of the alley at the perfect moment. Or maybe the moment had been happening for some time, and you just caught the tail end of it. The brute who had snatched the figurine from the dead boy’s hands was arguing with someone in front of the door. He waved his bloody hand around as if that would convince someone of the truth of his words. Walking in now and showing off your find was like sticking a stick into an ant nest. You preferred to wait it out and approach when you were sure you wouldn’t lose your life when the thug saw what you had.You leaned against the wall, roughly in the same spot where you had waited for the right moment to climb down earlier. You scanned the people around you, looking for an easy opportunity to pass the time while the conflict at the door resolved itself. Something prompted you to glance upward.It was a mistake.  On the balcony stood none other than the great ruler himself – Silco. With an impassive face, he watched as an impatient guard began to manually explain to the rowdy thug. And you observed him. It was the first time you had seen him with your own eyes. Honestly, you expected someone more impressive than a thin middle-aged man. It was reckless of you to stare at him so openly, but what else were you supposed to do? You twirled the ring in your hand, trying to reconcile the rumors about the most dangerous man in Zaun with the image you had before you.  Suddenly, Silco raised his head. You felt that he was looking directly at your hands, or more precisely, at what you had in them. He raised his eyebrows and without a word went back inside. A shiver ran down your spine. But not from fear. Curiosity was growing inside you, and that usually led to something foolish. Soon after, the guards escorted the thug to the alley next door. A man came out from inside and waved his hand at you.  "Got it?"  You showed him the ring in the palm of your hand.  "Tell me yourself,"  He muttered something under his breath and turned his back on her. With a gesture, he signaled for her to follow him. Inside, the music drowned out all other thoughts. It was deafening. You could feel that you wouldn't last long in there. You had never been inside, not even when Vander was alive. This place was overwhelming. The mass of lights and sounds infiltrated even under your clothes like persistent hands trying to steal something.  "Tomorrow. Eight o'clock. Don't be late," the man who had led you inside shouted directly into your ear before pressing a token and a note with an address into your hand. "On our tab."  He vanished into the crowd, leaving you no time to ask questions. You felt a surge of pride, practically puffing your chest. You turned the token over in your hand, thinking intensely. Part of you wanted to dash to the roof and escape, but another part needed to drown out your thoughts with alcohol.  "What the hell," you muttered aloud and squeezed your way to the bar.  When you showed the token without saying a word, you were handed something strong in a large glass. It smelled nice and tasted sweet. For just this one evening, you could afford to be reckless. You turned to face the crowd and slowly sipped the drink. Gods, it was good. The customers were already quite drunk or high. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw some purple flashes. It was getting late. At this hour, the worst traits came out in people. It was also a good time to slip away before a fight broke out. You weren't good at that.  You hopped off the tall stool and began weaving through the crowd. You were tempted to reach into people's pockets, but you didn't know who was watching. This could be your territory soon enough, so it didn't make sense to make enemies. When you reached the door leading to an empty stairwell, you decided it might be a good place to rest. If anyone asked what you were doing, you could always claim you were looking for that one guy.  You still couldn't understand how this man, Silco, was able to hold almost all of Zaun in a firm grip when he looked... like that. You shook your head. Well, that wasn't for you to figure out. You had a job now, that should be all that mattered. Yet, it didn't feel like that as you climbed the narrow stairs. There was something about the rooftops and open space that tempted you to the extreme. The ability to look at the world from a perspective outside the ordinary. It was the perfect place to hide. People rarely looked up. You loved the different air that came when you climbed high enough.  Lost in thought, you reached the metal door. You could feel the cold creeping through the cracks. You had to get to the top of the building. But why was it not secured? Did that mean anyone could just walk in? The alcohol hit your head, making your thoughts slow down. You glanced at your glass and, with horror, saw tiny purple specks at the bottom.  Shimmer.  "On their tab, sure..." you muttered, reaching for the handle.  You needed to get out in the fresh air. You had no idea what would happen after drinking alcohol laced with a drug, but you preferred not to be among strangers at that moment. If you could get your hands on the guy who gave you the token tomorrow... You didn't have time to think further when your stomach rebelled and you threw up all over the floor in front of you. You blinked twice, trying to regain focus, but it was in vain.  The fresh – by Zaun standards – air pleasantly brushed against your face. You took a deep breath, feeling the dizziness slowly subside. You wrapped your coat tighter and looked ahead. You were standing on a small balcony that didn't have all the railings installed. You could grab the sides and lean forward. Of course, you had no intention of doing that in your current state. You sat on the edge and patiently waited for the worst to pass.  When you were finally able to focus, you noticed something interesting. You and your curiosity, which would one day get you into serious trouble. Below, to the right of you, there was a balcony where you saw Silco. An interesting experience. Of course, you weren't foolish enough to risk sneaking into his office, but this man fascinated you in an inexplicable way. He was very different from the legends you had heard about him.  Feeling slightly better, you decided to head back. The note said eight in the evening, so you had enough time to shake the last of the drug from your system. The rain was still drizzling a little, but not as much as earlier. You yawned loudly and stood up.  Then the wet roof tile slipped from under your feet. You grabbed the railing, but everything was slippery from the water. Your reactions were still slowed by the drug, so you didn't manage to react differently except by searching for something to grab onto in the air. You slid down the steep roof and landed on something flat and hard. It stunned you for a good few minutes. By the time you were able to get up and check if you had broken any bones, more seconds had passed. You struggled to catch your breath, hoping you hadn’t broken any ribs. First day on the job and already an injury.Great.  You grabbed the railing and hung on it. Surprisingly, hanging with your head down actually helped and was even relaxing. It hadn't fully registered what had happened yet. The main thing was you were alive. You had fallen on something nearby; otherwise, you would have landed broken on the street in front of the bar.  Oh hell.  You snapped out of it in an instant. To your horror, you saw a large window behind you, with typical office furniture beyond it. Your legs buckled beneath you. If anyone saw you here, you were screwed. You frantically looked around, searching for an escape route. Ultimately, it would be better to jump than to be caught snooping on the owner's private balcony. You couldn’t go back the way you came, but you had to try.  Or, you would have tried, had it not been for the characteristic click you heard behind you. The sound of a pistol being cocked. Was this the end for you? You slowly raised your hands.  "What are you doing here?"  At the sound of his voice, you flinched slightly. You started to turn around, but a nudge in your back made you stop.  "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't be here, but I can explain everything!" you began to apologize, hoping your words were faster than the bullet.  "You have three seconds."  "I work for you!"  Silence rang in your ears.  "I don't remember ordering anyone to guard this place. Try harder."  " I fell," you said quickly, feeling how stupid it sounded. "I was feeling bad and was sitting higher up on the roof."  "Either you're stupid, or someone made a serious mistake hiring you."  You hadn’t quite processed the drug. It hit you with force, causing you to lose balance. You collapsed to your knees, leaning all your weight on your hands. This was not good, you couldn’t control your reactions, and now, more than ever, you needed a clear mind.  "What’s going on?"  Silco asked in a gentler voice this time.  "I had... Shimmer in my drink," you croaked, feeling how dry your mouth was.  "Just don’t die on me," he growled.  You felt him grab your arm and sling it over his neck. What you thought was the final phase of the drug was probably just the beginning. Everything around you blurred. You didn’t know who you were or where he was taking you. You tried to protest, but only some incoherent mumbling escaped your lips. Before you were completely cut off, you remembered the strong smell of tobacco surrounding you.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Waking up hungover was never pleasant. You knew the feeling well. Even though you rarely indulged to this extent, you were familiar with how your body would react. It started with a headache accompanied by an unbearable dryness in your throat. Every movement triggered another wave of dizziness, and the best remedy was simply to wait it out. If you felt hungry, it was a sign that you were on the mend.The problem was, you didn’t feel that. Actually, you didn’t feel anything. No side effects at all. You should’ve been relieved—almost forgetting you had downed some vile concoction the previous day. Somehow, shimmer had blocked the unwanted effects, and as soon as you opened your eyes, everything seemed normal. Instinctively, you reached for the bridge of your nose to refocus your vision, but you were surprised to notice that you could see the details quite clearly. Clearly enough to recognize an unfamiliar ceiling.You shot up into a sitting position, the blanket covering you sliding to the floor with a soft rustle. Your mind was sharp, functioning as it used to—except for one glaring gap in your memory. Even your clothes were still on, exactly as they had been the previous day. No one had taken advantage of the situation, and you sighed in relief. You had no idea when—or if—you would ever recover your memories of the night before. You had blacked out right after...“Oh, no…” you groaned aloud.You clasped your temples, massaging them as if that might somehow help. What a disaster... To make such a fool of yourself on the very first day. Assuming you still had a job at all.“I see you’ve joined the land of the living.”The voice belonged to the bouncer who had let you in yesterday. In the daylight, he looked different, and his tone was even friendly.“Where am I?”“Welcome to our humble quarters,” he replied with a grin, spreading his arms wide. “Cramped, but almost our own. This is the employee lounge at the Last Drop.”You glanced around the room. The gray walls, chipped in places, looked clean enough. You’d been lying on a couch upholstered in stiff, scratchy fabric. Someone had thrown a blanket over you that reeked of smoke. Behind the man, you saw two others playing cards—a heavily built woman with her hair in a tight bun and a younger guy who looked downright terrified. They seemed accustomed to customers crashing on the communal couch; neither looked up from their game.At least you were alive and didn’t feel like death—physically, anyway. You swung your legs to the floor and started searching for your shoes. You should get ready for your first day. Your hair fell across your forehead, a sign that someone had tampered with it. A wave of nausea rose in your throat. Maybe it was better not to remember.“Slow down,” the bouncer said, grabbing your wrist. “Take a moment to steady yourself.”“I need to get home,” you muttered, embarrassed by your own thoughts.The man sighed and walked off, but moments later, you heard the sound of a chair being dragged. Still bent over your shoes, you saw him sit across from you. With a deep breath, you glanced at him. His goofy grin suggested he was waiting for your next move. He was so different from the version of himself you’d met the previous day that you doubted he was the same person.You shook your head and stretched your legs out in front of you, scanning the room for your backpack. It was nowhere to be seen. You fixed your gaze on the man, debating whether it was worth asking.“Tell me… what happened? How did I get here?”He pulled off his cap and scratched his head, his confidence fading. Clearly, he’d been hoping you’d start spilling details yourself, but the gaping hole in your memory was a gnawing void demanding answers.“Eh... That’s just it. I don’t know. It was so weird, I’m not even sure I believe what I saw.”Your stomach tightened with anxiety.“Did I… do something?”“That’s just it—you didn’t. This is the first time we’re talking since you walked into the bar. Listen to this,” he said, leaning in closer. “Swear on my mother, I’m not lying. The boss himself barged in here dragging you behind him. Dropped you off at the door and stormed off into the main hall, mad as a nest of hornets. Bea over there saw it,” he added, jerking his thumb toward the woman behind him. “Next thing you know, the bar door flies open, and my buddy’s tossing the bartender out like yesterday’s trash, landing a solid kick to boot. Quite the show, I’ll tell you. The boss personally threw him out on his ass. Then he came back here and told us to look after you.”“Oh, hell,” you cursed under your breath, sucking in air through your teeth. “I’m so screwed.”He watched you expectantly.“And…?”“I don’t know! Stop looking at me like that!” you snapped, slumping as if it were somehow all your fault. “I don’t remember anything from last night. Someone spiked my drink with shimmer, and then… nothing.”“How do you know?”“I saw traces of it at the bottom of my glass. Most likely the bartender,” you sighed, collapsing back onto the couch.“Figures,” he muttered, running his fingers through his beard. “Listen, I know this sounds bad, but we’d suspected Mike was up to something shady. Sometimes we’d find strung-out customers on the couches, but it was never a big issue. Nobody could prove anything.”You felt your blood run cold.“You’re telling me someone’s been dosing unsuspecting customers with drugs right under your nose, and you think that’s no big deal?”“I’m just the guy at the door,” he said defensively. “You think people come here just to drink?” He snorted loudly. “Don’t be naïve.”“You’re all insane,” you muttered. “So that’s why… Silco…” His name caught in your throat. “...threw him out?”“Yup,” he perked up. “But what’s strange is, he usually lets one of his lackeys handle that. Not this time. That’s why I was waiting for you to wake up.”Great. Either you’d seriously messed up, or the thing you’d spent your whole life avoiding had happened. Someone noticed you. And it was the last person you wanted to have on your radar. Whatever had provoked Silco’s behavior couldn’t mean anything good—especially since it had rattled him enough to act personally.“Sorry, I can’t help you,” you said, forcing a smile. “If I could just get my things, I’d be grateful.”“What?”“My backpack and jacket.”The bouncer shook his head.“You didn’t have anything with you when you got here.”Fantastic. Not only had you been drugged, but you’d been robbed as well. A perfect start to the day. Barging into Silco’s office to demand your belongings back would be suicide. Especially since your lockpicks were in there—they were valuable, but not worth your life. Marching into the lion’s den would be sheer stupidity.You said your goodbyes to the staff at Last Drop and quickly fled the scene of the crime. The farther away, the better. The day was overcast, with the weather hinting at an impending downpour. Again. Without a jacket, you risked catching a cold, which wouldn’t improve your already precarious professional situation. You wanted to pull up a hood, but the painful realization struck—you were wearing nothing but a thin blouse. The wind sneaked under your clothes, though its chill pleasantly soothed your irritated skin. Sleeping on that rough couch had left you feeling like you'd been feasted on by a swarm of bedbugs. Maybe you actually had—your bedding didn’t exactly scream "freshly laundered."Despite everything, instead of heading straight home to wash off the remnants of the night, you made your way to the pub downstairs. Leon was, as usual, in his regular spot, bustling behind the bar while polishing second-rate glassware. The sight of you made him slam the glass down with a bang.“Like seeing a ghost! I thought you were dead!” He stepped out from behind the counter to inspect you, grabbing your shoulders and giving you a thorough once-over. Annoyed by the loss of your belongings, you brusquely shoved his hands away.“What’s with everyone today?” you rasped before slumping into your usual seat. “Got anything to eat? For free?” you added in a wavering voice.“Rough night?” “Depends on your perspective,” you sighed. “Someone robbed me.”Leon burst into such uproarious laughter that the bottles behind him vibrated.“Robbing a thief—that’s art!” he chuckled, shaking his head with pure amusement.You stood up from the stool, ready to leave without another word.“Oh, come on, don’t get mad,” he said, softening his tone as he set a glass of tart juice in front of you. “Here, take this.”From beneath the counter, he pulled out an enormous bag and dropped it in front of you. Startled, you approached it cautiously, as if it might contain someone’s severed head. Hesitantly, you reached for the knot, noticing your trembling hands. When you saw what was inside, you nearly wept.“Where did you get this?” you asked, pulling the jacket onto your shoulders.“Better you tell me why Silco’s right hand showed up at dawn, dropped this off without a word, and left looking none too pleased.”Your heart leapt into your throat. “Sevika was here?”“Of course, she was. And with her, the fury of the universe. What kind of mess have you gotten yourself into?”“I don’t know,” you groaned miserably, resting your head on the counter. “Feels like everyone knows more than I do and no one’s planning to tell me anything.”“Start from the beginning. How’d the job go?”You told him about the meeting behind Last Drop. He commended your quick thinking when faced with the gas cylinder. You skimmed over the events at the factory, reluctant to revisit the memory of bodies strewn across the floor. You felt the risk of trouble hanging over you if that thug ever discovered who had undercut his operation.The second topic, however, left you stumped. Leon worked for Silco, and you weren’t in the habit of sharing job details. Two deep breaths later, you started explaining the accidental break-in on the balcony. You weren’t sure whether he wanted to scold you or keep joking about your predicament. Fortunately, his comments weren’t overly sharp.“Messing with shimmer is no joke. Once you’ve tried it, you might have trouble saying no next time. I’d advise staying away from Last Drop, just in case.”“You don’t have to tell me twice,” you assured him fervently. “Keep your fingers crossed they don’t throw me out when I show up there tonight.”You stood to leave, but he stopped you before you could take a step.“Listen, whatever’s happened, I’m glad you’re alive. But remember,” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “Silco doesn’t do favors out of the goodness of his heart. The fact that he helped you last night might mean he has plans for you. Plans you won’t necessarily like. Be careful.”The way he framed it sent a chill through you, making you realize just how deep a mess you might be in within a few hours.“I will,” you replied weakly, managing a faint smile.The pale sun was beginning to descend from its peak in the sky. You still had a few hours before the meeting. Checking whether your backpack and its contents had survived took priority. The need to scrub the grime off yourself wrestled with the obligation to prepare. Raising the collar of your jacket to shield your neck from the biting wind, you wrinkled your nose at an unfamiliar scent. Raising your sleeve to your face, you caught the smell—not of cheap soap but of smoke. No, something stronger.You shook your head, knowing a tedious scrubbing session awaited you. Stubborn scents were hard to remove from leather, but you had to erase every last trace reminding you of him. Back in your room, a sense of calm finally enveloped you. The air inside was stuffy, so you opened the window, letting in the first raindrops alongside the wind. You hung your jacket on one of the panes, hoping it would air out a bit, then sat on the bed and rummaged through your backpack. Almost everything was where it should be. The bundle of dried meat Leon had given you was missing, but that was a minor loss. Most importantly, the lock-picking kit rested safely in its usual pocket. Breathing a sigh of relief, you spread it out in front of you to check for damage—one could never be too sure. As you unfolded the fabric, a piece of paper fell to the floor. What was it with people and notes? Would it kill them to just talk? Amused by your own empty joke, you unfolded the slip. Unfortunately, the contents weren’t nearly as entertaining.
Quite nice. Don’t lose it again.
~S.
You felt your face flush crimson. Furiously, you crumpled the note and threw it across the room. It was too light, pathetically falling between your feet and unfurling, the lone “S” smirking at you mockingly.“What a bastard,” you growled.Not only had he left you at the mercy of random strangers, but he’d also rifled through your backpack. You wouldn’t even be surprised if he were behind the missing food. Of course, you were exaggerating—he didn’t owe you anything. He could have left you on that balcony or simply killed you on a whim. You were alive, in decent shape, and the man responsible for your state had lost his job. You probably ought to thank him. Oh no, no way. You weren’t giving him that satisfaction. Determined not to think about him any longer, you tidied yourself up as best as your modest conditions allowed. Soon, you’d need to head out to meet your mysterious contact. The address pointed to the northwest, near the port district. Why were most of Silco’s properties near the water? Some kind of fetish?A massive warehouse loomed over the surrounding buildings. At this hour, most places were either closed or abandoned by owners who knew better than to have such neighbors. You glanced at the hastily scrawled address again before approaching. A lone, masked man sat on a small stool by the door, finishing a cigarette. He didn’t spare you a glance. No one in their right mind would show up here uninvited. Despite the heavy metal doors, the shouts from inside were loud and clear. What a cheerful bunch. You couldn’t stand those who barked instead of biting—those who talked a lot but did little and were usually the first to run away. Just in case, you released the blade hidden in your sleeve. Even if no trial awaited you, you had no idea who was inside. You’d reached into too many pockets to remember all your victims. The door creaked softly as you pushed it open. As always, you slipped inside rather than trying to appear more menacing than you truly were. And, just as you suspected, no one paid attention to another person joining the gathering.The problem was, you didn’t know who to look for. Quietly, you hoped they would recognize you and spare you the search. You scanned the crowd, looking for a face that seemed a bit sharper than the rest. The loudest ones looked like their muscles had replaced their brains. You wove through the crowd, dodging bodies, until you noticed a group chatting calmly at a table. That seemed like a good place to try your luck.But luck wasn’t on your side. A hand shot out from the crowd and grabbed your collar. You growled, struggling to break free. Your assailant was stronger, pinning you against the wall in an instant. He reeked of onions and filth. You stared into his bloodshot, yellow eyes, trying to recall if you’d ever seen him before. His hand clamped around your throat, cutting off blood to your brain.“You bitch,” he hissed. “I’ll kill you.”“Dinner first, maybe?” you rasped weakly, attempting sarcasm.“That was my sister!”Not this again—another tirade about how you had crushed someone’s dreams. You rolled your eyes. You’d heard it all before. Instead of letting him spill his venom, you simply drove the small blade into his arm. The grip loosened, and you broke free. You leapt back a few steps, crouching with the knife in front of you.“I don’t care what happened to your sister. Touch me again, and you’ll lose more than a bit of blood.”He stared at you, stunned, as if he hadn’t expected you to fight back. The crowd around you buzzed with anticipation, clearly waiting for a fight. Bets were likely being placed.“She was only sixteen, and you killed her!” he shouted, spit flying.He didn’t approach but clutched a crude weapon—a screwdriver attached to a wooden handle. Primitive.“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”“She was on the mission. I found her body. You slit her throat like an animal, you murderer.”Her? That girl who was the first to rush into the factory? A plain, unremarkable face you’d have forgotten if not for the ghastly open wound across her slim neck. You could picture her vacant eyes, her body twisted on the ground while chaos raged nearby. You lowered the blade and exhaled.“I didn’t kill her. If you want revenge, find the idiot who caused the ruckus at Last Drop. Don’t waste my time unless you’re serious about following through.”The crowd murmured at your words. You wanted to smirk in satisfaction but found no pride in her death. She’d been in the wrong place at the wrong time, just as you would have been if you hadn’t paused to survey the factory. You wiped the blood off on your thigh and turned your back on him. A gamble, but you sensed he preferred shouting to actual fighting.You walked toward the tables and perched on the edge of one. Your throat throbbed from his grip. His stench clung to you, so you instinctively buried your nose in your collar. At least it masked the odor of sweat.“Here,” a girl appeared beside you, handing you a dripping wet rag.“Thanks,” you said, gratefully accepting it.You wiped your hands and then your neck—anything to rid yourself of the sensation.“New here?” she asked.“Mhm,” you muttered, feeling far from conversational. “Not sure what I’m doing here. Any idea where I’m supposed to go?”The girl was pretty, easy on the eyes. She shrugged and sat next to you.“I just cook here. If someone brought you in, they’ll find you, no matter how big the crowd. I don’t know how, but they always do.”Oddly comforting. All you could do was wait. You’d already made enough of a scene to make finding you easier. Secretly, you hoped it would be the same guy as yesterday. After the stunt he pulled, you wanted him groveling and apologizing.The stranger lingered a few minutes before someone called her to the back. Alone again, you sat on the table with one leg tucked beneath you and the other swinging, emphasizing your slight stature.Was this ragtag bunch all Silco’s people? Unlikely. Probably just his attack dogs—a holding pen to keep them in line. They had too much energy, wasted on brawling among themselves.“You really love being the center of attention, don’t you?”A rolled-up paper hit the back of your head.“What was that for?!” you snapped, turning toward the speaker. “Sevika!”You jumped down, unsure of what to do with yourself.“Don’t just stand there. Let’s go.”She set a brisk pace, her long strides forcing you to trot to keep up—a comical sight, no doubt. Should you thank her for delivering your bag? Leon had mentioned she wasn’t thrilled about playing courier. Best not to bring it up. She seemed calm, but her stormy, stern face could mean anything. No wonder everyone feared her.You climbed the stairs to the upper level. The corridors were quieter, more serene. She led you through a maze-like path, as if trying to prevent you from memorizing it. That was probably the point. Maybe she intended to leave you here to test if you could find your way out—or maybe you were overthinking it.Finally, she opened a door to a small room. Inside was a lone desk with two chairs on either side. You glanced around but saw nothing else of interest, save for a south-facing window. The heavy door shut behind you with a finality that was unnerving.Sevika sat down, lighting a small lamp. A lone cigarette dangled from her lips as she rummaged through a file.“Are you just going to stand there gawking?”You jumped, embarrassed, and quickly took the seat across from her.“What are we doing here?”She sighed heavily.“I hate this.” She pulled out a form and scanned it. “What can you do?”“Excuse me?”“Am I speaking unclearly? I need to know what you’re capable of so I can assign you to a team. Get to the point; I don’t have all day.”The sudden blankness in your mind was becoming more and more overwhelming.“I open locks on commission, and I’m pretty good at it.”“I know that. What else?”“I can climb. There’s not a rooftop in Zaun I haven’t been on,” you began listing. “I’m good at sneaking. Jam... my friend says there’s no one who can spot me in the shadows or track me by my trail. I don’t leave tracks. Not anymore.”You added the last part more softly. Because of a handprint you had left on a wall, your only friend at the time had been killed. Sevika didn’t seem to care about what you were saying; she was scribbling something on paper, waiting for you to continue.“Stealth, reconnaissance...” she muttered under her breath. “It’ll do. Maybe. Don’t expect grand adventures for now.”“So, I start today?”“You wish,” she scoffed, finally looking up at you. “You’ve got 24 hours to sort out personal matters. Break ties with your old gang. From now on, you belong to us. Before you get any jobs, we need to test you. And after what you pulled yesterday, I’ll happily handle it myself.”She looked at you like you were an insect. A bug she would first torment and then kill. Gods, she was terrifying. You couldn’t blame others for avoiding her like the plague.“I wanted to thank you…”“24 hours,” she cut you off, standing up. “Not a minute longer. Then you report directly to me. I don’t care how you find me. Got it?”You leapt to your feet, ready to dance to her tune.“Y-yes, of course.”“Now get out,” she added with a strange smirk.It wasn’t mocking. There was something in it that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. You left the room as though the devil himself was chasing you. You had memorized the way back, so it only took you a few minutes to reach the ground floor. *** “So this is officially the end, huh?” you asked the empty street leading to the base James called his.You had dragged out going to him as long as you could. Ending your business with him would close a chapter of your life. Truthfully, you felt good working for him. You’d known James for years, but the jobs had stopped being satisfying. Every time he asked, “Do you want to?” He knew you had dreams. Dreams of escape. Far beyond Zaun. Somewhere you wouldn’t be defined by the side of the river you were born on.But what he could offer sometimes wasn’t enough to buy food, let alone a ticket on a ship. Working for him would take half a lifetime of opening locks. Working for Silco, it would take a year. You knew where you stood. Money was money; you couldn’t afford to scorn earnings.The narrow stairs leading to the basement where you met were far from the bridge to the upper city. You weren’t entirely sure who James paid for safety, but it didn’t matter now. Descending, you had no idea what you would find. Certainly not this.The door to the basement had been torn off its hinges and lay broken in two on the ground. Instinct told you to run, not to risk it, and avoid walking into an ambush. But Sevika’s orders had been clear: end everything and return. You feared her more than anything that might await below.You pulled a knife from your sleeve and covered your face with a scarf. This was your turf; you could escape quickly enough. Better to ensure your face didn’t stay in anyone’s memory. You stepped over the broken wood with a long stride and descended into the darkness of the remaining stairs. The fourth step creaked, and the sixth was cracked. You knew them like the back of your hand. Below, the familiar sounds were absent. No voices. No music.Something was very wrong.Like the half-dried bloodstain on the threshold. Its scent was evident from the entrance. The massacred bodies had once been your acquaintances. Unfortunately, the mutilated faces no longer resembled anyone. A pang in your chest reminded you that you had considered them your people, not just coworkers. You stepped carefully between the bodies, not knowing why your eyes stung. So much for a farewell conversation about ending the job.Then you heard your name, rasped from a corner of the room. It was faint, spoken in a hoarse voice. You tried to see who lay in the shadows but to no avail. You quickly approached, and James’s battered form came into view. Kneeling in front of him, you didn’t know what to do about his injuries. His leg was broken in three places, his head bore a massive wound, and his labored breathing and grip on his ribs meant at least one was broken.“What happened here?”“It… was them,” he wheezed, trying to prop himself up slightly. “This building—it belonged to Finn.”“He did this?”“His people,” James corrected. “You need to run before they get you too.”“Right now, I need to get you to a doctor.”You glanced around the room. One of the intact chairs still had sturdy legs. You broke them off and used the boards to splint his leg. He protested and repeated the same words, so you threatened to gag him with a dirty sock if he didn’t stop complaining. Sure, you were ending your partnership with him, but that didn’t mean you’d leave a decent friend to die.Doctors in Zaun were closer to butchers and charged a fortune, but you had no choice. You still had some of what you’d taken from Camille. With a new job waiting for you, you felt almost generous. Better to spend it on help than on some worthless indulgence.It was a half-hour walk to the nearest “hospital,” if you could call it that. With an injured man in tow, the journey stretched to an hour. You were pushing your schedule hard, and as long as James didn’t drag his feet, you shouldn’t be late reporting to Sevika.Halfway there, James started to lose consciousness from blood loss. His body was heavy, and you didn’t have the strength to throw him over your shoulder. You kept rousing him, prodding his sore ribs, knowing that pain was the best motivator.The building that supposedly housed the small clinic was repulsive from afar. Peeling paint, cracked walls, crooked doors. But at least it didn’t stink like some others you knew. Dragging James inside, you pushed past the crowd despite protests. He hung limply on your shoulder, his forehead burning with fever. The woman handling patients argued along with the rest, but a pouch full of coins quickly shut her up, bringing a sweet smile to her face. Ignoring the queue, she led you to one of the rooms. You watched your hard-earned money disappear into her pocket, but it was worth it.You had a moment, so you sat in a chair beside the bed, watching others tend to James. He mumbled in his sleep, utterly unaware of what was happening.Suddenly, you noticed a syringe with something shimmering purple in one of the women’s hands. You grabbed her wrist before she could drive the needle into James's arm.  “Are you crazy?” you hissed. “You want to give him that? He won’t survive.”  “A different strain. What you paid for is enough for a few doses. If we’re going to treat him like the others, just say the word.”  “No,” you hesitated. “Help him.”  You wanted to stay with him longer, but the hour you were supposed to report to Sevika was approaching fast. James wasn’t going anywhere; he’d be stuck in the hospital for several days. You’d likely be able to visit him, provided you didn’t get an assignment. Contrary to what you feared, they were taking decent care of him. His wounds were cleaned, and his breathing had stabilized.  You were dying to know why Finn’s people attacked the base, but James was in no state to answer. That meant you were in danger too. Just because no one saw you leaving the scene didn’t mean your name hadn’t come up during potential interrogations. You hadn’t just caused problems for yourself but likely for Sevika as well—assuming you’d admit to it. You could always lie and omit mentioning the mission. But if Sevika decided to dig into your activities, the truth would undoubtedly come to light. It seemed safer to confess everything.  You left James in the hospital and hurried to the compound. Sevika had told you to find her, and that was the first place you intended to look. Last Drop was a last-resort option; it was still too early for that. Just seeing the liquid in the syringe earlier had stirred something akin to hunger in you.  You didn’t want to find out what would happen if you were late reporting in. You entered the compound as you had the previous day and headed straight for the stairs. You didn’t make it to the first step when a door slammed somewhere, and an enraged Sevika stormed out of the hallway. Her eyes flashed lightning as she glared at you, her hands gripping the railing so tightly her knuckles whitened.  “To me,” she growled. “Now!”  Her fury in her voice made your legs buckle. Stumbling slightly, you rushed after her. She moved even faster in her anger, disappearing around a corner. When you caught up, she grabbed you by the neck without ceremony and shoved you into a room.  “Do you have any idea how royally you’ve screwed up?” she asked, slamming the door shut behind her.  “I don’t know what you—”  “I thought I was done with you, and then I got word that Slickjaws are looking for someone responsible for the explosion by the shore. Imagine my surprise when Finn himself deemed it necessary to demand your head.”  This couldn’t be happening.  “Mine? But I didn’t do anything—”  Sevika placed one hand on her hip while the other pinched the bridge of her nose. Her eyes were closed, and she breathed heavily as if restraining herself from throttling you bare-handed.  “I don’t know what’s going on here, and I don’t like it. But Silco doesn’t want to hand you over. I have no idea what’s going through his head this time, but now I have to hide you until this blows over.”  “Can you tell me what’s going on?” you shouted, desperate for answers even though you knew she might silence you permanently.  “Your buddy from the gang you played with ratted you out the moment they got to him. Seriously, you people have no sense if none of you bothered to hide your identities.”  “No,” you stammered. “James wouldn’t do that.”  “Oh, but he did. After you heroically hauled him to the hospital on your back, Finn’s people were certain it was you. And now they’ve definitely seen you entering one of Silco’s training compounds. Did it ever occur to you that you might be followed? I’d hand you over in a second if I could.”  You didn’t know how to respond. You were out of steam. James. You’d known him for years, and he had betrayed you so brazenly. Was that why he survived? Because he sold you out? Sadness mixed with anger as you struggled to believe it despite the evidence.  “This has to be a misunderstanding,” you started, feeling panic creep into your thoughts.  “I’ll clear it up because I have no choice. But you are staying here. Don’t stick so much as a nose outside unless you want to lose it. If I find out you’ve been up to something, I’ll strangle you myself.”  She didn’t give you time to reply, slamming the door behind her as she left. You understood her anger. You knew you’d brought this on yourself by taking part in the heist, but you hadn’t realized you’d messed up this badly.  It took you a moment to assess your situation. Sevika hadn’t locked you in; her threats were enough. You sat on the floor in the two-person room, which seemed to serve as a temporary holding space for cases like yours.  If you understood correctly, you were to be made an example of. Likely public punishment or something similar, culminating in a spectacular death. Whatever was in that building had to be valuable. But you hadn’t been the one to blow it up. You’d been long gone when the explosion happened. Not that anyone cared.  Silco’s refusal to hand you over was clear to you. Giving someone up would show that he could be made to lose something. Likely a matter of pride, nothing more. Either way, you had another reason to thank him. He was saving your skin again, even though it would have been easier to just kill you. This time—if things resolved in your favor—you’d have to say something.  But first, James. You couldn’t rest until you knew for sure if he had betrayed you. Sevika had told you not to leave. No one seemed to be watching you, but they might have stationed someone outside the door. However, the window was unsecured. Probably no one imagined someone could climb down from the third floor on a nearly smooth wall. Well, others couldn’t. You could.  Once again, you risked so much for so little in return. But it was James—your friend, practically family. You needed to hear it from him. The problem was, you didn’t know how much time you had before Sevika returned. An hour? A day? Or was she standing outside, waiting to see if you’d run?  You wrestled with your thoughts, losing precious minutes. Returning to the hospital was foolish. You didn’t even know if he’d regained consciousness. You opened the window, hoping the fresh air would clear your head.  The best option was to trust Sevika. She knew what she was doing. If Silco had made his decision, you should just stay put. Yet the open window beckoned. You didn’t even realize when you climbed onto the sill, surveying the surroundings. You could probably climb down but getting back up would be harder. You were practically lying on the windowsill when the door handle creaked.  Why does everything in this place squeak and groan? Don’t they know how to oil anything?  “I swear I wasn’t trying to escape!” you shouted quickly, backing away from the window.  But it wasn’t Sevika.  “Good to know you can sometimes listen to those who know better.”  You felt cornered, almost trapped. Fascinated.  “I can explain everything,” you started, but he cut you off with a gesture.  “You’ve promised me answers before, only for something to interrupt us,” he said, stepping closer. “Are you planning to faint again to avoid questions this time?”  Fatigue was starting to take over. You collapsed onto the hard mattress and buried your face in your hands.“I didn’t know that house belonged to Finn, all right? I didn’t cause the explosion.”“That doesn’t matter anymore. Someone has to pay the price, and it just so happens to be you.”“Then why don’t you just hand me over and get it over with?”The games were beginning to wear on you.“Just hand you over? Like that? And what’s in it for me?”You glanced at Silco, who stood still in the half-light. He wanted something from you; otherwise, he wouldn’t have bothered coming all the way here. And you could be certain it was nothing pleasant. If only his scent didn’t keep clinging more and more to your hair.“Oh, right, I forgot. It’s always a transaction,” you scoffed, not knowing where you found the courage.“You can think of it that way,” he replied, stepping closer. “But I prefer to see you as an investment. One that’s costing me at the moment.”You rolled your eyes.“I’m just a thief,” you shot him a sideways look, and for just a second, one word flitted through your mind—one you wouldn’t dare say aloud for any price. “So what are you even doing here?”“I don’t need to explain myself to just a thief when I visit buildings that belong to me, do I?”You stood up, feeling the need to set some boundaries—if such a thing was even possible with him. He seemed like the kind of man who took what he wanted, regardless of anyone else’s opinion.“I understand. I’m sorry for causing so much trouble. I’ll wait here patiently until Sevika carries out your orders. Does that suit you? Or should I dance or sing for you as well?”“Oh, I have no doubt you know how to dance,” he said, giving you a once-over. “But for now, all I need is your word that you won’t leave here until I permit it.”A strange shiver ran down your spine. You rolled your eyes again.“Fine, have it your way.”You felt as though you were agreeing to something far more than just waiting patiently. And you knew you’d regret it, but it was already too late to take back your words.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

So, you're stuck.You were explicitly forbidden to leave the facility. For once, you decided there was no point in acting on your own. It was difficult to give up control like that. Most of your life, you'd dealt with incompetent people who treated trust like a toy to be tossed around. You’d been burned by that more than once. Enough to teach you that trust isn’t something you gain in a matter of days. That’s why Sevika’s comment about James stung so much.You’d been in this room for six days now. It wasn’t a cell, of course—just a place to sleep. You were free to wander wherever you wanted within the building. It wasn’t the worst situation: comfortable, warm, with decent food. Perfect conditions for survival, but not for living. You started getting bored halfway through the second day. You explored every corner, including the roof. You bent her rules as much as you could, but outright rebellion wasn’t your style. Sevika had said not to leave the building—not not to climb onto it.If you didn’t have at least a little freedom, you started to panic. Sitting in this metal box was threatening your sanity. The perpetually open window tempted you with freedom, but you knew the risks too well.A few hours into your unofficial house arrest, someone had brought you a stuffed backpack. Inside, you found most of your clothes, but not much else. There was also a letter from Leon.
I don’t know what mess you’ve gotten yourself into, but if you’ve still got your head on your shoulders, I trust it’s not your fault.Some kid with a scar on his cheek came by and told me to pack up your things. I heard you’ve moved to a different place. The rest of your stuff is in a box at the bar. You can pick it up anytime.
Take care of yourself.
Leon.
It was only at that moment you felt the full weight of the changes life had thrown at you—not of your own doing, of course. It was a small comfort that, despite the trouble you’d caused, someone believed in you enough to try and help. Most people in your position might feel grateful, but you knew better. This wouldn’t end with a selfless good deed. Such things didn’t exist.You spent most of your days holed up in your room, avoiding people. They weren’t bad, just... different. These were people who made their living beating others to a pulp. It was strange you’d been placed here at all since you had nothing in common with the rest of them.When you ran out of rooms to snoop through—which happened pretty quickly—you started hanging around the kitchen, striking up conversations with Sara. You could say you liked her, but you definitely wouldn’t trust her with any secrets. She was a terrible gossip. She had opinions about anyone who’d shown up at the facility more than twice. And right now, you were the hottest topic of discussion.Everyone was trying to figure out what you’d done to make Sevika so pissed off. You kept your mouth shut, not admitting to anything. There was no point pretending you didn’t know what they were talking about. Using someone higher up as an excuse to stay silent was surprisingly convenient.Oddly, Sara didn’t know anything about Silco’s recent visit. It seemed almost impossible that no one had noticed him. If it turned out he had secret corridors in this place...Sara couldn’t give you any useful insights about him. Apparently, very few people got the chance to talk to him directly. He wasn’t someone who fraternized with his workers—or so Sara believed. You had a different opinion.Whenever Sevika came into view, you made it a point to follow her around, bombarding her with questions. Oddly enough, she was remarkably patient with your badgering. Eventually, though, she started quickening her pace whenever she spotted you, disappearing into one of the private rooms.With nothing better to do, you’d camp out by the door, waiting for her to reemerge. It seemed only Silco’s orders kept her from tossing you out the nearest window.On the fifth day, she finally snapped and came looking for you as soon as she arrived at the building. It was the middle of the night when she dragged you out of bed and sat you down in a chair.“Can you stop following me around?” she growled through gritted teeth.You rubbed your eyes, trying to figure out what was going on.“But you came to me,” you pointed out.“Let’s settle this once and for all. I’m not your friend, so stop pestering me with questions.”“If you’d just answer me, I would’ve stopped on the first day,” you retorted, a little sullen.“Fine. What do you want to know?”“How do you know it was James who gave me up?”She closed her eyes and exhaled deeply.“Of course, you’re still hung up on that. Weren’t you supposed to cut ties with people from your old life? He betrayed you. Get over it. Move on. He won’t do it again.”“Oh, for sure. As soon as I get out of here—” you started angrily, but something in her expression made you stop.“He’s dead.”For a moment, you thought she was joking, but she looked deadly serious. Not that she didn’t usually look grim, but this time it was different.“What?”“Someone gave him a triple dose of shimmer the same day you dragged him to the hospital,” she said, crossing her legs and lighting a cigarette. “Satisfied now?”“I don’t believe you,” you muttered, shaking your head.“Believe it. Listen, clinging to your old life is only going to bring you more trouble. He did what he did, and Slickjaws decided he wasn’t useful anymore.”“They’re the ones who killed him?”“Who else? You trusted the wrong person, and now you’re paying for it. I don’t want to owe you anything, and I definitely don’t want you lurking around every day. One of the bodies had a note from your James. He was easy to find—especially since the idiot used his real name. When they came for him, he sold you out immediately to save his own skin.”“No, he was all beat up. They must’ve forced it out of him.”She looked at you with disdain.“You’re sitting there like a whipped dog in front of the person sticking their neck out so you don’t lose your head, and you have the nerve to doubt me?”You shrank back slightly. The way she could wound you with words made you fear her even more.“It’s just... hard to believe,” you mumbled.She shrugged and stood up.“Instead of whining about being betrayed by scum like him, why don’t you start training?” she said, giving your arms a pointed glance. “You can’t keep running forever. Sooner or later, you’ll have to fight.”She slammed the door as she left, utterly indifferent to the state she’d left you in. Your clock read two in the morning.It stirred you enough that sleep wasn’t going to return anytime soon. You might as well occupy yourself. You slipped on yesterday’s clothes and climbed out onto the roof through the window. A strong gust of wind nearly sent you tumbling off. You had to crouch and shield your eyes to avoid the stinging dust. Still, it was better than staying trapped inside. Sometimes you wondered why you loved being at heights so much, but no answer ever seemed right. Supposedly, even as a child, you always looked for ways to climb higher, like a cat fleeing a predator. But you weren’t running from anyone.You sat on the edge of the roof, letting your legs dangle over the void. The city didn’t sleep, not even now. You could see bright white and yellow spots marking lit windows—people spending time with their families or working for them. There were so many. In theory, you should have considered them your people, neighbors, companions. But calling them that would mean admitting you felt connected to them. Potential friends, family... people you cared about. All of that would make planning your escape harder.You could leave this city without a word. Sneak onto a ship and cross the borders unnoticed. It would be an adventure, exciting, full of experiences, and simply positive. Yet even the thought of it made you feel like a traitor. You thought about all the people you’d leave behind. Not everyone had the courage or determination to seek a new life far beyond the sea. Some felt deeply tied to the lower city or wanted a better future for their children. You lost those dreams when your father passed away. That’s when you realized there was nothing and no one holding you in the city.You feared that by leaving, you’d regret not doing something to help others.It was funny how these thoughts came to you now, just when someone offered you help. Maybe it was some kind of emotional reflex. You lay back, searching for stars in the cloudy sky. Altruism wasn’t a part of your nature. Such selfless help usually came with subtle exploitation. That’s why you avoided not only offering it but also accepting it. Whatever Silco and Sevika were up to, it stank from a mile away, but you didn’t have much choice. Either that, face the consequences of your last conversation with him, or die.You’d have loved to stay on the roof until sunrise, but fine raindrops began to fall on your face. Saved by the bell. It was easier not to think about it.Sevika had pointed out that you couldn’t handle yourself in a fight. You took her words to heart, not because you trusted her judgment but because you were determined to find someone to train you. Just to prove to her that you could manage when the time came. *** The leather sand-filled ball was perfect for killing time. You hadn’t fallen asleep again that night. You waited for the organism that was this place to wake up and start moving. After helping Sara chase off a pest, she’d started giving you better portions during meals. You were starting to feel hungry, but breakfast was still a long way off. You missed the independence of deciding what and when to do things. Here, you had to adapt to avoid irritating anyone too much. That, at least, came naturally to you.You lay on the bed, one foot crossed over your knee, tossing the ball into the air. A perfect focus exercise—the motivation being not to get hit in the nose. Again. Maybe you’d taken your situation too lightly. The midnight trip to the roof had helped you organize your thoughts. Sevika had no reason to lie about James’s death. Too bad about the money you’d lost on him. Sevika didn’t worry you. You felt fear and a lot of respect for her. The fact that she’d approached you with good intentions—your pestering her aside—made your respect for her grow. If she said she’d handle it, you had no reason not to believe her.No, she didn’t worry you. Her boss, though, did. You lived by observing people unaware of being watched. It was satisfying to learn things about them they’d never admit. What people whispered about Silco and what he actually showed were two different things. You knew him only through hushed stories. A gangster, a businessman. Cruel and unpredictable. That you could believe without question. When you saw him for yourself, though, you were surprised—and even slightly relieved—to find he was exaggeratedly caricatured. Every flaw and imperfection exaggerated to the point of turning him into a monster. You’d heard about the scars on his face, but they didn’t come close to how people described them. Sure, one red eye might provoke unease, but compared to the modifications people willingly gave themselves, Silco looked normal by comparison. Almost handsome. You scoffed, admitting there was no point fooling yourself. The man had taste, even if his clothing masked a rotten character.The first rays of sunlight began streaming through the window, casting long, bright stripes across the wall in front of you. It looked like the first sunny day in a long time was shaping up. And, of course, you had to spend it locked in a cage. Many times, you’d been ready to just ignore orders and go your own way. But you’d made Silco a promise, and though it left a bitter taste, you weren’t keen to find out what happened when you broke your word to him.You tilted your head back, watching raindrops slide down the glass, creating a mesmerizing pattern in the morning light. You began hearing footsteps in the corridor. Bolting upright, you grabbed for your shoes. You were halfway through tying them when you heard a soft knock at the door. Looking up from your laces, you saw Sara peeking inside, unsure if she’d found the right room. She exhaled with relief when she saw you and stepped boldly inside.“You’ve got something here,” you pointed at her cheek.Flustered, she wiped it with her sleeve.“Thanks. You need to go. They’re calling for you.”Straightening your back, you felt a surge of adrenaline.“Who?”“Sevika caught me in the hallway and told me to tell you to report to her office.”“I didn’t even know she had an office,” you joked, trying to ease the tension. “I mean, she doesn’t seem like the type who needs one… Anyway, thanks, I’ll go.”Sara nodded and quickly left. Interesting that Sevika hadn’t called you herself. Eh, you thought there was something more between you two. Amused by your own dry humor, you threw on your jacket and left. It was probably the same room where she’d started questioning your skills. The decor had been as austere as her—fitting.Hands stuffed into your pockets, you walked forward, your legs finding the route on their own. Well, you’d followed her so many times there was no chance of getting lost. Every corridor and every door looked the same. No numbers or names. To get to the right place, you needed to know exactly where you were going. Very profound, you joked internally, feeling a surge of philosophical thoughts.Everyone you passed moved away from your destination as if avoiding Sevika at all costs today. Of course, it had to be today, when she was likely in a foul mood—probably because of you—that you were summoned. If that wasn’t a death wish, you didn’t know what was.You knocked three times on the door. Several long seconds passed before you heard a loud “Enter!” You peeked inside cautiously, unsure of what to expect. Through the slightly open door, you saw Sevika leaning one elbow on the windowsill, staring outside. She seemed strangely calm, lost in thought.It was strange; the rest of the group had been avoiding her like the plague today. Only after a moment did you understand why. You let out a small sigh and opened the door wider. Suddenly, you wanted to slam it shut and never go back inside.Silco was sitting in her seat, intently going through documents. Maybe Sevika was irritated because he had pointed out the mess on her desk? You clenched your teeth and stepped inside. You noticed the chair you'd been sitting on last time was gone."Close the door," he said without looking up.Turning your back to him, you reached for the handle and rolled your eyes. The door clicked softly as it shut. The atmosphere immediately thickened. Being alone with these two was an interesting experience. Sevika no longer treated you with outright hostility as she had before; now, you simply annoyed her. But him..."I am about to make your day," he tossed an unmarked folder your way.You hesitantly approached the desk, wondering what you'd find inside. Silco seemed to be in a good mood. Still, you didn’t trust him."What’s this?" you asked, reaching for the folder.You opened it and saw the profile of one of the factory workers. Skimming through the information, you quickly gathered he was employed at the shimmer factory as a production coordinator."Your target," he replied.Your throat tightened. You glanced at him and then at Sevika. She, however, continued to stare out at the city through the window."You want me to..." you trailed off, finishing your question with a suggestive throat-slitting gesture."Don't make us out to be barbarians," he scolded lightly. "You're to follow him.""You're giving me an assignment? I can finally go out?""You’ll have to, if you want to complete the task, won't you?" he asked slowly and deliberately, as if speaking to a fool.You bit your tongue to avoid snapping back. Sevika wouldn't let you live it down."What exactly should I look for?"When you focused on work, thinking came more easily. His gaze embarrassed you, making you lose the ability to speak coherently."This man will soon be accused of stealing shimmer and conducting experiments on his own, but we need solid evidence. Your job is to find out where he’s taking the stolen samples and what exactly he’s doing with them. Clear?"He pulled a cigar from his pocket. Sevika mechanically approached him and offered a light. It seemed to be some sort of ritual. Or maybe he had trained her that way. It was a peculiar sight. You nodded to confirm, but his expectant look told you that you needed to say it aloud."Understood. I'll get to work.""You’re to follow him and report any unusual moves," Sevika interjected, leaning one hand on the desk. "No interference. No fighting. Gather evidence and report back to me. If he catches you, you're burned, and you can kiss this job goodbye."This was serious. It was your first assignment, and your future in the team depended on it. Silco stood up from his seat and walked around the desk, leaning against it as he calmly smoked. They were throwing you into the deep end. Of course, tailing someone wasn’t a problem. You'd done it for years. However, if this man was stealing from the factory, he probably suspected he might be watched. That made him cautious. The risk increased. The coming days would require constant vigilance to ensure he didn’t notice a lone figure lurking in the shadows and tracking his every move.Difficult, but doable."And what about that other matter? You know...?"If they had assigned you a mission, it meant Finn's people had stopped looking for you. Unless they considered this task more important, and now, not only did you have to tail someone, but also watch out for a knife in the ribs. These people were absolutely insane if this was a rookie’s first assignment. But did you have a choice?"Regarding that, I’d recommend changing your name for a while. And maybe altering your appearance a bit.""What?" you asked, frowning in surprise. "Why?""Officially, you’re dead," he said with the calmness of someone discussing the weather.It took a moment for his words to sink in. You felt hot blood rushing to your head. Words you probably shouldn’t say were already on the tip of your tongue."Excuse me?!""A report noted you fleeing to the upper city and boarding a ship bound for Noxus. Due to an unfortunate accident near the port, the ship caught fire. No one survived.""Did you..." your voice broke. "Did you kill everyone on board to cover... me?""See how important you are?" Silco sneered, amused by your horror. "Don’t flatter yourself. The odds were slim, but it just so happened that along with you, the couple who had so brazenly tried to rob Finn were also on board. When he heard they were dead, he was much more willing to accept the news of your demise. Two birds, one stone."Everything inside you screamed that you should be horrified at the calmness with which he spoke about the deaths of hundreds of people. He looked at you, expecting you to protest and yell. To call him a monster and refuse the assignment, walking out. He was testing you, seeing what you were made of. How far he could bend you before you broke. You recognized that look. He was challenging you. It was stupid, but some twisted part of your mind interpreted it as a reason to feel pride. You picked up the gauntlet and smiled faintly."I suppose I should be grateful, huh?"Sevika chuckled. She probably hadn’t expected you to have the courage not to flinch."Your choice," he muttered. It was a clear signal that you should leave. You turned on your heel, but of course, he had to have the last word. "Did you forget something?"You glanced back over your shoulder, but his expression gave nothing away about what he meant."I don’t think so," you replied cautiously."You caused us a lot of trouble with your reckless behavior. Sevika had to work hard to save your neck from the chopping block, and you just want to walk out?"The mentioned Sevika looked at you with unusual amusement, as if she’d been waiting for this moment. The problem was, you had no idea what they were referring to. Was this the moment when they revealed how much that help had cost you?"I’m not sure what you expect from me," you admitted honestly.He pushed away from the desk and approached you. Your first instinct was to step back, but that would’ve given him satisfaction. You stood firm, legs straightened. When he was this close, you felt you should fear him more than Sevika. His gaze pierced you through and through. Your throat went completely dry. If you had to say anything now, you’d sound pitiful."Don’t you think she deserves some gratitude?" he asked, leaning slightly towards you, attempting to hide a devious smirk.He wanted to humiliate you. You could’ve guessed. Taking a deep breath, you summoned all your willpower and tore your gaze away from his. You shifted your attention to Sevika."Thank you for your help," you forced the words out slowly before shifting your gaze back to Silco. "I’ll try not to cause any more trouble."Deliberately, he blew a cloud of smoke directly into your face. Your eyes watered, and you felt a cough building in your throat."We both know that’s not true," he murmured.In an instant, his presence vanished, and you could breathe again—at least as well as one could in a haze of smoke. You waved your hands in front of your face, taking a few steps back. Silco left without another word, leaving you even more shaken. Now you were certain he would remember you for a long time. Sevika looked at you with furrowed brows, as if something unexpected had just happened."Does he always deliver assignments personally?" you asked."No," she replied curtly. "That’s the thing—he doesn’t." *** The man’s name was Zarys. His profile stated he was just over 30, but his appearance suggested someone closer to 50. This was the second week you’d been following him, trailing him like a stray dog that had been thrown a scrap of food. You were his shadow. You knew where he worked and where he lived. You knew what he ate for lunch and when he went to the bathroom.He left his house at the crack of dawn and went straight to work. He started his day chatting with the guard and sharing a drink you couldn’t quite identify. He was a diligent worker—if you ignored the frequent thefts. He didn’t slack on the job, didn’t argue with coworkers, and left you with almost nothing to criticize. After work, he bought small items at the market. He didn’t frequent bars or spend money on vices.A perfectly ordinary man trying to survive another day. Sometimes, he stayed at work a few hours longer, but even then, he returned home quietly, ate dinner under the glow of a lone lamp, and went to bed. You spent your nights camped outside his house, knowing you couldn’t lose sight of him for a moment. Who knew when he might break his routine and steal another vial of shimmer? You even watched him in the factory, perched in the shadows of massive metal crates. Most of his time was spent near a large tank of purple liquid. If he were to steal something, it would be from there. But in the past two weeks, he hadn’t come within a meter of it. It was frustrating. You hadn’t expected a single assignment to take this long.Every evening, you wrote a report for Sevika. Since assigning the task to you, she hadn’t shown up at the facility even once. Sara, however, kept you updated. She was kind enough to meet you near Zarys’s house to collect your reports. Perhaps you were foolish to trust her, but she was too straightforward to betray you. She had no reason to. She was simply the kind of person who wanted to be nice.Sleeping on the ground had left your entire body sore. You hadn’t changed clothes in days, which was almost an advantage—the smell deterred beggars who mistook you for one of them. When Zarys slept, you snuck into his house to check for hidden evidence but found nothing suspicious. The house should have had a basement, but there was no visible hatch, and no external entrance. Even if he were up to something at home, he didn’t have the stolen sample with him. You had to wait to catch him in the act.You briefly thought back to Silco’s words before deciding he wasn’t worth the mental energy. You were tougher than he might have assumed. If he wanted loyalty and respect, he could earn them. But you wouldn’t let him toy with you. Whatever lay beneath that perfectly groomed hair was none of your concern. The sooner you forgot about him, the better. One year, and you’d be able to leave.The opportunity finally came two days later. That day, Sara brought you delicious sandwiches that nearly lulled you into letting your guard down. Zarys was working overtime again. You watched his hands closely, and at last, he revealed his true nature. Feigning illness, he leaned against the tank. The conveyor belt beneath it paused briefly, and in that moment, he grabbed a vial and slipped it into his inner pocket. He moved so quickly you almost missed it. From another pocket, he pulled out an identical vial and dropped it on the floor—probably filled with colored water to cover up the theft. Clever.He left two hours after his shift ended, visibly more nervous than usual. He scanned the street as though he expected someone to be watching. But there was no chance he’d see you. You’d chosen a rooftop position, knowing he wouldn’t look up. No one ever did. You stuck to one side, careful to avoid stepping between Zarys and the moonlight; the glow could have given away your position. As soon as he left the factory, he took a different route than usual, heading away from his home. He kept his face buried in his collar, hunching over like a clumsy bird. No one paid attention to yet another frightened resident. His behavior practically begged for a mugging. He would’ve been an easy target, too, if not for the strict order not to initiate contact.He wandered through the streets, seemingly trying to lose any tail, though no one was following him on the ground. Eventually, he gave up on circling aimlessly and quickened his pace. It was clear he had a destination in mind—somewhere not far from the tower you hadn’t visited in a month. You missed it, but there was no time for sentimentality.You had to descend to the street. The buildings in this district were less stable, their roofs lacking proper support beams. Every step was a gamble with death. With more time, you could have found a safer path, but not today. Almost silently, you slid down a metal ladder and peeked around the corner. Zarys was hurrying down the middle of the street—a classic mistake for someone unfamiliar with hiding. Tailoring him was laughably easy.Several kilometers later, he stopped in front of an unremarkable house, stepped inside, and locked the door behind him. The sound of the key turning was unnaturally loud. Even if someone else lived nearby, they seemed eerily unconcerned. You checked every window of that wretched house, but he had vanished. For someone with no knowledge of stealth, he had disappeared alarmingly fast. You examined the ground floor through the dusty windows but found no sign of him. Frustrated, you cursed under your breath, dreading the possibility of waiting another two weeks for a similar chance.You circled the house like a predator around prey, but it was pointless. He was nowhere to be found. The floor bore no trace of footsteps. He couldn’t have simply vanished into thin air. Muttering irritably to yourself, you noticed a faint light filtering through a dense bush nearby. Crouching down, you gently pushed the branches aside. The bastard was in a basement, with a hidden entrance likely near the front door. Lamps cast a cold glow in the room below. The window was set deep into the wall, just below ground level. You couldn’t see much beyond a patch of floor.Pulling out a compact mirror, you used its reflection to get a better view. After some adjustments, you finally spotted your evidence.In the center of the room sat a small distillation apparatus. The window must have been poorly sealed because you could hear Zarys muttering to himself as he noted down measurements. He poured the stolen sample into a small metal container and started the machine. Seconds later, individual droplets began falling into a dish.A sharp pain flared behind your left eye, and you nearly cried out. The unexpected jolt almost made you drop the mirrors. Then the smell hit you—sweet and cloying.Your body stopped responding to the commands your brain was issuing. You dug your fingers into the ground, feeling the sand scrape under your nails. Shimmer. That’s how it affected you. In some incomprehensible, inexplicable way, you felt hunger—worse than when you ended up homeless as a child. It was different, deeper, darker. It consumed your mind, making it impossible to think of anything but satisfying it. You stared at the dripping violet liquid, feeling a strength within you powerful enough to rip the bars from a window. Every muscle in your body was so tightly clenched that even your bones began to ache. You buried your face in your sleeve, knowing you couldn't hold back the scream.And then it stopped.Not gradually, like normal pain fading away. It vanished, taking all the air, strength, and ability to react from your body. You lay on the ground, unable to move. Paralysis clung to you. You still had your mind, but your body felt like it didn’t belong to you anymore—it belonged to whatever that stuff, that shimmer, had produced. You needed to escape before someone found you.Two hours passed before you managed to move your hand. Scraping at the ground, you crawled toward the nearest gate, trying to conceal yourself in the shadows. You had to report back before Shimmer's effects could disappear entirely, before the operation folded. The problem was that returning home—if you could call it that—would take you half the night. That is, if you weren’t attacked or robbed along the way. In this condition, you couldn’t fight back, let alone scale walls or jump across rooftops.Your willpower was stronger than the strange attack. Clutching at protruding bricks and breaking your nails, you slowly got to your feet. Leaning against the wall, you dragged yourself forward step by step. It was a relief that the worst of it had hit in a deserted district. You hoped that by the time you reached the Lanes, you’d be able to walk steadily.Four hours.That’s how long it took you to get back. Your legs felt like jelly. Hugging yourself, you tried to conserve what little heat your freezing body had left. Outside, it was hot—people walked around in just T-shirts, but you were shivering. Sweat soaked your brow. You were certain you looked like death.It was well past midnight. Most of the windows in the building were dark. You just needed to get inside; then it would be easier. At least you didn’t have to worry about thugs. After surviving a meeting with Silco and Sevika, most people in the Lanes gave you a wary respect.The door felt heavier than usual, or maybe it was just you. The path in front of you blurred. You knew you were heading toward the stairs, but you weren’t sure if your feet were landing right. You faltered at the first step. Missed the second. Your legs buckled beneath you. You grabbed at the railing, but your bruised fingers couldn’t maintain their grip. The ground wasn’t far, but it still hurt when your head smacked against the floor.You woke up in your room. Still in your filthy clothes, with a headache that rivaled a three-day drinking binge. Groaning, you rolled onto your side. The world spun anew. You spotted a bucket by the bed—perfect for getting rid of the remnants of that sandwich you’d eaten.“You look like shit, you know that?”You glanced up.“Good to see you too,” you rasped. “I found evidence…”You tried to sit up, but Sevika darted forward, forcing you back onto the pillow.“I figured. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have dragged yourself here in the middle of the night,” Sevika muttered, her lips tightening as she averted her gaze. “How much did you take?”“What?” you snapped. “I didn’t—how dare you?!”“Calm down, I’m not accusing you. But I need to know who gave it to you and how much.”You clenched your teeth, wishing you could punch her.“Nothing. I. Took. Nothing. It was just the scent.”Sevika dragged a chair closer to the bed and sat down, legs spread wide.“Listen, I believe you, okay? Silco told me how you react to Shimmer. But now we think it might not be our product. I can’t say more. Once you’re recovered, you need to see him. But first, the report.”“Fuck off,” you groaned but obediently relayed what you knew.She listened with a set expression, and you could tell this was more serious than you’d thought. You covered your eyes with your forearm, unable to bear the light in the room. Before leaving, you asked Sevika to leave the window open. To your surprise, she did it without complaint.So someone was tampering with the drug. No wonder Silco had issued the order personally. The only mystery was why he’d chosen you of all people. You were still new, with plenty of room to screw up. Of course, your pride wouldn’t allow it. Not because you wanted him to be proud of you, but because you wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of mocking you. For the first time since you started this job, you almost wanted to talk to Silco. Maybe he’d offer a clearer explanation than Sevika had. *** The Last Drop looked the same as always, but you couldn’t shake the feeling it was pulsing with some strange, pale light. You still hadn’t regained your strength. The bouncer recognized you from a distance and let you in without a word. The neon lights burned your eyes. You squinted, trying to block out the colors. The new bartender gave you directions to Silco’s office. Whatever had messed with your head had also stripped away your lingering fear of him. You just wanted sleep. You wanted answers.You hesitated before knocking. Barging in uninvited wasn’t an option. You weren’t reckless enough to mistake boldness for courage. Raising your fist, you knocked. The echo reverberated down the dark hallway. You heard nothing from the other side. In different circumstances, you might have used this as an excuse to leave, to pretend he wasn’t there. But with Silco, nothing was ever that simple.You entered, feeling your confidence drain away. This was his domain. You didn’t know him, didn’t know how to escape if it came to that. A quick scan etched the room’s layout into your mind: sofa on the left, cabinets on the right, and the desk in front of a large balcony window—which was open. Silco leaned against the wall, head slightly tilted back. In one hand, he held a lit cigar, almost like a signature. He hadn’t noticed you yet. You allowed yourself a few seconds to memorize the sight of him letting his guard down. His face was relaxed, his eyes closed. He didn’t resemble the man who had forced you to express gratitude.But this wasn’t a moment for you to witness. It was too personal. Too intimate. Not for you.You reached for the door handle behind you, deliberately and loudly reopening and closing the door. Silco twitched, quickly resuming his usual posture. He seemed slightly flustered but had invited you here, so he couldn’t be surprised you’d come.“I’m here. You wanted to see me?” you called out, pretending you hadn’t noticed him earlier.Adjusting his vest, he stepped further inside. You almost preferred the calmer version of him you’d seen moments ago.“Sit down,” he gestured to the chair opposite him. “You look like you need it.”He was unusually polite. It put you on alert—at least as much as your weakened state allowed. You didn’t argue; you wouldn’t have lasted standing for long.“Thanks,” you sighed heavily. “I assume this is about the Shimmer?”“It's about you,” he replied, running a hand through his hair. “What did you see?”  “Sevika has my report.”  “I want to hear it from you,” he emphasized firmly.  You swallowed, feeling strangely unsettled.  “Well. Zarys has a small lab in a house on the outskirts. He’s stealing individual vials from the factory and redistilling them at home.”  “Just as I suspected. Did he give you anything?”  “What? No! Why does everyone ask if I’m taking that garbage?!” you shouted, leaning forward.  “I’m not accusing you. Some of my people like to... relax with it. The problem is, none of them react the way you do.” He reached for a note lying on the edge of the desk and began to read. “Loss of consciousness, seizures, vomiting... Shall I continue?”  “I know. It’s my description. What are you getting at?”  “At first, I thought you were just a tragic case—someone allergic to shimmer. But after blood tests...”  “Blood tests?!?” you snapped, leaping from the chair.  He didn’t even flinch. You had to brace yourself against the desk to keep from losing balance. You’d stood up too quickly, and now dark spots danced before your eyes.  “Sit down, please. You shouldn’t push yourself right now,” he said gently.  You dropped back into the chair, not knowing what to think.  “Have you been testing me?” you asked quietly, hoping you were mistaken.  “To be honest, it wasn’t me but a scientist I know.”  “You know that’s not what I’m asking,” you spat through clenched teeth.  “I had to figure out why you reacted to shimmer like that—you understand,” he added, spreading his hands.  He spoke about it as if it were normal. What a bastard. You felt sick.  “When?”  “When you passed out on the balcony. If you want to know, I have the results with me.”  “I should walk out of here right now and never come back. You know that,” you whispered, burying your face in your hands.  This wasn’t happening. It was... disgusting. He’d taken advantage of you when you were most vulnerable. Who knew what else they had tested on you? You should pound him into the ground. You had every right to. But you knew that the moment you raised a hand against him, a crowd of people ready to kill you at his command would appear.  The problem was, you needed answers before deciding whether to quit.  “I understand that apologies won’t work,” he began, carefully choosing his words. “But I think, before you stomp out of here, you’d like to learn something about yourself.”  “You have one chance to tell me what’s going on here.”  “Charming. Do you really think you’re in a position to set the rules?”  “Has anyone ever told you you’re vile?”  You deliberately fixed him with a glare, pouring as much hostility into it as you could muster. Unfortunately, he wasn’t fazed. Worse, he held your gaze. A shiver ran through your body. Breaking eye contact almost hurt.  “Plenty of times. You’re not the first. I’m not trying to be... vile, as you put it. It’s about this.”  He pulled a vial of the drug from his pocket.  “Shimmer? What, are you trying to drug me now?”  He shook his head, completely unaffected by your anger. You gripped the armrests, feeling the wood creak beneath your fingers. Holding the vial in his hand, he gently unscrewed the cork with his thumb. In an instant, you felt a familiar pain before Silco sealed the container and placed it in a desk drawer.  “You’re addicted.”  “I told you, I don’t take it,” you growled, fighting to catch your breath.  “I know. I’m trying to help you. I’ll be completely honest with you. Zarys disappeared along with his entire workshop. That sample you just saw is the only one he didn’t manage to destroy before he fled. Whatever drove him out of hiding was scarier than you in withdrawal. This isn’t shimmer,” he concluded with disdain.  “Fled? Where?”  “We don’t know. If you’ll allow it, I’d like to show you something.”  Silco seemed different. The malice and superiority he’d displayed during your last encounter were gone. He looked at you with concern as if he genuinely cared about your condition. That was impossible. He cared about no one but himself and his adopted daughter. He didn’t know you. He had no reason to be kind without ulterior motives. He wanted something from you again.  “Just tell me what you want from me,” you murmured, exhausted.  “Nothing you don’t consent to,” he said quickly, standing and approaching you. “The tests revealed that this variant affects genetic coding. Yes, yours too. I don’t yet know exactly what it’s done to you, but I can find out—if you want. If you let me.”  God, he was too close. He smelled of leather and smoke. His overwhelming presence suddenly felt comforting. Whatever was influencing your reactions and how you looked at him couldn’t be your own. You didn’t have thoughts like this. This was Silco, for gods’ sake!  “I still don’t understand why I’m here,” you said, closing your eyes to avoid looking at him.  “We need you here. In controlled conditions. You’re having adverse reactions just to the smell of this substance.”  His stance betrayed impatience and expectation. You had something he wanted, and he was trying to obtain it.  “So, what? You want me to be a guinea pig?”  “No,” he denied immediately. “Giving you this could mean your death.”  You sobered in an instant, straightening in your chair. The thought of your own death from an overdose was far from pleasant. You’d always thought you’d die from a gunshot or a knife wound, certainly not from some substance laced with something worse than shimmer.  “The first time I had shimmer in my mouth was here, at the bar. I know you fired the bartender. Was he involved in this too?”  “Unfortunately, yes,” he said, crossing his arms. “I’d received reports of dead bodies being found near the Last Drop with clear signs of shimmer use. You understand what terrible PR that gives me. When you said you’d also ingested it, I saw a perfect opportunity to learn more about the variant,” he glanced at you quickly but didn’t linger. “I give you my word that besides drawing blood, no one has done anything to you.”  You were probably making a huge mistake, but you believed him. He could be irritating and downright mean, but he’d never harmed you. The other day, you’d been terrified when your body had started reacting on its own. If you had the chance to rid yourself of this or learn to control it, you had to take it. You never knew when you might smell it again or how you’d respond.  “If you don’t plan on giving it to me, then what?”  “There’s nowhere I can safely analyze it. I don’t want to hand it over to a lab. Until Sevika finds connections, I can’t trust my people like I used to. Here, in a place I know is secure, we want to see if you can detect the drug without having to approach it.”  “You know, when I signed up for this job, I thought I’d be stealing for you, not sniffing out drugs.”  He sighed—not out of irritation, though. He rubbed his mouth with his fingers, searching for the right words.  “I said nothing you don’t agree to. You can stop at any time. You’ve proven your usefulness. I’d prefer not to lose a valuable spy.”  You eyed him suspiciously, searching for signs of deceit in his expression. But he was completely honest. That seriousness and sincerity made you squirm in your chair. You were ready for a verbal sparring match where you could call him out for being a terrible person. But he was offering not only help but also freedom of choice. They had a sample; surely, they could study it another way.  He needed you more than you needed him.  “Fine, I’ll do it.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Right after you left his place, you had to sit down for a moment on the stairs leading down. The conversation hadn’t worn you out as much as those few seconds of being exposed to the drug’s fumes. Your whole body rebelled against it, while simultaneously craving more and more. You’d received notes from the guy who ran blood tests on you. Genetic code mutation. It sounded worse than terrible. You’d once had the misfortune of witnessing the side effects of using that filth. Did that mean you’d turn into one of those monsters too? You glanced at your hands but didn’t see any traces of violet under your skin. Of course, the guy’s handwriting was atrocious, but from what you managed to decipher, you’d learned exactly nothing. Beyond the clear traces of shimmer in your system, there wasn’t anything else. Just thinking about that stuff coursing through your body made your skin crawl.Whatever was in that variant of the drug, it made you lose control of your body. One whiff of its scent was enough to leave you writhing on the ground, unable to catch your breath. To think you’d had it in your mouth. The thought alone made you sick. You didn’t even want to imagine what happened to people who drank it in large quantities, convinced they knew the product. If not for Silco, you’d probably be lying in some dark alley as yet another overdose victim.In just a month of working for him, you’d gone from being a spy to a test subject. You almost preferred leaping across rooftops, risking your life, to having any further contact with that stuff. But you needed to know who your enemy was. During your one conversation, Silco had repeatedly emphasized that it was entirely your decision and that you could quit at any time. Silco—that Silco—was giving you free rein without forcing you into anything. That fact alone highlighted just how delicate and dangerous the situation was.This wasn’t just about the suffering you risked by continuing to spy on Zarys. No, now anyone carrying the drug could incapacitate you without even pulling a weapon. A horrible, cruel weapon. If there were more people like you, whoever was making this filth could build themselves a neat little army. You couldn’t believe Zarys was behind it all. He was just a pawn in the game. Just like you. Silco dealt some of the cards. The question was, who held the rest of the deck, and what else were they hiding up their sleeve? There was no room for fair play here.Your thoughts buzzed like persistent flies. You knew a way to straighten them out and put them in their place. It typically involved annoying Sevika. Unfortunately, you weren’t a docile lamb who dropped everything when she beckoned. For years, money had been the only thing that spoke to you, and that was hard to change. Unless she could offer you some sort of bonus for obeying her like a trained puppy, you weren’t about to dance to her tune.You needed familiar ground. Somewhere that still held remnants of the person you were before the events with shimmer. Stuffing the documents into your backpack, you didn’t care if they got crumpled. Reaching the tower wasn’t easy but doable. They hadn’t imposed a curfew on you yet. You had to make use of the night. Here, between the buildings, there was no air circulation. All the smells—pleasant and revolting—blended into a tangled mix, so thick you could cut it with a knife. Was anyone surprised you always sought a way above it all?The entire way to the tower, you kept your face covered with a scarf. Nobody cared. Enough time had probably passed for Finn’s men to give up for good, but in your current state, you weren’t about to take any risks. Nobody even gave a second glance at another masked figure darting from shadow to shadow. You paused for a moment near the tower, scanning your surroundings. Every day, you wondered when the place would be overrun by squatters or when some gang would decide it was a good idea to claim the building for themselves.There were precious few things left in Zaun that had any value to you. The old library was one of them. You’d been coming here for years whenever you needed peace and air. As always, you checked the camouflage around the hatch before slipping through a narrow gap and quietly sealing the entrance behind you. You took a deep breath, savoring the familiar smells. Honestly, you could stay here. The chances of anyone finding you were slim.The upper city looked the same as always. A constant, unchanging element. Frankly, it was rather boring. But pleasing to the eye. You admired the white walls, knowing such a thing would never fly in the lower city. It was as if they were mocking you, mocking the poor who surrounded themselves with whatever they could find for shelter. The council didn’t care about the lower city. As long as you didn’t cause them problems, they didn’t even try to help.“Damn them all,” you muttered, wiping your nose.You pulled a bottle of cheap liquor from a crate. You felt the need to dull your nerves before they blew your head apart. You hesitated. The last time you allowed yourself a strong drink, it ended in addiction. But this bottle was from Leon. You could trust him, right? Even so, you put it back in the crate.Escape seemed like the best option now. Could anyone blame you? If you got far enough from shimmer’s reach, you might be able to forget it for good. Not fear that everything sweet was actually vile. But you couldn’t. Despite everything you’d told yourself over the years, you actually liked this city. It was dangerous and broken… but it was yours. And you had a chance to help it, somehow. Even if you were only fixing a problem Silco himself had caused, you didn’t want to leave innocent people at the mercy of the drug. Let the scumbags die in agony, but the thought of children unknowingly trying shimmer for the first time…“I knew this would happen,” you muttered angrily to yourself, shoving your belongings into your backpack.When you found Sevika at the Last Drop, you weren’t sure how you’d get her to talk. She was upstairs, in one of the quieter corners, fleecing yet another group of idiots at cards. Surprisingly, she chased them off when she saw you and focused all her attention on you.“Ready to talk like adults?”“I’ve already agreed to the experiment, but I have a few conditions.”“Of course you do,” she said with a slight smirk, leaning back comfortably on the wide couch.She sat there, confident in her abilities. Legs spread wide, one arm draped over the backrest, and, as always, a cigarette between her lips. You focused your tired mind on the rules you’d been formulating on the way back.“I’m not moving in here. You can see how absurd that is. I’ll stay in my own room, ready to be summoned by the boss.”“What else?”“You won’t lock me in a cage again,” you said firmly, hoping your voice didn’t betray how terrified that idea made you.“Fair enough. Anything else on your mind?”“Are you actually going to agree? Or will Silco?”"I have free rein to manage your person, provided you show up on time for him. Every day."She reached for the bottle standing on the table between you. Taking a hefty swig, she let a few drops trickle down her chin. She seemed relaxed, almost at ease... No, you preferred her when she was terrifying."I don’t doubt that. He just wants to get rid of this damn thing. You have my word: I won’t try anything on my own or run away.""If you’re done, it’s time for my condition," she waited for your nod before continuing. "I’ve got nothing against you, but I don’t trust that thing inside you. At the facility, you can do as you please. But outside it and Last Drop, one of my people is always with you."Your heart sank. So much for freedom. They hadn’t locked you up, no. They just loosened the chain tying you down."Fine, but I get to pick my escort. If I have to spend every day with a guy who reeks of onions, I’d probably kill myself.""Agreed," she replied, extending her hand.You shook it, pleased with the outcome. You wanted Sara. She was easy to manipulate and seemed to enjoy talking to you. You could probably persuade her to leave you in peace without reporting to Sevika.Of course, Sevika hadn’t revealed how the whole experiment was supposed to unfold. Probably not even Silco knew exactly what he expected from it. Asking her wouldn’t help, especially since she wasn’t in the mood for business talk. You left her, and she didn’t even notice your disappearance. On your way home, you thought about the mutation shimmer supposedly gave you. It was plausible, but only if taken in large doses. Could you do more than before? Not that your skills from years of practice weren’t enough, but if you could gain an edge over an opponent without turning into a monster...Your room was blissfully peaceful. Unfortunately, someone had closed the window to protect the furniture from rain, and now everything reeked again. No one else would notice the difference, but you did. Angrily, you pushed the window frame open, slamming it against the wall. Somewhere in the distance, you heard the laughter of drunkards returning home, but in your mood, they might as well have been singing you a lullaby. *** Last Drop was closed from six in the morning until three in the afternoon. That was how much time you had for your “fun” before the first customers showed up. You used to think the place was alive around the clock, but maybe you just didn’t go out enough during the day.You shifted nervously, knowing there’d be no turning back once you crossed the threshold. You clutched your jacket tightly. Despite the pleasant weather, you couldn’t part with it. Without the grumpy bouncer at the door and the dark windows, the place looked nothing like itself.You pushed the door open with your full weight. Were you supposed to go to him? Was he even here during the day? You looked around the venue, sensing it was your only chance to take it all in. When the press of sweaty bodies surrounded you, all you thought about was escaping as quickly as possible. Now, with so much space, you could stretch your arms out wide. Most of the lights were off, only a few casting a soft white glow. What had this place been like when Vander was alive?Lacking a better plan, you sat at one of the tables and began cleaning your gear. You’d forgotten about it for too long. The lockpicks needed oiling to prevent rust. Your knives also required care. Distracted by other problems, you’d forgotten that without them, you weren’t as useful."You’re late."Silco descended soundlessly. You glanced sideways. He was in the middle of rolling up his sleeves. Something about the motion made your ears burn. You looked away, focusing on an engraving."I was on time. You were upstairs, lost to the world."You tried to fix the engraving, but the blade slipped and cut your thumb. Instinctively, you stuck your finger in your mouth without thinking."If you’re this clumsy, maybe you shouldn’t play at being a spy?"Suddenly, he was standing in front of you. Keeping his distance, he rested his hands on the back of the sofa, staring at you as if you were an exhibit in a museum."Lay off," you muttered, searching for something to stop the bleeding. Suddenly, a hand appeared in front of you, offering a handkerchief. You took it with slight hesitation."Thanks.""I hope your mood swings won’t ruin our sessions."You hid your injured thumb behind your other fingers, clenching your hand into a fist."What exactly do you want to achieve? So far, I haven’t heard a word about the plan."He circled the sofa and took a seat opposite you, assuming a position similar to Sevika’s yesterday but crossing one leg over the other. You’d been wrong about his office. It wasn’t the place that made you lose your composure. It was Silco himself."I have you for six hours every day. During that time, you’ll be exposed to the drug. I want to see if you can sense it from a distance and, if so, what the range is. We’ll play a game of hide-and-seek."Damn it, you knew it. You knew he wouldn’t take this seriously. Was it so hard to treat you as an equal? You were in this together, after all. But no, even now, alone, he thought he could play games with you."So what? I count to ten while you hide?"He smirked, unsure of his own plan. You didn’t have one, but he didn’t need to know that."Something like that."You snorted and shook your head."Can you be serious?"He shifted his position, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. At last, his face took on something resembling seriousness."We have no idea how this works. I have a plan, but before I let you in on it, I need to test it. Question for you: are you still in, or not?"The way he explained it made it sound simple. But he couldn’t know how torturous it was to even smell that stuff from afar. The mere thought set your muscles ablaze. For him, it was a game; for you, pure torture. Sometimes you doubted whether he truly cared about your fate or if he’d sacrifice you for a greater cause. Would he accept it if you set boundaries?"Silco..."It was the first time you’d used his name to his face. Something flickered in his eyes, but he caught himself in a second and took over the conversation."I know you’re scared. I don’t blame you. I’ll repeat this every time if you need me to. You can back out at any moment. But if you agree to my terms, I want you to take this seriously. No slacking off or cheating. Tell me everything you feel. Whether it’s boiling blood or an approaching hunger. Clear?"Gods, how did he do it? He spoke softly and calmly, but you could feel something else in his words. You wanted to believe it was concern. He waited patiently, studying your face. That gaze made your cheeks burn. You had to focus on something else to avoid constantly glancing at his shoulders. Christ…"Alright, so, shall we begin?"He smirked."You have this strange habit of refusing me and then agreeing before I’ve even said anything. Get up."You gasped, feeling your heart skip a beat. What a man. You stood obediently, unsure what to do with your hands. You tucked the bloodied tissue into your pocket."Should I close my eyes? I don’t know what to do.""If you’d stop talking so much, I’d have time to explain everything," he chastised curtly. "But yes, close your eyes. We’ll start slowly. Without looking, see if you can tell where I’m standing. I’ll only be a few steps in front of you."Closing your eyes around him felt like playing with fire. Now, he could kill you, but strangely, you trusted him. He began circling you silently, like a cat. You hadn’t even known he could move like that. Your hearing was sharp, so you turned your head toward the faintest rustle. This was supposed to be a test for detecting the drug, not some dance for the blind. You plugged your ears with your hands to focus entirely on your reactions.Finally, he opened the vial, and in an instant, you doubled over. You gasped for air, lungs tightening, fighting the urge to lunge at him and snatch the vial from his hands. The scent surrounded you, not just invading your nostrils but your skin as well. Where your skin was exposed, sweat broke out. You sank lower, closer to the ground. When your knees hit the wooden floor, the smell vanished.You wiped your forehead with part of your shirt, but it took several minutes before you could look up. You wondered why Silco was silent, but when you focused on him, you saw pure fear. You wanted to laugh, to throw out a sharp "Told you so," but when you opened your mouth, you tasted blood. You wiped your lower lip with the back of your hand. Your dazed mind didn’t fully register that you were coughing up blood.Silco knelt beside you, close enough for you to hear his labored breathing. He didn’t try to touch or console you."Do you want…" he began, but his voice broke.Oddly, you tried to spare him. You pulled the tissue from your pocket and pressed it to your mouth. Your own blood had a distinct taste—fortunately, apart from the metallic tang, there was nothing unusual."I’m fine," you rasped. "But I wouldn’t mind a glass of water."He snapped out of it, returning to his composed demeanor. Only his hands betrayed him, trembling slightly as he handed you a glass."Can you continue?" he asked after a moment."Seriously? I almost coughed up my lungs, and you want to keep going?" you asked, but seeing the fear return to his eyes, you quickly added, "Sure, why not."He shook his head, perhaps slightly amused.The subsequent attempts went similarly. He stood far too close, giving you no time to combat the scent. You had to insist he step back before you could roughly pinpoint his position. All you managed was identifying whether he was more to the left or right. During breaks, you wondered what was going through his mind. You didn’t think someone like him was even capable of fear. Yet, with each passing hour, your banter about the situation grew sharper. Only the dried blood at the corner of your mouth reminded you that you had no idea what damage this drug could cause.You didn’t want to be the first to give up. You fought bravely every time. As he wanted, you described everything to him: the pounding in your ears, the strange flashes you saw behind closed eyelids, the intense irritation on your skin. You felt… something strange toward him. He asked about every detail, and with your eyes closed, you revealed even your body's tiniest reactions—things he couldn’t see himself. At some point, you could sense where he was even without the vial. Something was drawing you toward him.Too much."Stop!" you shouted, leaning against a bar stool. "I’ve had enough.""You lasted longer than I expected," he said.You bent over the stool, knowing that straightening up would only make you cough up blood again. His hair was disheveled, part of it falling over his forehead. How dare he look tired when you were the one risking your life? He approached the bar, rummaging through the shelves before pulling out a bottle. He offered it to you with a gesture, but you shook your head. Wordlessly, he pushed a glass of water toward you. You’d drink it if you had the strength to lift your hand.You wanted to say something, but blood filled your mouth. You felt yourself choking on it before everything went dark. Weak as you were, you couldn’t call for help. You thought you saw Silco running toward you, but it was all a blur.The rhythmic pounding that seeped through the walls had been waking you for some time, but you needed a moment to realize you weren’t dreaming. No, you couldn’t call it a dream. You had been floating in darkness, waiting for your body to come back to life. For a moment, you thought you were dead, but the rhythm you heard wasn’t music—it was the beating of your heart.You opened your eyes, feeling your sluggish limbs not responding correctly. It was like you’d slept for hours. Your head ached terribly, but you were used to waking up in pain by now. At this point, the absence of pain would have been more shocking."You hold on to life tenaciously," you heard beside you.You turned your head, searching for the speaker. Of course, Silco. You were lying on the couch in his office. He sat on the other side of the desk, staring out the massive window made of unevenly cut glass panes."What happened?"When he shifted his gaze to you, you saw only emptiness on his face."You started choking on blood. I didn’t know how to help you, so I carried you somewhere safe," he said, then fell silent, which was unlike him. "We can’t do this again. It’s too dangerous."You tried to sit up, but your limp arms wouldn’t support your weight. Anger flared within you."Seriously? You lecture me about needing to understand what this variant is, and now you’re backing out?"He shot to his feet, shouting:"You nearly died!"Anger gave you strength. You managed to sit up enough to face him properly. How dare he."I’m risking my life for your stupid experiment," you growled through clenched teeth. "You didn’t want to listen when I said this wasn’t a pleasant experience. I trusted you had a plan!"He turned his back to you, one hand burying itself in his hair."I have a plan. And I’m sure it will work.""Then what’s the problem?"He glanced at you over his shoulder, his lips pressed tightly together as though holding back words.“Did you lie to me?”“What are you talking about now?”“Did you hide something from me? Downstairs, when I asked if everything was fine?”You frowned, unable to figure out where that thought had come from. You’d barely escaped with your life, and now he had the audacity to question your words?“No, I didn’t hide a single thing,” you replied honestly. “Why are you bringing this up now?”He slammed his hands on the desk with such force that you flinched, lowering his head.“I thought I’d killed you.”You were stunned, unable to do anything but stare blankly at his back.“Well, that’s new,” you muttered.“Sevika will be here soon. I sent the doctor to the facility. Don’t come in tomorrow.”He was shaken, angry, and almost ran out of his own office, slamming the door behind him. As though it were your fault for daring to hang on the edge of life and death. Was he kidding?But had you ever truly taken orders seriously?When Sevika found you still in the office, she was less than pleased about having to carry you out. Your legs were barely functional, and you wanted to leave before Silco decided this conversation wasn’t finished. You exited through the back door, and the moment The Last Drop was out of sight, you ordered her to put you down. She huffed, furious, but eagerly dropped you.Your knees were still wobbly, but you managed to walk. Sevika teased you, growling that you were dragging your feet, though it was clear she was too shaken by your condition to react as she usually would. She’d lost her knack for striking where it hurt most, though you were hurting everywhere.When you finally reached your room, you collapsed onto the bed and immediately fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.You woke to a loud banging on your door. The pillowcase clung to your cheek, damp from drool. You were stiff but in a good way. Rested. Clear-headed. None of yesterday’s pains lingered. It was as though the incident had never happened.Sevika barged in, indifferent to whatever you were doing.“Get up. Breakfast won’t be served much longer.”“Aren’t you sweet,” you yawned.She threw a bundle of clothes at you.“Say that again, and I’ll cut your tongue out. No time. Get dressed.”You pinched your cheeks to shake off the last remnants of sleep. Under her impatient glare, you dressed faster than you ever had, probably putting on mismatched socks. She nearly shoved you out of the room, unconcerned about the bird’s nest your hair had become.As you ran after her, trying to tame it, she said, “I’ve got another task for you. If you’re cheeky enough to talk back, you’re well enough to work.”You dug your heels in, stopping abruptly.“No.”Sevika turned, surprised by your defiance.“Are you refusing an order?”“I haven’t finished the last one. I’m going back to The Last Drop today.”She lunged at you, grabbing your arm and dragging you into a side corridor, blocking the exit with her body.“No way. Not after what happened yesterday.”“This isn’t just about him. I’m in this up to my neck. Any moment now, this could hit the streets. And then what? We both know what his main source of income is.”She stared at you, shocked but with a flicker of admiration.“You want to go back and subject yourself to more torture, knowing you might die? You’ve got guts.”“Someone has to,” you muttered.Silco had infuriated you with his behavior, and you couldn’t let it slide. If you agreed to stop the experiment, it would show him he could toy with you. He didn’t have the right to suffer—not when you had bled out on the floor because you trusted him.You wondered if Sevika would get in trouble for letting you leave the facility. No, the real question was whether Silco had explicitly ordered you to stick to ordinary assignments. If not, he could shove it.Whatever was in your blood seemed to speed up your recovery. As though the drug wouldn’t let you die, clinging to you. Walking toward the bar, you clenched your fists, feeling stronger than usual. It was likely due to the solid sleep and a double breakfast. It felt good to have your muscles working without a hitch. You weren’t pretending to be stronger than you were—you truly felt capable of continuing the experiment.As you stepped through the door, memories flooded back. Your gaze wandered over familiar spots—the couch, the bar stool, the floor where you’d collapsed time and time again. You approached the bar, satisfied to see that someone had thoroughly cleaned the bloodstains.You were late. Supposed to report in at nine, and it was well past ten. But you doubted Silco expected you to show today. That thought pleased you. You wanted to see his face when he realized you were back on your feet.Taking the stairs two at a time, your confidence wavered as you neared his office door. Silco wasn’t your friend. He was your boss. Such insubordination could get you fired. Yet something told you he wouldn’t let go of someone who could uncover the source of the blend.You knocked three times, as always. Expecting silence, you were surprised when you were immediately given permission to enter.Slipping in quietly, you shut the door with a soft click. Silco sat with his back to you, reading—probably a report. A sly smile tugged at your lips. You waited for him to turn around.“Do you have the… What the hell are you doing here?!”You couldn’t hold back a laugh. He was genuinely shocked. The expression on his face made the risk of losing your job worth it.“You said it yourself. You’ve got me for six hours. I’m late, I know. Dock my pay if you must.”“You weren’t supposed to leave the facility. How did you slip past Sevika?”You shrugged.“I didn’t sneak. I just walked out.”He gripped the edge of the desk, rising slowly.“Turn around and go back. Now.”Unbelievable. Just yesterday, he’d argued vehemently that this was the only way to track down the dealer. Now, he was withdrawn and cautious, avoiding your gaze.“No,” you said, stepping closer. “You can’t dismiss me now. You promised to help me.”“You don’t understand,” he growled. “You didn’t see what I saw.”“I felt it, damn it!” you shouted, unsure how to get through to him. “Anyway, when you snap out of this irrational fear, I’ll be downstairs.”You turned on your heel and left. You were digging your own grave. Taking a huge risk, as always. Stomping angrily, you paced down the stairs. You were wasting time. He was sitting locked in his four walls, thinking he had the right to act like this. He hadn’t felt his heart stop beating for a moment.You went behind the bar and started looking at the bottles. You remembered bits and pieces from Leon's stories. He would brag and exaggerate, but in one thing he was right: his signature drink was amazing. You thought you remembered the ingredients. This place was far better stocked than Leon’s bar. You found what you needed, but you couldn’t bring yourself to open any of them. The memory of violet specks at the bottom of the glass still haunted you.“Get a grip,” you growled at yourself.You criticized Silco for his fear while you yourself saw shimmer in every bottle of alcohol. Hypocrite. You put the uncapped bottle back on the shelf. Leaning your hands on the counter, you repeated to yourself that nothing was wrong. You weren’t turning into a monster. Yet panic kept stretching its arms further and further toward you. Earlier, adrenaline had helped push it away, but now you lacked that spark.With one smooth motion, you grabbed the bottle and pressed it to your lips. The smell alone burned. You let the alcohol slide down your throat. It was too big a gulp. You coughed as the familiar warmth spread through you. You wiped your mouth with the back of your free hand. Turning around, you realized you had an audience.“I could dock your pay for that,” he said, holding a glass of amber liquid.He looked tired. As he came closer, you noticed the deep shadows under his eyes. You didn’t want to pity him. You wanted to stay angry.“You look terrible,” you pointed out.“I wish I could say the same about you,” he replied, unfazed by your barbs, and sat across from you.A faint smile crossed your lips. You had regained control of yourself; the panic was gone, burned away by the alcohol—for now. Without looking at him, you started adding ingredients to a glass. The silence between you was comfortable. You didn’t feel the need to prove your point. In fact, you kind of understood him. That scene could have been pretty terrifying.“What are you doing here?”“As far as I remember, we agreed I would test my ability to track the drug,” you replied.“No,” he shook his head. “How did you end up working for me?”“By accident,” you shrugged. “I was invited to a meeting that took place downstairs. You probably know about that.”“Of course. I know everything that happens in the city.”“Honestly, I doubt that. But sure, let’s go with it,” you said, taking a sip of your drink before continuing. “I participated in a trial. Clever trick with the hidden gas tank. Unfortunately, things went downhill after that. We were supposed to find something in an old factory.” You delved into the memories, again seeing the ponytail and the dead, vacant eyes. “Some kid, probably my age, found a figurine. People went at each other. I didn’t even notice when the first ones started dying. I watched everything from above. You know, some girl got ahead of me. I had to find another way.” You looked him straight in the eyes and finished, “I’m alive only because I wasn’t fast enough. I brushed with death more times than I’d like.”“You said you were invited. By who?”“Leon. He runs a place not far from here. Thought I had potential. I figured it was worth a shot.”“So you didn’t want to work for me?”The memories faded for a moment. Something was happening. He wouldn’t be asking so many questions unless he was looking for one specific answer. Still, it was nice talking to him. You liked that his exhaustion made him candid. Why not take advantage? But you had to give something in return.“No, I didn’t. I doubt anyone would want to, if they had other options.”“Am I really that terrifying?” he tried to joke, though it came off rather pitifully.“I took the job because I needed the money. That’s it. I don’t have any deeper feelings about you. Working for a gangster isn’t exactly my dream job.”“I can’t blame you,” he raised his empty glass in a mock toast.Was he drunk?“Where’s this coming from? Why all the questions?”He sat sideways to you, one arm resting on the bar, holding his entire weight. In the other hand, he held the glass, studying it from different angles.“I thought I’d killed you. Yesterday. I thought I’d let my desire for answers blind me. Again. I promised to help you. And instead, I almost got you killed. I’m sorry.”It was so sudden you didn’t know what to say. The earlier anger you’d felt was gone. In fact, you felt a little guilty for reacting so harshly.“Instead of wallowing in self-pity, maybe you could finally tell me why I’m supposed to be practicing this?”Accepting gratitude from him wasn’t easy. It shattered the image you’d built from scraps of stories about him. It showed he could be sincere. You preferred the snide Silco. The one who could crush you with a flick of his finger. It was easier that way.It was easier to pretend he was a monster, not a man destroyed by life.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It never happened again.Neither the spitting blood nor the conversations with Silco. Whatever had prompted him to seek excuses to talk had vanished and wasn’t coming back. In truth, that worked out well for you. Whenever you caught yourself thinking about him — as a man who was once young and full of dreams — a new chapter seemed to open in your mind and stubbornly refused to close. As if you didn’t already have your own problems to deal with. And now, on top of everything else, you found yourself analyzing Silco’s drunk behavior.Still, you managed to convince him to continue the tests. He watched as you fired off words at a dizzying pace, not interrupting even once. Perhaps he had planned to agree with you all along but gave you the opportunity to vent. You had a feeling he wasn’t even listening to what you were saying, just waiting for you to finish. When he returned to his "normal" behavior, it became much easier to talk to him.For the next few days, you arrived punctually at the Last Drop. He was usually waiting downstairs, as if to spare you the effort of climbing the stairs. Or maybe he simply didn’t want you in his office. Either way, it suited you perfectly. You grew accustomed to the sight — always on the same couch, documents spread out in front of him. He would set them aside the moment you entered. Sometimes he made you wait until he finished whatever he was working on, but it never took longer than fifteen minutes. During those moments, you had the chance to observe him. Occasionally, he glanced at you, looking annoyed that you were staring, but he never said anything about it. He was careful to keep his expression neutral in your presence.Sometimes, though, when he thought you weren’t looking, his brows would furrow, and his face would take on a slightly worried expression. Whatever was troubling him, you weren’t the person he intended to share it with.The tests began to gain momentum. After spending hours each day exposed to the drug, you felt it wasn’t affecting you the way it had at first. When you told Silco, he dismissed your theory, suggesting the liquid was probably losing potency. That could have been true, but you wanted to believe you were building a tolerance. Whatever awaited you out on the streets, you couldn’t let it incapacitate you from a distance. It still took your breath away and spread pain through your body, but you no longer collapsed to your knees. You considered that significant progress — as was Silco’s decision to significantly increase the distance between you and the drug. You could now search for it throughout the bar without closing your eyes. When he brought it up, you looked at him like he was insane."You want to leave that thing out in the open for me to find? Are you crazy?""If you think I’m going to let you dive onto the shimmer and pour it into yourself before I can stop you, then you’ve truly lost your mind."He was being snarky. That was good. That, you understood. That was safe."I'm starting to get used to your half-baked ideas," you replied."Remind me," he said, "when was the last time you came up with anything smart?" He didn’t give you time to answer. "That’s what I thought. You’re not moving until I say so. Clear?"You shrugged."You’re the boss."He flinched. Almost imperceptibly, but you noticed."I’ll let you know when you can start searching. As soon as you sense something, you’ll tell me where it’s coming from. Not a step further."That’s how you spent the last week. You sat at the bar, attending to your tasks. He hid an open vial somewhere, then returned and didn’t let you out of his sight. He followed you like a shadow, his intense gaze burning into your back as you wandered through the rooms, waiting for that familiar prick behind your eyes. You could feel how tense he was, ready to grab you if you so much as reached for the shimmer. Unfortunately, his presence made it harder for you to concentrate.It wasn’t as though the drug announced itself with that sweet, sticky scent. Silco’s ever-present smoky smell effectively masked it. No, you could sense the shimmer before its smell even reached you. He never let you get closer than a dozen steps. Once you guessed the location, he made you return to the table and wait.He remained hyper-alert during the tests, barely speaking a word to you. Many times, you felt like breaking the silence with idle chatter, but you knew Silco was avoiding engaging with you beyond work-related topics. It was starting to wear on you, so you deliberately sought mental distractions to keep from losing your mind. Sitting in silence for hours each day made your thoughts wander to the strangest theories. If he thought his silence and stormy demeanor would make you stop, he was sorely mistaken. You found it oddly satisfying to see him wrestle with irritation during one of your tangents.But seriously, why had he named the drug shimmer when it didn’t even shine? That question made him pause for a moment, slowly turning his head as if shocked anyone could ask something so stupid. You paid no mind to his exasperated sigh. You were having too much fun.One morning, you woke up in a foul mood. Your whole body ached as though someone had beaten you during the night. When Sara saw the dark circles under your eyes, she dropped her basket of vegetables in shock. She didn’t comment, but you could tell you looked like a walking disaster. You felt nauseous and couldn’t stomach any food.On your way to the Last Drop, your companion chattered endlessly, just like every other day, but today her voice grated on your nerves. You pulled your hood tighter and tighter until you heard a soft rip at the back. Cursing under your breath, you realized you’d have to fix it later. A few minutes more, and you were ready to throttle her just to make her stop talking. Thankfully, the Last Drop spared her your wrath. She left you at the door and hurried off to her own work. Perhaps she sensed you weren’t in the mood for company and didn’t want to push her luck.Before stepping inside, you rested your forehead against the door, feeling its slick surface against your sweaty skin. The smell of wood and paint soothed your nausea a bit. The thought of spending hours in a closed room surrounded by the drug’s sweet scent and smoke made your stomach churn. You fought the urge to turn around and leave. That would only cause trouble with both Silco and Sevika.You took a deep breath and reached for the handle. Peering inside, you weren’t sure you could manage to step in. Silco was, as always, sitting to the right of the door. He didn’t react to your entrance, focused on whatever he was doing with his back to you. You hesitated, leaving the door ajar. After a few seconds, he glanced over his shoulder."Do you have something to say?" he asked sharply.Frowning at his condescending tone, you entered and slammed the door shut. Loudly, deliberately. On any other day, you might have taken a seat across from him and waited for him to acknowledge you. Not today. You walked past him without a word and approached the bar. Rummaging among the bottles, you pulled out one with an orange hue and a sharp smell. You took a deep swig, but a strong hand snatched it from you."Hey! I was drinking that!" you shouted."Not the time," he replied.The bar’s lights were the brightest in the entire room. You lifted your head, fixing him with a blank stare. If he noticed the exhaustion on your face, he didn’t let it show, save for the tightening of his lips. He was acting like a jerk, and you weren’t in the mood to deal with his sulking just because someone had rubbed him the wrong way."I can't train today," you muttered, closing your eyes and rubbing your temples with two fingers."Turns out we don't have time for slacking, remember? No lazing around or cheating."He really picked the perfect day to be an annoying pest."Oh, you can talk about something other than shimmer? Good to know," you snapped, searching for the bottle he'd taken from you."What's that supposed to mean?""Never mind," you sighed. "I just need a moment."You grabbed your reclaimed prize and dragged your feet to the only place that could still vaguely calm your nerves. Sassing Silco wouldn't end well; he wasn't the type to allow it—even from you. And in this state, you were seeking any excuse to pick a fight. You didn't hear his footsteps behind you; he didn’t follow. He knew you'd come back eventually.The back door of the building, leading to a narrow stairwell, had been left ajar. You shoved it open with your shoulder, toppling some boxes stacked behind it. The sound echoed through the bar. Ignoring it, you trudged toward the stairs. You needed to escape the suffocating air of the street below. Your legs felt like jelly and weighed several tons at the same time. Climbing the stairs was a monumental effort. Catching your breath after just a few steps was nearly impossible. Breakfast would’ve been a good idea. The world was beginning to spin. You pressed your thumb and forefinger to the bridge of your nose, trying to focus on something nearby, but nothing helped.Fortunately, the door to the roof wasn’t locked. You half-expected Silco to have sealed this place off. The rooftop could be accessed from the neighboring buildings, but who’d be foolish enough to snoop around the Last Drop, right under the owner’s nose?Cold air swept in, a welcome breeze against your face that temporarily eased your headache. There wasn’t much space to walk around; just a few steps in either direction. Not wanting to tempt fate, you sat down on the edge and dangled your legs over the shingles. You looked at your boots, their color standing out starkly against the roof. Out of habit, you always dressed in black to blend into the shadows. Now, though, you were an odd dark blotch on the rust-colored tiles. You tapped the toes of your boots together, humming a song your mother used to sing when you were little.
"Dear friend across the river, my hands are cold and bare…”
It was the only thing that connected you to her. She’d left when you were five. Two years later, your father drank himself to death, heartbroken over her departure. You rolled your eyes at the memory. Wherever she’d gone, she was surely happier than she would’ve been here. There was no room for joy in the Undercity. Anyone who felt it was deluding themselves.The urge to escape was stronger than usual today. You grabbed the bottle, ready to drain it dry, but hesitated. Seeking solace in alcohol wasn’t the way out. Not this time. Instead, you poured the rest of the liquid onto the roof, watching it trickle between the tiles and disappear into the distance.It wasn’t a cold or some other illness, you doubted that much. You were weak enough to have caught some street-borne disease, sure, but you felt the real culprit was still the shimmer coursing through your veins, wreaking havoc deeper than you’d realized. Your reflection confirmed it.Maybe you really were dying.Leaning your head against the broken railing, you closed your eyes. The wind swept away some of your anger and irritation, allowing you to breathe deeply without the sharp sting in your chest. For a moment, you were almost calm."I knew someone who used to hum that," came his voice.You didn’t have the energy to turn toward him, nor the desire to look at him."Could you stop following me?" you asked softly."Have you forgotten? We have a deal."Straightening up, you massaged the back of your neck with one hand. He was the last person you wanted to talk to. Actually, you didn’t want to talk to anyone, but him least of all. First, he treated you coldly, and now, when you needed peace, he was following you and pestering you."I know, I know. You get me for six hours a day. Unfortunately, I remember. I just… I just need a moment to rest.""Why’d you come up here if you’re feeling and looking like shit?""Am I to assume you’d let me skip the tests, then?"You gripped the railing with one hand and rested the other on your knee as you slowly stood. You hated when he towered over you. It was infuriating."You’re useless today anyway. I might as well get back to my own work. I don’t like being made to wait.""If I’m so useless, why not just dismiss me? No, you stand here and gloat because I had the audacity to have a bad day."Suddenly, dizziness washed over you. You leaned forward, bracing your hands on your thighs to steady yourself. Something metallic rose in your throat. Silco took a step toward you but hesitated, unsure if you needed his help."You shouldn’t be standing here.""And you shouldn’t be telling me what to do.""You can barely stand."His tone turned condescending again."I’m fine," you snapped back, though the spinning wouldn’t stop. You might’ve even swayed a bit. "And for the record—"You tried to plant your feet firmly to prove your point, but your boot slipped off the roof’s edge. A loose tile slid out from underfoot, taking you with it. The drop came too fast for you to react. You flailed your arms, grasping for something, anything, to catch hold of. Your heart leapt into your throat.What a miserable way to die. Falling off a roof like some clumsy amateur. You, who prided yourself on being an expert at navigating heights. Heights didn’t scare you; falling did. And this fall would certainly end in death.Silco’s hand shot out, catching your arm in a vise-like grip. His fingers dug into your forearm as he clung to the railing to avoid being pulled down with you. He was surprisingly strong.For a moment, time seemed to slow while everything happened in mere seconds. Your heart pounded in your chest, driving blood through your veins at breakneck speed. The rush drowned out all external sounds. Silco’s terrified eyes locked onto yours. His reaction was instinctive, his grip unrelenting. You knew there’d be bruises come morning.You breathed heavily through parted lips, afraid to move and break the fragile moment. You wanted to imprint the image in your memory, even as you hovered on the brink of death. This wasn’t the first time such danger had found you in his presence. Stray strands of his hair fell across his forehead. He looked spectacular—raw and real.You almost wanted to smile at the sight, but the situation didn’t call for it.The moment passed, but the image remained burned into your mind. With surprising ease, he hauled you back up. For the first time in ages, you felt fear manifesting outwardly. Your hands trembled uncontrollably for far too long.He held onto your arm a beat longer than necessary. A blink of an eye, but just enough to notice.He quickly stepped back and fixed his hair. He was shaking. One hand rested on his hip while the other massaged his jaw. That was the moment you should have thanked him.“Thank you,” you croaked in a slightly hoarse voice. “I’m sorry, I…”“Let’s not stand here,” he interrupted, glancing around the rooftop as if someone might attack you both at any moment.You felt awkward. You really did want to thank him. He had saved your life once again, despite you often using him as a punching bag when your nerves got the better of you. He looked as if your words not only annoyed him but outright enraged him. You shrank into your shoulders and stumbled slightly as you made your way inside. Your cheeks burned with shame. What on earth were you thinking? You had started imagining impossible things and now struggled when reality didn’t align with your fantasies.A strong urge to flee warred with your exhausted muscles. In this state, you wouldn’t be able to outrun an elderly woman with a cane. He was just a step behind you—impatient, irritated, and once again silent as though a million thoughts were clawing at his mind all at once. When you reached the ground floor, he brushed past you and hurried over to the bar. He grabbed a glass sitting there and took his usual seat at the table.You should probably go over. Sit down and wait. But your legs felt rooted to the spot. He sat with his elbows resting on his knees, a drink in one hand, his head hanging low. Whatever was troubling him wasn’t your concern, yet he did everything to make it feel like it should be. You wondered how he would react if you just walked out of the Last Drop.“What symptoms are you experiencing?” he asked, still not looking at you.“Symptoms of what?”“You’re going through withdrawal. Just as I suspected, this variant…” He pulled a vial from his pocket, and the sight of it made something twist inside you. “…is unstable. It hasn’t been tested in proper conditions. We have no idea what it might do. You’re addicted to the very thought of this stuff.”His hand clenched around the vial. He looked like he wanted to throw it against the nearest wall. He finished his drink in one gulp and slammed the glass down. He was trying to tell you something, but you couldn’t focus on his words. Your attention was fixated on the purple liquid. You didn’t even realize you had started moving toward him like you were hypnotized until he tucked the shimmer back into his pocket.Your thoughts snapped back into place, as if someone had pulled back a curtain.“What?” you asked, wiping your mouth with your sleeve.He looked at you with a pained expression. He seemed like a man who had lost faith in the purpose of this experiment. No, you needed him cold and calculated, with a clear plan of action, not broken. Someone had to think straight, and you couldn’t. The mere sight of shimmer in your vicinity rendered you useless.“There’s one person in the entire city capable of analyzing your blood in a professional way. I think you should sit down. This isn’t going to be easy.”He gestured to the seat across from him. You were starting to feel afraid—more than usual. This wasn’t something you could run from. You couldn’t escape it unless you knew how to run away from yourself. You sank onto the sofa, hiding your trembling hands between your tightly clenched knees.“Spit it out,” you said, unable to bear the silence.“Your cells are breaking down. Whatever is in that vial is laced with an insanely powerful stimulant. You didn’t die after consuming it only because you didn’t take too much. Yet even so, you’re spiraling into madness just thinking about it. Our… experiments only made your condition worse.”“Sure, I feel awful today, but—”“The first time we started messing around with this stuff, you noticed yourself that I was standing too close. I suspect something might have reentered your system. Correct me if I’m wrong. The next day, you felt better than ever, didn’t you?” You nodded. “You’re in withdrawal. You need another dose, or else…”He trailed off, seemingly unable to utter the words. But you understood them. You knew what they meant. Until he said it outright, though, you clung to the hope that you were just overreacting and the truth wouldn’t be so bitter.“And now what?”He rested his forehead on his hand, battling his thoughts as if what he was about to say next was sheer heresy—a madman’s plan to hold onto life just a moment longer.“We need to find Zarys or whoever is responsible for this and force them to talk. If they reveal the formula, I know someone who could counteract the effects of this.”Say it already, you screamed at him in your thoughts.“And if not? If Zarys is dead or refuses to cooperate? Then what?”Silco lifted his head. The shadows under his eyes remained. He looked like he hadn’t slept all night.“You die. You’re dying with every second we talk.”“Then give me what’s in your pocket.”“You must be insane!” He leaned back as far as he could, pressing his spine against the sofa.“For someone who flooded the undercity with shimmer, you seem to have a remarkably narrow set of principles.”He winced, as if you had slapped him across the face.“I don’t hide who invented shimmer. Yes, I produce it and sell it to innocents. What do you think built all of this?” he asked, gesturing vaguely at the city around you. “Do you think Zaun rose on the foundations of hope and faith? I do what I can to keep it alive, even if it means distributing a drug. But this… This is different. Whoever is behind this isn’t doing it for money.”“You know, in a way, I profit off it too. I work for you, so I’m partially making a living off it,” you shrugged. “Maybe my morals aren’t as pure and perfect as those from Piltover, but I know one thing. I’d do anything to ensure the undercity doesn’t have to rely only on money from illegal trade. I’ve seen people overdose. While I’d rather run away to the ends of the earth, I owe a debt. I know more now. I can act and spare others from going through what I am. So, if you’d be so kind, stop tormenting everyone around you and give me the damn vial!”Momentarily thrown by your outburst, he lost his composure. He stared at you as though you had said the most absurd thing in the world. He pulled the shimmer from his pocket, carefully studying your face. Your stomach twisted with hunger. The hairs on the back of your neck stood on end, and your hands began to sweat. You swallowed hard and reached out.“You could lose consciousness, start coughing up blood again. You could go insane. You could die. I won’t give it to you. We have no idea what will happen. I’ll send it to a lab. Giving it to you should be the absolute last resort.”Annoyed by his behavior, you lunged slightly forward, trying to snatch the vial from his hands. Unfortunately, you weren’t as quick as you used to be. You felt your body weakening. Your agility, which defined you, was slipping away. Now, with trembling hands, you couldn't even pickpocket the dead. He pulled his hand away, looking at you with disapproval. You sank back into your seat, taking deep breaths.“Worth a shot,” you shrugged. “Say what you want, resist all you like, but you know full well that in this state, I can’t track anything. And you won’t manage on your own.”His teeth clenched so tightly you could hear the grind. It was ridiculous. He had no qualms about pushing shimmer into a child’s throat, yet he balked at giving it to you—a willing participant who agreed to every possible risk.“No.”“You’re so stubborn,” you groaned, drawing out the vowels. “I don’t know, just look away or something. Close your eyes or step outside if it’s so hard for you. You’re so sensitive.”He stood up slowly. You instinctively leaned back, slightly nervous. Had you gone too far with your words? But he truly was acting strange.“We’re doing this my way.”“So, as always,” you rolled your eyes, but he wasn’t in the mood for jokes. He walked around the table and stood in front of you.“What are you doing?” you asked in a shaky voice.“This is what you wanted, isn’t it?”He sat down beside you. Instinctively, you shifted back a bit. You watched as he raised his hands, your gaze darting from one to the other, unsure if he meant to strangle you. He uncapped the vial, and every thought vanished. Only the contents of the bottle mattered. Nervously, you licked your lips, tasting sweetness as if it were already there. It mesmerized you.Then something strange happened. Silco held your head with one hand, gripping it from behind. He pressed the vial to your lips. You parted them, ready for surrender. When the first drops slid down your throat, you made a strange, guttural sound. Your hands reached for the bottle—you needed more. You felt incredible. Strong. Your thoughts were clear again. You could move mountains. Everything seemed more vivid.He took the vial away before you could even touch it. It didn’t matter. The shimmer—or whatever this variation was—was already coursing through your veins. Deprived of the scent, the drug lost some of its grip on you. Thanks to him, you could resist the pull much faster than last time.Then the reality of what had happened dawned on you. His hand was still on your hair. You sat so close that your legs touched in several places. You stared at him with wide eyes as though seeing him for the first time. It was unsettling. Intoxicating. Slowly, he withdrew his hand and moved away. He didn’t comment on what had just happened, but you could tell he was affected.“Ready to hear the plan?”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Theoretically, everything should go smoothly. At first, Silco wanted to wait until you were in better shape, but after taking the drug, you were ready to act immediately. According to his calculations, you had about a week before your body would demand more. Silco believed you might be more attuned to him now, which would allow you to find Zarys by following the unconscious traces he left behind. Everything was always simpler in theory. You were supposed to meet near Zarys’s house on the outskirts before midnight, the time when the city was most dazed. You had insisted that Silco shouldn’t go in person, but he pointed out he didn’t exactly have the manpower for this. Well, you couldn’t really order the boss around.Gods, it had been so long since you felt this light. You ran across rooftops faster than ever before. You leapt higher and maintained a steady breath longer. You knew you shouldn’t enjoy it—this was the effect of taking the drug. And yet, you reveled in the night, cherishing this fleeting freedom. You jumped down near the house and quickly hid in the shadows of several barrels. You’d arrived earlier than expected and had time to assess the situation. Silence reigned. There was no sign that Zarys had returned to the house after leaving it. Many of the nearby homes had boarded-up windows. If anyone still hid in these half-collapsed dwellings, they were likely minding their own business. You pulled your hood over your head and covered your face with a scarf. Vigilantly, you surveyed the surroundings until you heard footsteps nearby. They came from a parallel alley—the crunch of sand underfoot. Was someone walking that loudly, or was shimmer sharpening your senses? Fascinated by your new ability, you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling. The stranger couldn’t see you. You were too well-hidden. Like you, he was dressed in black. There was nothing particularly remarkable about him. Most of his face was concealed by a collar. He moved close to the walls as he walked down the street. Could this be Zarys? He seemed taller than a scrawny factory worker, and his posture was straighter. He strode with pride, almost as if... "Silco," you hissed softly, trying to catch his attention. The idiot seemed to have forgotten he wasn’t on his home turf. If something happened to him, Sevika would drown you in your own blood. He came closer, making no effort to avoid the moonlight that left him fully exposed. You grabbed his sleeve and forced him to crouch. "Have you lost your mind? Why are you exposing yourself?" A mocking smile lingered on his lips. Without his signature red eye, he looked even paler. "I appreciate the precautions, but this district has been abandoned for years," he replied in a theatrical whisper, then stood up again. You had no choice but to follow his lead. Brushing dust off your pants, you cracked your knuckles. "What now?" "We check if our assumptions hold up." If only it were that simple. You had no idea what you were looking for. Zarys certainly wouldn’t have left shimmer-drawn arrows on the walls to guide you to him. Walking around the house, you couldn’t detect anything—not even when you approached the window where you had once observed Zarys. Kneeling by the bush near the spot where you’d first been attacked, you touched the ground. It felt like a lifetime ago. You decided there was no point in making another loop since no scent trail had lingered. You nodded to Silco and approached the front door. The lock gave way within seconds, and you smiled with pride, pleased that you hadn’t lost your touch. A short entryway led to a kitchen combined with a living room. The layout was familiar. Dust covered the threshold, but the layer on the floor where you stepped was thin. Whoever had been here hadn’t moved past the second threshold. The lab’s entrance had to be nearby. You turned on a flashlight, scanning for clues. There were no doors or hatches. The cabinets flanking the room were too heavy to move every time. The wooden floor bore no signs of scuff marks. Opening a cabinet door, the smell of mildew hit you. Moldy clothes were decaying on the hangers. You shuddered, and the flashlight trembled in your hand. The beam of light reflected off a small ring. Your heart raced. Peering out through the door, you signaled Silco that it was safe to enter. He wasn’t suited for this kind of work, you thought, shaking your head in mild disappointment. The bottom of the cabinet had been cut out, forming a perfect square. Grabbing the handle, you pulled it open. The hinges squeaked, revealing a ladder. You descended first, knowing that part of his safety was now your responsibility. The lab was empty, just as he had said. The table where equipment once stood was barren. You tried to tread softly, careful not to make the wooden floor creak. Suddenly, the dim lamps overhead flickered on, flooding the basement with cold, milky light. You turned to see Silco pulling his hand back from the switch. "Did you forget we’re looking for evidence? Turn it off!" "Zarys fled in a panic," he replied calmly. "Whatever scared him off likely won’t return here." You huffed in frustration but refrained from commenting. You began to roam the basement, searching for clues. The musty air bore no trace of shimmer—you’d have sensed it immediately. Slipping your flashlight into your pocket, you braced yourself for the troubles this man might cause. "Do you even know what we’re looking for?" "Evidence. Don’t you remember?" You rolled your eyes. Zarys had taken everything, including samples and equipment. The shelves were empty. You checked every drawer but found nothing except scraps of food and an old pencil. It was all for nothing. Disappointment—such a dangerous feeling—you had to suppress it before it overwhelmed your mind. With a sigh, you sat on one of the tables, swinging your legs. "There’s nothing here. Maybe he didn’t flee but relocated." "You give up too quickly." "It’s not giving up—it’s the facts. There’s nothing here," you repeated, kicking your feet. It was easier for you. The drug still coursed through your veins, suppressing negative emotions. "Keep looking," he ordered. You hopped down, ready to search every nook and cranny again just to prove him wrong. When yet another drawer turned up empty, you shot him a meaningful look, which he ignored. As you moved, your sleeve snagged on a handle, yanking the drawer off its rails. It fell to the floor with a crash. Startled, you jumped back. "Can’t you control yourself?" he snapped irritably. You bent to pick it up, and a piece of paper detached from the bottom. You lifted it, reading aloud: "M. I’ve got what you wanted. Meet me at the docks. Z." Silco stepped closer, plucking the note from your hand. "Z must be Zarys. Whoever this was addressed to is based at the docks. Let’s go." "Are you out of your mind? Do you know how many factories and warehouses are in the docks? It'll take weeks before we find anything!"  He turned toward you, a cruel smile twisting his lips.  "Then we'd better get to work, don't you think?"  He walked off without waiting for you. You had to catch up before he decided his reputation was stronger than bullets. He might have the city in his grip, but if the enemy saw him alone, without protection, they wouldn’t hesitate to take a shot. Silco had made too many enemies. People might fear or respect him, but the truth was, most of them just wanted him gone. If Sevika found out about this, you'd be in serious trouble.  Half an hour later, you couldn’t hold it in anymore and finally opened your mouth. The two of you had been walking in silence the whole time. Silco seemed lost in thought.  "Why are we going there alone? We’ve got evidence that Zarys is up to something. Wouldn’t it be better to gather our people first?"  "We have confirmation he met someone at the shore. We don’t know who or when. For all we know, he might just be writing to his mistress. Before I issue an order and mobilize the team, I need to know who we’re dealing with. Unless, of course, you'd rather start a war blindly and watch others die in it?"  "No, but—"  "Your life would be much easier if you stopped questioning my decisions and started following them, as a proper employee should."  The words hit you hard. It was true you often pushed your luck, treating him as something other than your boss. Usually, he put you in your place when you overstepped. You could threaten to storm off back to The Last Drop, but then he’d go alone. You growled under your breath and obediently followed behind him. The last thing you needed was for Sevika to find out.  You trailed after him, watching the rhythmic sway of his arms. In his black leather coat, he didn’t stand out much from other residents. Though, admittedly, his attire was of better quality. You could judge a man’s worth, and Silco practically begged to be robbed. You didn’t doubt he could handle himself—it was just hard to believe. He was always giving orders, never dirtying his hands with the hard work, and he had people willing to kill for him.  Lost in thought, you noticed the commotion too late. Someone was approaching. Soft footsteps echoed from several directions. You looked around, but couldn’t yet see anyone."We’ve got company," you warned him.  He stopped beside you, resting his hand on the pistol at his belt. Seeing that made your anxiety spike—you had a bad feeling the fight would be unavoidable. You reached for your knife, ready to defend yourself. Damn it, Sevika had been right.  "Who do we have here?"  A masked figure emerged from the corner, striding boldly and twirling a switchblade theatrically. The sight of Silco made him pause uncertainly, but the fact that they outnumbered you four to one seemed to boost his courage. You knew you didn’t stand a chance. You glanced at Silco, but his proud posture didn’t falter.  "The big boss, the great Eye of Zaun, on a date with some cheap whore. Where do you buy such fine ones?"  Laughter rippled through the group. Damn it, you still didn’t know where all the enemies were hiding.  "I wouldn’t do that," Silco said, shaking his head like he was scolding a child.  The speaker, likely the leader of the gang, stepped forward, aiming a battered blade in your direction.  "My mother was killed by some drugged-up bastard. What do you think a man should do when faced with a murderer?"  "Leave before he loses his life," Silco replied.  Another round of laughter was cut short by a single gunshot. The mouthy leader dropped dead, Silco’s gun still raised, a wisp of smoke curling from the barrel. He’d been too fast—clearly keeping his true skills a secret. Unfortunately, he’d sparked a storm.  Someone leapt on your back, and before you managed to shake them off, a burning pain slashed across your back. Blindly, you twisted your knife and plunged it into something soft. The attacker screamed in pain, loosening their grip. You rolled away, scanning the chaos for Silco. He’d taken cover behind the corner of a building, firing with unnerving precision at the advancing gang. There were too many of them. Even if he took out a few, you’d run out of bullets long before they ran out of bodies.  "We need to run!" you shouted.  You weren’t sure he heard you. The attackers didn’t care that they were tangling with the most dangerous man in the city. They were either insane or stupid. Bullets whizzed past. Silco’s expression was fierce, as if determined to make an example of everyone who underestimated him. Maybe the stories were true—maybe he really was unhinged.  You noticed the enemy closing in. You weren’t great with firearms. Adrenaline surged through you. You were both crouched on opposite sides of the street, hiding behind corners. Every now and then, bits of plaster crumbled as bullets struck. You had to get him out of there before this madman got himself killed.  You waited for the clouds to obscure the moon, casting shadows over the street. It lasted only two seconds. You rolled to the other side. Silco was in a frenzy, unfazed by a bullet that had torn through his collar. Grabbing his hand, you pulled him after you. For a moment, he looked like he wanted to resist, but when he recognized you, he let you take the lead.  You ran as fast as you could, trying to remember the area. From the ground, nothing looked the same. You had to get him out before either of you died. You toppled barrels of dirty water and garbage bins to slow your pursuers. There was no time to stop and fight back. Silco stumbled slightly. You grabbed his sleeve to keep him moving. He wasn’t used to this kind of exertion.  When you saw the pipes on one of the buildings, you realized where you were—an old textile processing plant. They used hot steam to clean grease and other contaminants. You planted your feet, stopping beside one of the thicker pipes. Aimed at it, and hot steam gushed into the alleyway. The blast obscured everything. You rolled under the stream, feeling droplets of scalding water hit your cheek. Silco, caught off guard, hadn’t grasped what had happened. You had mere seconds before the pressure dropped and your cover was gone.  You shoved him into a narrow passage between buildings, hiding behind crates filled with foul-smelling scraps. You covered your face with your sleeve to muffle any coughs that might give you away. As you’d guessed, they caught up when the steam died down, but the idiots ran straight ahead, thinking you were still fleeing. You waited a full minute before peeking out. You didn’t hear footsteps or shouting. They must’ve gone far away. Exhausted, you leaned against the wall, adrenaline fading.  "I think we’re safe," you whispered. "What were you thinking!" You wanted to scold him, but then you saw how pale he was. His hand pressed against his shoulder, blood trickling between his fingers. "Silco?"  He slumped to the ground.  "No, no, no!" you shouted, dropping to your knees beside him.  The wound wasn’t fatal, but if it wasn’t treated, he could bleed out. You didn’t know what to do. The familiar parts of the city were too far, and you couldn’t drag him there alone. He probably wouldn’t have allowed it. You yanked the scarf off your neck and pressed the fabric to the wound. You tried to remember what to do in such a moment, but your mind was blank. Think, damn it!First, shelter. Then, focus on the gunshot. You searched your memory for the path to the nearest safe place. A wave of relief flooded your mind when you realized how close you were to the tower. You threw his arm over your neck and helped him up. He was conscious, alive—that was the most important thing. You knew, though, that the pain was clouding his mind and turning off his reason. Thankfully, he let you lead him. He breathed through his teeth, and each breath trembled. You reassured him that it wasn’t far, but deep down, you knew you were just trying to calm your own panicked heart.You stopped at the mouth of the alley. You looked around for any signs of movement, but it was empty. You had to leave him for a moment to open the hatch. He leaned against the wall, watching your actions through half-closed eyes. The scarf was starting to shine in the light, meaning the blood had reached the surface. Your hands were trembling so much that you dropped the hatch handle.“Can you make it inside?” you asked, terrified.He nodded without a word. Considering the wound seemed pretty large, he was holding up well. He slid inside, awkwardly falling to the floor. You followed, dragging the hatch behind you. His breathing grew more shallow. If it went on like this, he’d faint from blood loss. You helped him sit against the wall. It was pitch dark. You turned on the flashlight to see something. His blood was on your hands as you removed the scarf.“You have to,” he rasped, “extract the bullet.”“Are you insane? I can’t do it! I don’t know how!”He grabbed your hand. It was slick with blood. The smell made you feel faint. Panic was starting to take away your ability to speak.“I have a flask in my coat. Disinfect the wound and remove the bullet. You can do it.”“You’re safe here, I’ll go get help.”You tried to stand, but his grip on your hand was iron-clad.“You can handle it.”You swallowed the lump in your throat and focused. Help Silco, you kept repeating to yourself. You believed he knew what he was saying. You cut off the sleeve with one of the knives. The wound looked terrible. A huge, gaping hole, from which blood was steadily seeping. When you lifted the flashlight to get a better view, you noticed the bullet hadn’t lodged too deep. You poured something strong from the flask onto your hands and hesitated, looking for his approval before you poured it on his shoulder as well. He nodded, though he clearly wasn’t ready for the pain. His scream filled the building. You flinched at the sound. You were starting to breathe like someone who had just washed up on shore. Your vision blurred, but you kept following his instructions. He told you what to do, and his voice was the only thing that guided you.The bullet had lodged between the bones, stopping on a fragment of the collarbone. It wasn’t broken, but professional medical expertise was still necessary. Using the knife and one hand, you slowly eased the bullet out of his shoulder. The wound bled even more. You pressed the clean end of the scarf to it and froze.“It needs to be stitched.”Those words filled you with even more terror. You had no idea where you were or what you were doing. You looked at his face, slick with sweat. He was holding up surprisingly well for someone who’d been shot and half-bandaged under extreme conditions.“Stitched, right,” you repeated mechanically, looking around as though the necessary tools would magically appear beside you.“Focus. Do you have the stuff here?”He placed a hand on your shoulder and shook you as much as his wound allowed. It took a moment to process his words. It was like he was speaking in a foreign language. When they finally reached your brain and formed one clear thought, you jumped to your feet and ran toward the stairs. You were terrified at the thought of leaving him alone downstairs. Needle and thread. You had them. They were in a box by the rooftop door, for repairing damaged clothes. Almost losing part of the supplies along the way, you dashed downstairs, hoping he hadn’t passed out during those few minutes you were gone.He was lying against the wall with his eyes closed, trying to control his breathing. When you knelt next to him, he looked at you with a tired glance. He instructed you on what to do. You dipped the thread in alcohol. You dug a lighter out of your pocket and, following his advice, dipped the needle in the flame. You threaded the needle with trembling hands, feeling the tears welling up as you missed it for the umpteenth time.He grimaced when you pierced his skin. Despite the noise of blood rushing through his eardrums, you heard the needle slide through his flesh. The sound was unbearable. You wanted to block your ears. The stitching took a long time. You tried to be as gentle as possible, but the sight of his skin being sewn together froze the blood in your veins. Silco seemed extremely exhausted, but thankfully, the wound had stopped bleeding. When you finished, you collapsed onto the floor, horrified by how much blood you had on your hands and clothes. He propped himself up with one hand and shifted a little higher. You couldn’t tear your eyes away from the crooked seam beneath his collarbone.You had no idea what to do next. You sat opposite him, watching him sleep uneasily. You held the loaded gun in your hand just in case someone tried to catch you by surprise. You didn’t know what time it was. It could be night or even the next day. But you believed in what you had done. He stopped deliriously mumbling and was now breathing rhythmically. You wanted to believe you had helped him. You couldn’t move. Even though your limbs were numb and your muscles burned like fire, you were afraid that if you looked away, Silco would disappear.Something flashed on the left. You jumped, searching for a potential threat. The sunlight was filtering through the gaps between the boards and reflecting off the shattered glass windows. You lowered the gun, breathing heavily. You sat with your legs pulled up, thinking about the next step. You had to somehow transport him to a doctor, in such a way that no one would notice that Silco was in such a critical state. God, Sevika would kill you, but you had to turn to her for help. You waited for him to wake up so you could leave him alone for a moment and get assistance.“It’s not the most comfortable place to sleep, but I guess I can’t complain.”You jumped, distracted by the sudden words. Slowly, you turned your head toward him. He looked stable. Pale and exhausted, with traces of blood on his face. You sighed with relief.“Oh my God, you’re alive!”“I appreciate the concern, but I’ve survived worse things than a gunshot.” He glanced at the result of your work in the dim light of the day. He gently touched the stitches. “Good job. Where exactly are we?”“We…” you began to speak, but lost your train of thought for a moment. “I come here when I want to be alone. It’s my sanctuary and the only place where no one can find me. Well, almost no one,” you added, glancing at him meaningfully.You didn’t regret him finding out about this place. It was the price you had to pay to save him. It was worth it. The thought that he might have died because you didn’t act in time made your heart tighten painfully.“I guess by the looks of it, the owner doesn’t know you sneak in here?”“The owner is a woman. And no, she left a long time ago, leaving this place to its fate. It’s not mine, and it never will be. Every time, I’m afraid someone will take it for themselves, and I won’t have anywhere to run.”You pulled your knees to your chin, feeling yourself start to tremble from exhaustion. Silco needed another two hours before he was able to get up from the ground. You were numb and still dazed. Grimacing, he pulled the coat over his back, covering the torn shirt and the reddened wound. You had to hand over the reins to him because you were no longer able to think for yourself. You didn’t care if anyone found out about your little outing. Sevika could beat you into the ground for all you cared. You dreamed of a shower. You wanted to wash off his blood and everything that reminded you of that night. Staggering behind him, you allowed a strong resolve to grow within you—you wouldn’t be weak anymore. You couldn’t keep running forever. Sevika had a damn point. The time had come when you should have stood your ground, but you weren’t capable of it.You parted ways not far from the center. They couldn’t see you together, especially since your face and hands were stained with blood. The sound of metal scraping against the floor. You bent over the trash can and vomited. You didn’t think you’d be able to pull yourself together after this experience. At least you could return to your tasks. The escapade had caused more harm than good. Whatever was supposed to happen next had to wait.You sneaked into the facility through the back entrance. You waited until Sara was within sight and discreetly called out to her. She nearly fainted at the sight of the blood. You asked for her help to get into a room unnoticed. She brought you a bowl of water, trying to ask what happened, but you remained silent like a grave. You washed your hands and face. The sight of the red water paralyzed you. A scream echoed off the walls. Nausea rose to your throat. You jerked your body and knocked the bowl onto the ground. It crashed loudly, spilling soapy water onto your legs. You apologized to Sara in a broken voice. She must have realized you couldn’t speak, and she told you to go back to your room. You didn’t deserve her help after how you’d treated her.You shoved your bloodstained clothes under the bed with the intention of burning them. You collapsed onto the bed, barely alive. Images flickered in your mind. The thread stiffly moving through skin. The smell of alcohol mixing with the scent of blood.His screams...You pressed your head into the pillow, singing yourself to sleep a lullaby you had learned from your mother. You dulled your mind enough to let it rest. You had nightmares of running through a labyrinth, searching for someone, but all you could hear were gunshots and screams. You knew that if you didn’t find him, he would die. A hand shot out from around the corner, grabbing your shoulder. You screamed.“Fuck. Stop yelling!”You jumped out of bed. The sweaty sheets clung to your body. Just moments before, you’d been running blindly through a maze of hallways, and now you saw Sevika’s irritated face in front of you.“What’s going on?”“You still have the audacity to ask?” She threw an envelope at you. “I think there’s something you need to tell me.”You were still in the haze of sleep, not fully understanding her presence in your room. You reached for the envelope. It was thick and stuffed with papers. When you pulled them out, a solitary note fell out. You picked it up and focused your gaze on the words.
Thank you. I hope you’ll stay.
S.
You spread out the documents, not believing that what you were holding in your hands was real. Before you was the deed to the old library. In the section listing the owner, your name was written.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"I don’t understand.”

You stammered the words, trying to piece together all the events logically. It didn’t help that Sevika was pacing around the room, almost wearing a hole in the floor. Your lips felt numb, incapable of forming coherent words.
“I knew you’d be nothing but trouble,” she growled. “Explain to me why I’ve been listening to rumors all morning about Silco getting his ass handed to him while sneaking off for some rendezvous far outside the center.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
She stepped closer, leaning in until there was barely any space between you. You wanted to back away, but there was only a wall behind you.
“Get it through that thick skull of yours: just because Silco has plans for you doesn’t mean I won’t beat you senseless if you’re hiding something. I’ll ask you one more time—what do you know about these rumors?”
It was only at that moment you realized how terrifying she could be. You licked your dry lips, clenching the bedspread in your hands. The problem was that, no matter which of them held your leash, you couldn’t say a word without explicit permission. You could feel that Silco hadn’t told her about the gunshot wound. Otherwise, she’d be taking it out on you even more. If he hadn’t said anything, then neither should you. He had something you needed, and betraying his secrets risked more than just your job.
“If I tell you I can’t say anything, will you believe me?”
She snorted angrily. You couldn’t blame her. She’d been running around handling his business while he gave orders from the comfort of his desk. She was his right hand, yet she was one of the last to find out when her boss started a mission without her involvement—or even her knowledge. On top of that, a subordinate who had already caused her no small amount of grief was dodging questions and refusing to share answers. You almost felt sorry for her.
“And if I told you that my methods of torture would make your withdrawal symptoms seem like a walk in the park, would you believe me?”
She mocked your tone. You gave her a faint smile.
“No,” you shook your head.
“So, you’re forbidden to talk?”
“I don’t know. That’s the thing—I don’t know. But since he hasn’t even told you what happened, I don’t think I’m the right person to say anything.”
“Dealing with you two is going to be the death of me,” she sighed, slumping into a chair.
“I’d gladly tell you all the details—believe me, I’ve had enough of him. What even happened today?”
“He canceled all his meetings. Doesn’t want to see anyone. I’ve been running around since morning handling business he’s perfectly happy to ignore, all while intermediaries are breathing down my neck. And now he’s making me play courier.”
God, what a spoiled child. He probably didn’t want anyone noticing how stiffly he moved because of the wound. Reputation is a funny thing. He’d jeopardized his by acting recklessly, and now everyone else was paying the price. If you’d known what working for him would look like, you’d have burned that factory down before you ever started looking into his affairs.
The drowsiness left you after a few minutes. The feel of the papers under your fingers kept your mind fixed on what Silco had done. You hoped the shimmer wasn’t fueling your anger—it was yours alone. You were already searching for a target to unload it on.
“So, he doesn’t want to see anyone, huh?” You leapt out of bed, unfazed by Sevika’s gaze on your half-dressed figure. “He’ll have to see me.”
“I don’t know what’s going through your head, but don’t get your hopes up. No one’s allowed upstairs.”
“You managed to get up there.”
“That’s because no one has the guts to stop me.”
You grinned wildly. You could lose not only your job but your life, yet you didn’t care anymore. You were already on the edge. Without the drug, death awaited you anyway. Before that happened, you had to give the most dangerous man in the city a piece of your mind.
Sevika let you go without a word of protest. The shadow that had been following you was gone. You didn’t ask who had dismissed it—it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that you were free to choose your path. But did your destination have to be the Last Drop?
At moments like this, you wondered if there was any point in continuing this. Without Sara’s burning gaze on your back, you could go anywhere. You could wander through the entire Undercity, head for the nearest port, and slip away unnoticed. The problem wasn’t obligations to your infuriating boss. You wanted to leave—you thought about it almost every day after learning that, no matter what you did, the drug would remain in your system. But what then? Without solving that puzzle, you faced a painful death. You’d never been addicted to anything, so you couldn’t imagine the pain, but you’d seen people struggling with it. It wasn’t a pretty sight. If there was even a sliver of hope that you could avoid that fate, you had to try.
Sevika was right—Silco had placed guards at the stairs leading to the upper floors of the bar. Of course, you didn’t intend to squeeze past them. There was a better way to get to him. You slipped unnoticed to the back of the building and quietly entered through an ajar door. Any moment, a worker could walk in, so you had to act fast. You sprinted up the stairs, skipping two at a time. Proud of yourself for not losing your breath, you started working on the lock. It didn’t surprise you that the door was locked—it was inevitable.
A gust of wind tore the door from your grip, and it slammed into the wall just inches from your nose. The draft knocked over a few bottles downstairs, so you had to act quickly. You shut the door behind you and crouched by one of the railings, wondering how to play this. You couldn’t just jump down to the balcony below. He wouldn’t forgive you for such an intrusion. You knew you were being reckless and foolish, but if this was the only chance to speak to him that day, you couldn’t let it slip away.
The plan was simple—as usual—but executing it was another matter. You knew he stepped onto the balcony to think while smoking one of his expensive cigars. You had rushed out of the facility spontaneously, barely considering what you’d do when the opportunity arose.
You didn’t have to wait long. As you racked your brain so hard it felt like steam might come out of your ears, you heard the soft click of footsteps that signaled his arrival. You tried to come up with a sharp remark to throw him off or irritate him into doing something rash, but he beat you to it.
You peeked out to confirm it was him, just as he turned and looked up. It was unexpected—people rarely looked above them.
Most people focused only on not tripping over something in their path. That’s why, when he locked his gaze on you, you lost all your composure, and nothing clever came to mind.
“I should have guessed you wouldn’t leave me alone even today.”
“And who said I’m here for you?”
“I ordered that door locked because some klutz nearly lost their life on that rooftop. The only person crazy enough to tamper with that lock is currently sitting on the roof glaring at me. Of course, I knew you’d come,” he finished, irritated.
You simply scoffed, unwilling to admit to yourself that you had no rebuttal. You were a walking example of defying his orders, yet he didn’t seem to care. He probably expected you to find a way in regardless. You weren’t one to boast idly about your skills.
“Are you coming inside, or will you keep staring down at me from above?” he asked, relighting the cigar extinguished by the strong wind. “Just don’t jump. Enter through the door like a normal person.”
You had come here determined to put him in his place, but so far, he had left you speechless twice. You had no choice but to climb back down and take the traditional route.
The guards let you pass without a word, though you could feel their curious glances. They were probably puzzled by the boss’s sudden change of heart. You only hoped you wouldn’t become the subject of tales as some passing company he entertained for a day.
You entered his office without knocking; after all, he had been expecting you. He sat facing the window, comparing two documents. He didn’t even bother to glance at you, clearly irritated by your presence.
You had no intention of waiting for him to graciously signal that you could start your tirade.
“Sevika dragged me out of bed by the ears, accusing me of more trouble that you caused. Don’t you think I deserve an apology?”
“For what, exactly?”
You widened your eyes in disbelief, unsure if he was serious or just baiting you into speaking.
“You put us in danger! All because those men didn’t quake in fear of you! Sevika doesn’t even know you were shot, and I’m not about to tell her.”
“They were asking for it.”
A few quick steps brought you to his massive desk, where you stopped abruptly.
“Do you know what people are saying about you in the city?”
“Probably the same as always.”
“I’m thrilled to inform you that The Eye of Zaun got a solid beating last night, and that’s why he’s hiding in his bar, avoiding everyone.”
The second part was perhaps an exaggeration, but it earned you a glance.
“If that’s what they want to believe, I won’t stop them.”
“That’s it? You’re not bothered that your reputation will take a hit?”
“They won’t say anything I haven’t heard before. People like that are easily silenced. Either they wise up and stop spreading rumors, or they lose their lives. Most learn quickly. Anything else?”
He dismissed you as though you were a pesky insect he couldn’t squash, so he opted to avoid you instead. You couldn’t understand why he acted as if last night hadn’t happened. Was he embarrassed you’d seen him in that state? You’d already noticed that writing caused him discomfort. He looked much better now—much better—which meant he had sought medical help. How had Sevika not found out yet?
You remembered the contents of your backpack. Pulling out an envelope, you hurled it at him. It landed on one of the neatly stacked piles, disrupting the order. He responded with an irritated sigh.
“What do you have to say about this?”
“Can’t you read? It’s a deed.”
He didn’t even look at you, scribbling with his fancy pen on a loose sheet of paper.
“Don’t play dumb with me. Why is my name on it?”
“Because you’re the owner? Hard not to make you look like a fool when you ask such questions.”
More than another dose, you wanted to wipe that smug smirk off his face.
“I didn’t ask for this.”
“Consider it a gesture of gratitude.”
“Are you trying to buy me?”
“You’re already working for me. What I want can’t be bought.”
The way he said it made the entire room seem to darken slightly. There was something in his voice—something powerful—that made you lose your rhythm of breathing.
“And what is that?”
“Loyalty,” he replied, locking his gaze on you.
You hesitated. Just when you thought you were starting to understand him, he revealed his thoughts were moving in a completely different direction. Was Silco afraid you might betray him? Sevika guarded you better than her wallet. Sometimes, you thought she could read your mind, appearing where you least wanted to see her and asking inconvenient questions.
“A simple ‘thank you’ would have sufficed,” you muttered, slightly flustered by the exchange.
What were you thinking? If you were in his place, you would have fired an employee like yourself ages ago. Yet he showed unusual patience for you. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips, but he quickly restrained it. He rose, leaning his hands on the desk. He maintained eye contact, waiting for you to break it.
“Thank you for saving my life. Is there anything else I can do for you, or will you let me return to my work?”
You couldn’t let one faint smile cloud your judgment and ruin the entire speech you had planned on your way here. You came to finally address the issues bothering you—oddly, all of them tied directly to him—and set boundaries for both him and yourself. Because the fact that he affected you in a specific way had been clear to you for some time. The problem was, he was your boss, and you couldn’t let him toy with you whenever he felt like it.
“You know, I should just drop all this and leave. Just like I planned from the start.”
He raised his eyebrows slightly, surprised by your sudden shift in emotions.
“No one’s stopping you. You can still do it.”
The fact that he was so emotionless while encouraging your desire to leave the city only irritated you further. But what had you expected? That he’d fall to his knees and beg a skilled thief like you not to abandon his crew?
“Just like that, you’ll let me go?”
“You’re my employee, not my slave. You can do whatever you please. Should I take this conversation as your resignation? That can be arranged.”
"God, you're truly unbearable!" you shouted, throwing your hands up and running them through your hair.
You began pacing his office, feeling like your nerves were about to explode. Your restless footsteps seemed to be grating on him as well. Eventually, he put down whatever he was holding, circled his desk, and leaned against its edge with his arms crossed, so there was now only air separating the two of you.
"Let's say you walk out of my office right now, determined to sever ties for good. Where will you go?"
"I don’t know!" you screamed at the top of your lungs. "Maybe I'll sell that damned tower and travel overseas. Though I suspect even that wouldn’t be far enough."
He smirked indulgently.
"Let’s suppose you follow through with your plan. What happens next week when you need another dose? Are you ready to die?"
The blow landed. It hit hard. You had always thought you weren’t afraid of death. That was a lie. You feared it—feared it terribly, especially a death full of suffering.
"Let’s say you leave but stay in the city and live in your wonderful tower. Will you start selling yourself to afford the next dose?"
If he was trying to wound you, he was succeeding flawlessly. You shrank into yourself. His words came at you from every direction, and there was nowhere to hide.
"Why are you doing this?" you asked quietly.
"Whether you like it or not, you need me. No one else can help you. Have I answered your questions?"
You looked at him with pained eyes. You already knew. You felt it under your skin—whatever you did, all roads would lead back to him. He was the only one who knew how to ease your suffering, and he exploited it shamelessly. Him, or whoever made that vile stuff. Neither option was a good one. Yet, Silco seemed the lesser evil. You realized now you needed him more than he needed you.
He walked over to a cabinet holding an array of ornate glass vessels. He poured himself a small measure of liquor, just enough for one gulp. Glancing at you over his shoulder, he added:
"It wasn’t my intention to manipulate you when I gave you the deed. It’s a gift. I expect nothing in return."

***

It couldn’t be like this. You couldn’t allow him to use your addiction—one you hadn’t asked for, not even in your worst nightmares—as leverage to keep you on a short leash. In just a few days, the craving would force you to crawl back to him and beg for more. He’d made it painfully clear you had nowhere else to go.
It couldn’t be like this.
Sevika made you wait for hours. You sat patiently outside her room, hoping she’d show up. Even if it took days, you were prepared. Sleeping on the floor wasn’t pleasant, but it wasn’t anything you couldn’t handle. Others passed by, occasionally tripping over your legs, but eventually, they began to regard you as part of the scenery and stepped around you. Sara checked in on you occasionally, trying to convince you to come downstairs.
It was just before dawn when you finally heard footsteps in the corridor. It had to be her—everyone else was asleep. The lights were dim, but you’d recognize that silhouette anywhere: tied-up hair and a cloak slung over one shoulder. She cursed loudly when she saw the unwelcome visitor at her door but let you inside.
"What do you want?" she asked, setting down a bag that clanked with something heavy.
"Assign me a job. Anything."
Her gaze lingered on you for a long moment. So long, in fact, that you grew impatient.
"Why now?"
"I can’t just sit around. I was given a job, so I ought to earn my keep, right?"
She sat down in a chair, propping her feet up on the desk.
"I can see that’s not the real reason. Let me guess: Silco hurt your feelings, and you ran here to cry it out?"
You recoiled, startled by the venom in her words. Whatever was eating at her, you couldn’t let it throw you off.
"I’ll manage. I’m not a child. What’ve you got for me?"
She shrugged.
"Nothing. Go back to your room. I want to rest."
"I don’t believe you."
"Look, I’ve got nothing for you. I don’t oversee you anymore."
You inhaled sharply, sure you were about to be fired. Maybe you’d overstepped earlier, and Silco had had enough.
"I’m being let go?"
"Quite the opposite. Silco’s taken direct oversight of you. If you want work, you’ll have to ask him."
You sank into a chair. This wasn’t happening. He was doing everything in his power to keep you from straying too far. He must’ve been getting a sick thrill out of it. Each day, the leash got shorter.
"Since when?"
"Since today, officially."
"You knew all day? Why didn’t you say anything?"
"He came up with it this evening. Whatever you said to him must’ve convinced him you need tighter reins. Honestly, I’m surprised you haven’t quit yet."
You stared at her blankly.
"Believe me, I’m not doing this willingly."
She lit a cigarette, dismissing your turmoil. The two of you sat in silence, the room illuminated only by a single desk lamp between you. As you let yourself think about your situation, you felt despair clawing its way further and further into your chest.
"Nice job, by the way," she said suddenly.
"What?"
"You stitched him up pretty well. He didn’t tell me everything, of course. But since we’re on the subject, maybe you could tell me what it looked like from your perspective?"
"That man just doesn’t know when to quit. Some guys came at us and started cracking jokes. I guess he didn’t find it amusing, because he shot one of them without saying a word. If I hadn’t dragged him out of there, you’d probably be looking for his corpse in some alley."
"That sounds about right. A man in his position forgets he’s not immortal," she said, snuffing out her cigarette on the floor with her boot. "Too bad for them they couldn’t keep their mouths shut. Now no one will hear about it."
She said it so casually, like cleaning up people was her day job. Seeing the horror on your face, she added:
"Yeah, I killed them. That’s what I do."
"Jesus..."
“You probably didn’t realize what you were getting yourself into until today, did you? Let me tell you something. You’re neck-deep in trouble and biting the only hand that can pull you out. Think twice next time before you talk back to him.”
You stood up, feeling a cold calmness start to take over your entire body.
“Believe me, he made it very clear that I have nowhere else to go.”
You walked out without another word, slamming the door behind you. If she wasn’t controlling your schedule, you might as well talk back to her too. At this point, you didn’t care anymore. You had an idea that could bring you significant benefits. You remembered the note you had found at Zarys’s house. All you needed was to wait until the right hour to slip away. Until then, you stayed in your room, trying to occupy your thoughts.
A stalemate. Leaving the gang wasn’t an option. Since Silco wasn’t letting you act, you had to do it behind his back. You avoided Sevika like the plague, knowing she’d figure out you were up to something from a mile away. You were supposed to stop causing trouble, but someone had to act. For them, the production of a new drug meant competition. For you, it was a matter of life and death.
Every day, you waited until 10 PM and then snuck out through the window. Checking the docks alone was a task that would take at least a few weeks, especially since you didn’t know what you were looking for. The meetings could be anywhere. Hiding on the rooftops of nearby buildings, you searched for suspicious activity. Most warehouses were empty, showing no signs of occupancy. On a single night, you could check about three locations. You knew how to tell if someone had been inside a room—careless footprints on the floor, a lingering scent in the air, the warmth of a lamp’s glass. When you didn’t find any suspicious people by midnight, you looked for other signs of secret meetings. Sometimes people would scatter ash on the floor to mimic dust, but not even that was there.
You eavesdropped on the conversations of night-shift workers, but they weren’t talking about anything noteworthy. Whatever was happening at the docks, any meeting Zarys had planned, had to be a one-time thing. The trail led nowhere, but you couldn’t stop. Silco didn’t contact you or assign you tasks. Harassing Sevika was pointless, but you remembered her words. You didn’t try to snap at him again. His words had hurt you deeply.
Even if they were true.
Each day, it became harder to get out of bed. All you wanted was to sleep, and food tasted like ash. The moment was approaching when you’d need another dose to avoid dying. You were a pathetic wreck. Still, no matter what happened, you had no intention of begging Silco for more. He hadn’t let you drink the whole vial last time, so he must have some left.
When you thought you couldn’t drag yourself out of bed anymore, Sara came to see you. Convinced you were sick, she brought food with concern. This time, the tray held a small package with no label. From afar, you recognized the scent. You tore open the paper and found a small glass vial filled with purple liquid. Saliva filled your mouth. You swallowed it faster than you could blink. The effects hit immediately. You spent half a day lamenting how dependent you were on Silco and whatever he gave you. You wanted to see this gesture as a form of care, but you knew he never gave anything without expecting something in return.
Two days after taking the drug, you finally found a lead. Far on the other side of the docks, where most warehouses had been abandoned due to a lack of workers, you spotted a group of people. They were loading barrels onto small boats, a few at a time, and heading to the opposite shore. The barrels must have been heavy, as the boats sank low in the water.
It took them half the night to load everything. When the last load left the warehouse, you waited a while longer to ensure no one was left on guard. Silence rang in your ears. Certain no one would surprise you, you snuck under the building, searching for a way to climb onto the roof. Just a few days earlier, you wouldn’t have noticed people loading cargo under the cover of darkness. Strangely, thanks to the shimmer, your night vision had improved. Maybe it was mutating further, granting you new abilities? At what cost, though?
You climbed the uneven wall to the roof, searching for an open window to slip through, but each one was closed, with locks clogged by greasy grime. You scraped away whatever was in the lock and began working with your lockpicks. It was one of the simpler mechanisms. The window suddenly popped open as if relieved someone had finally unlocked it. Fortunately, the hinges still had traces of grease and didn’t creak too loudly.
You dropped onto a small platform suspended above the warehouse floor and pressed yourself to it. Pulling your scarf down from your face, you immediately caught the familiar scent—shimmer. Its variant was here.
The scent was faint now, but fortunately, the dose still in your veins kept you in control. Those barrels had to be filled with the substance and were on their way to the upper city. You dreaded to think of the damage they could cause. As you suspected, the warehouse was empty. You saw clear marks on the floor where something had been dragged or moved, all leading to the threshold of the open back doors. Without wasting time, you started searching the rooms.
Well, one room—a small manager’s office. It was now filled with empty crates and oil bottles. Everything reeked of grease and fish. Despite the disgusting smell, you searched for anything you could present to Sevika as concrete proof. You looked into every nook and cranny. The flashlight worked tirelessly as you moved crates, hoping the one at the bottom was the one you needed.
But it was all in vain.
Defeated, you sat on the floor. You could feel the shimmer in the air, but your senses weren’t enough evidence. Only Silco knew you weren’t lying. However, without solid proof, he wouldn’t rally the people.
You fiddled with a knife, trying to make sense of it all. The drug had been stored in this warehouse and was being transported to the upper city. To find out what was being done with it, you’d have to cross the river. You’d never done that, and the guards inspected anyone suspicious.
Suddenly, a cold draft made you shiver, and you kicked the flashlight lying on the ground. It rolled under a cabinet. Bending down to retrieve it, you couldn’t believe your eyes. Beneath it were two vials filled to the brim with the purple liquid. You had your evidence. Using an old broom standing in the corner, you pulled them out. To be sure it was what you thought, you should open one and smell it. But you were afraid that doing so would awaken your cravings again, and you wouldn’t be able to resist drinking it.
You packed them at the bottom of your bag, wrapping them in a scarf to ensure the scent wouldn’t reach you.
 
***
 
Getting inside became easier with each passing night. You were stressed that if you fell, it wouldn’t be the injuries that concerned you but the loss of the samples. Your hands were sweaty, making climbing harder. You breathed heavily, feeling the adrenaline slowly leave your body. If you didn’t make it to the room before it wore off, you’d be stuck on the wall, unable to move.

When you grabbed the window frame, you let out a loud sigh of relief. All that remained was to pull your entire body onto the sill and ensure your bag made it inside too. You swung your legs over the frame and jumped to the ground as quietly as a cat. You immediately removed your backpack and shoved it under the bed.
"May I know where you disappear to every night?"
You jumped, hitting your head against the windowsill. Swearing loudly, you searched for the source of the voice. Silco sat in a chair against the wall, watching as you rubbed your head, checking for blood.
"If I hadn’t found you, I’d have thought you were some kind of creep."
"I see someone’s regained their sharp tongue," he said, standing. "I’ll ask one last time: where do you sneak off to every night?"
It’s shimmer, it has to be shimmer, you told yourself, trying to blame someone or something for the shiver running down your spine—one that felt more like excitement than fear.
"Were you following me?"
"Did you think I wouldn’t find out?"
"Actually, I was hoping you’d notice."
"I ought to throw you out for this."
"Then why hesitate? Why let me roam freely if it bothers you so much?"
"Where were you?"
So much for his previous question being the last. You stifled a smile that tugged at your lips. This wasn’t the time for jokes. Rolling your eyes, you decided that since he’d gone to such lengths to confront you, you might as well show him what you’d found.
Reaching under the bed, you awkwardly pulled out your backpack and handed him a bundle without a word. He accepted it with a slight hesitation. At the sight of the two vials inside, his expression darkened—a mix of anger and shock.
"Where did you get this?"
You sat on the bed, your legs trembling from exhaustion.
"I saw a group loading barrels and ferrying them across the river. I checked the location and found this. I’m just not sure if it’s the same variant. I didn’t want to take the risk."
Silco, surprised by your honesty, eyed you suspiciously at first, as though expecting a lie, but the vials were full. He set the scarf aside and gently unscrewed one of the vials. The room filled with a sickly sweet scent. You tried to suppress your grimace but failed. Your reaction was all the confirmation he needed. Quickly, he pocketed the vials, shook his head in disapproval, and began pacing.
"That was foolish. And reckless. What were you thinking?!"
You scowled, ready for yet another argument.
"I found evidence and the transport site for the drug. You’re welcome," you snapped, irritated by his reaction.
He stopped and ran a hand through his hair as though you were the source of his torment. The audacity.
"You acted without authorization! I didn’t tell Sevika to stop giving you assignments so you could wander off, risking your life!"
You watched him gesturing animatedly, clearly shaken by the situation. You found it hard to focus on his words because he looked unexpectedly handsome with his hair falling across his forehead. Quickly, you pulled yourself together, scolding yourself for such thoughts. It’s the shimmer. It has to be.
"And that’s why you show up in the middle of the night in my room? To catch me in the act? I thought reprimands were delivered under more professional circumstances."
You felt your questions hitting the mark. Whatever had compelled him to wait for you was something even he didn’t fully understand. He looked like he was about to bite someone’s head off. You shouldn’t push your luck, but you knew that no matter how far you went, he wouldn’t let you go. That decision had been made long ago.
"I don’t know what your problem is," you said, standing and squaring off with him so he couldn’t look down on you. "You have the proof in your hand. All it takes is waiting for the next transport to identify the people responsible."
It seemed he hadn’t thought his actions through. He stepped closer, hands reaching out as though to grab you, but he stopped at the last moment, muttering something under his breath and folding his arms instead. What on earth was going on here?
He backed away and resumed pacing. You thought you could keep the conversation normal, but your thoughts kept straying, unable to focus on the arguments. The scent of smoke surrounded you, something familiar, comforting. The darkness of the room added an air of intimacy to the conversation, which felt entirely inappropriate given the topic.
"I should’ve known you’d start operating on your own," he said, glancing at you, both annoyed and amused. "I should’ve known keeping you here wouldn’t do any good."
"What was your plan, anyway? To keep me here until I gave up?" you raised your voice, no longer caring that he was your boss. "You made it very clear I had to come back to you if I wanted to live."
He stopped, fixing you with a gaze full of conflicting emotions.
"You could’ve left. What you have with you would’ve lasted you months—if you rationed it properly."
Yes, you could’ve. But then what? Hunting down dealers on your own? Silco’s shimmer cost a fortune. Who knew what the creator of this new variant would demand. But that wasn’t the problem. Running away was easy. Staying and fighting was the hardest part.
"I don’t want to leave," you admitted softly.
That thought had been nagging at you for weeks. Aside from the fact that you’d unknowingly grown dependent on the potent drug, you felt like you’d found a place for yourself. Somewhere you could return without wondering if you’d have enough to eat the next day. Lost in the logic of your thoughts, you leaned against the edge of the table, gazing at the moonlight streaming in.
"Tonight… for a moment, I was afraid you’d taken the one thing keeping me here. It was mine, and I loved it for that. I don’t regret you finding out—it saved your life. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that you were taking everything away to leave me no choice but to keep coming back here. Tell me honestly: what’s really behind this purchase?"
You avoided his gaze, sliding further onto the table to lean your back against the wall. You didn’t want to see anything in his expression that might invalidate your feelings. You felt him sit beside you, close enough that the scent of smoke and… cologne? drifted over to you. It was the first time you noticed it. The sensation was new, thrilling. You closed your eyes, savoring it, knowing this might be your only chance. But he stayed just far enough away that there was no contact.
"I meant what I said. I didn’t want to take anything from you," he murmured.
You glanced sideways. You had a perfect view of his slightly hunched back. You’d never been this close. He was within reach, and yet so far away.
"Except…?"
"I was hoping that having something of your own would make you feel tied to the city. I hoped it would prevent the inevitable and keep you from leaving me."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Leave… you?”Up until that moment, you hadn’t realized just how much you wanted to hear those words. You were glad he couldn’t see your face. This was one of those moments when words held the power to change everything, but a single gesture or expression could shatter it all. It was the kind of moment where you’d give anything for them to mean what you hoped they meant.You let out a nervous laugh.“And where exactly would I go? I had only James, and even he betrayed me.”He pulled a small box of cigars from one of his pockets and lit one. Maybe it was inappropriate, but you loved watching his little habits—like the way he tilted his head back slightly with the first drag.“Now that you know where you can get more, there’s nothing keeping you here with me.”You scoffed, irritated. Nothing with Silco was ever simple. He’d start a conversation like he was about to say you meant something to him, only to circle back to your addiction as if that was all you cared about.“Listen, if you think I’m going to spiral into some drug binge, you’re dead wrong. Clearly, you don’t know me as well as I thought you did. That stings.”He hesitated, almost like he wanted to look at you, but then stopped himself.“I promised to help you, and so far, you’ve done more by ignoring my orders. I wouldn’t blame you if you started looking for what you really need elsewhere.”Another cloud of smoke drifted upward.“If you didn’t keep me locked up here like some endangered lab specimen, I wouldn’t have to sneak out! I can work just like before. Just because I need this”—you gestured vaguely, thinking of the drug—“now and then doesn’t mean I’ll betray you the second someone waves a vial in my face.”Silence settled between you. You were sick of his endless mind games, of the way he tried to extract every piece of information from you before saying anything meaningful himself. And even then, there was no guarantee of honesty. He looked distracted, lost in thought, and you weren’t even sure he was listening to you.“I wasn’t lying when I said that property was a gift. You can do whatever you want with it. Sell it if you think you should. I just wanted you to have something of your own.”You shuffled closer to the edge of the table, letting your legs dangle. For a moment, you considered studying his face, but instead, you kept your eyes fixed on the wall opposite. You didn’t dare break the fragile connection building between you.“Sometimes I wish you’d speak more clearly,” you muttered.“Lately... I’ve found myself in a strange position. I’m constantly worried about you.”You froze. It was so raw, so cutting. The sheer amount of pain in his voice left you at a loss for words. For the first time, the silence between you felt comforting. You didn’t want to break it, but eventually, you said:“I’m sorry. I know I promised not to sneak out or cause trouble, but I can’t just sit still. Doing nothing drives me mad!”Silco let out a quiet laugh. Gods, that sound was like music.“You are infuriating,” he said, taking another slow drag from his cigar. “My concerns shouldn’t weigh on you. Perhaps they’ve affected you too much. I just… I don’t want to risk you being around shimmer.”Your brow furrowed. He was saying this? The same man who pressed a vial to your nose every day, training you like a dog?“You know I can’t avoid it forever. Sooner or later, I’ll have to take another dose. I’ve felt the withdrawal. I’m useless during it.”The worst part wasn’t being addicted to the drug. It was being addicted to the person holding it—the person who, in this case, was Silco. A lesser evil.“I know,” he whispered. “But I’d rather be the one giving it to you, knowing you’re safe with me, than have you lost in some alley, completely out of it.”“Seriously? That’s what this is about? You want to control even that?” you snapped, anger bubbling up. “Do you want me crawling back to you? Is that it? Do you want to see me humiliated, begging for your mercy?”How the hell… God, how could he so perfectly push you away? He looked at you, startled. No, terrified.“What? No! Of course not.”You waited for him to elaborate, but he didn’t. Nothing with Silco was ever simple. Frustrated, you exhaled sharply through your nose, ready to throw him out of the room. Even though everything here technically belonged to him—sometimes afraid that you also—you needed a fragment of space to yourself.You were about to move, to step back from his intoxicating scent clouding your mind, but his voice stopped you.“I’ve seen how much addiction has taken from you. Not just your future, but your life. It holds you in its grip. I never wanted to see someone else offer you more. If you had your own space, you could escape, but I’d know where you were. That’s better than losing you entirely. When I think about someone taking advantage of you in those first few hours after a dose... It’s a sight I wouldn’t want to see even in my worst nightmares.”Your heart skipped a beat, faltering before finding its rhythm again. Your face felt like it was on fire. And he said it all so calmly. Your thoughts raced, but you didn’t know how to respond.“Silco...” you began, your voice rough, but it broke before you could continue.“I feel guilty about the mess you’ve landed in. I let my guard down, and someone used that to play their hand on my turf.”Maybe, in a way, he was right. But even if not at Last Drop, you could’ve found shimmer anywhere. Your life might have been calmer if he’d managed his employees better. But then, you’d never have met him.You nudged him with your shoulder.“Hey, chin up. At least now you know about the drug, and you have a brilliant thief who can track down leads. If the boss allows it.”“You’re…”“Infuriating, I know,” you finished for him.He snorted, this time genuinely amused. You finally dared to look at him. You prayed it was just the emotions and conversation affecting you, because in this light, he looked stunning. You had to blink quickly and lower your head to keep from doing something foolish.“You know, you still drive me crazy. I’m starting to think you enjoy it,” he said slightly amused. You were sure he could hear your uneven breaths, no matter how hard you tried to mask them.“Maybe just a little.”“Part of why I wanted to keep you here is because I know you love diving headfirst into trouble. It’s driving me insane not being there to stop you.”Damn, that's too much.“Promise me you’ll start treating me differently, and I’ll stop.”“No. This is better. I don’t want you to lose that fire, even if it gets under my skin.”With Silco, nothing was ever simple. He wasn’t a guy you met on the street. He wasn’t a man who flirted with you at a bar. He was Silco—complex, inaccessible. And maybe that’s why he fascinated you so much. You needed to change the subject before you completely lost your mind.“You have my loyalty; you know that,” you whispered. “And I don’t mean the kind you hold in your hand. Real loyalty. But promise me you’ll never lock me in this room again. Please.”You were terrified of it. Being a prisoner in a place that was starting to feel like home.“You have my word. But you must promise me something too.”“Hm?”He waited until you met his gaze.“You have to trust me. Know that whatever I do, it’s to keep you safe. So if I ever tell you to run, you won’t hesitate for even a second.”You nodded, mesmerized, hoping he would never ask you to run from him, because you’d have to break your promise. *** You tried your hardest not to dwell on the last conversation with Silco. In daylight, it felt like you had completely humiliated yourself in front of him. In a way, he had opened up to you. Damn, you could still hear his words and the way he spoke them. They lingered, brushing against your skin, sending shivers through you every time you thought about them.When you set up camp outside Sevika’s door again, you expected anything but the reaction you got. Perhaps you’d grown too confident, but where’s the fun without some risk? This time, she made you wait two days. Two whole days sitting outside her room. Sure, you could have asked every five minutes if she was back, but how could you trust anyone to give you an honest answer?“Are you fuckin’ kidding me?” she groaned, dropping her arms in exasperation.“You’re here!” you exhaled in relief. “Where have you been?”Her lips twisted into a disdainful sneer.“Since when do I have to report to you? What do you want?”This time, she didn’t let you inside. Leaning against the doorframe, she made it clear the conversation should be brief. You needed a distraction, but not to stop thinking about him. No, Silco had finally agreed to let you actively investigate traces of the shimmer blend. And that meant you needed a strong body as well as a sharp mind. You didn’t know who you’d be up against. Maybe you couldn’t resist the drug’s pull when it was near, but at least you could kick someone’s ass. Or at least, you wanted to. Hand-to-hand combat had never been your strength.“I want you to teach me how to fight. Please.”You were sincere, hoping your calmness would lend weight to your words. Sevika had to understand this wasn’t a whim; it was a necessity. Without a word, she opened the door and left it ajar for you to follow. Not hesitating, you practically dashed inside, quickly closing it behind you.“Well, isn’t this interesting,” she drawled, stretching out the vowels. “I got a similar request today.”“You’re Sevika, after all,” you began, trying to butter her up, but her cold glare silenced you. “Sorry.”“Imagine my surprise when Silco asked—understand? Asked me to take you under my wing and start training you. What do you have to say to that?”Your answer was just a deep blush spreading over your face.“Well…”“Please tell me you’ve learned not to mouth off to your superiors.”“You could say that,” you mumbled, embarrassed. “So, when do we start?”She seemed intrigued by your reaction and words. You could tell she’d dig into you until she got the full story. This time, an excuse like "orders from above" wasn’t going to cut it.“Not so fast. Before I agree, I need to see what you’re made of. Tomorrow, sharp at six, you’ll meet me downstairs. We’ll have some fun.”Her eyes sparkled with a gleam that suggested she was eager to beat you into the ground under the guise of training. You paled immediately.“O-okay. I’ll, um, see you then.”“Wait,” she chuckled. “Sit down. I’ve got something for you.”You obeyed, afraid that anything you did might be used against you later.“I know about your little nightly escapades around the city, but I’m not going to do anything about them. I’m guessing Silco already gave you a good talking-to... or something else. How many did you see?”What an interesting choice of words…“Eight. Four boats, twelve barrels.”“That tracks. The trail vanishes past the river. As you know, we can’t let news of the new variant become more than a rumor. As long as people are only whispering about it, we’re fine. But, as you can guess, I have to verify everything myself.”“Listen, I wanted to help, but Silco—”“I know, I know. He keeps you on a short leash. Can’t say I blame him. I checked out that warehouse, but I didn’t find anything else. We can’t move into the upper city yet. But you can. You’ll watch the docks, and when the time is right, you’ll track where the shipment is going.”You wanted to scream with joy. After so many days of inaction and working solo, you were finally back to doing what you excelled at.“When do I start?”Her lips thinned. Her gaze softened slightly.“When you take your next dose. I know it’ll be soon. You need to be in shape so they won’t spot you.”“I understand,” you muttered, ashamed.“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. You didn’t ask for this.”“I know. It’s just humiliating to be dependent on this crap.”Sevika suddenly removed her cloak, and you finally saw her mechanical arm up close. It was incredible. The precision with which it was built deserved applause. You stared at it for a few seconds. Sevika reached into a strap across her chest, pulling out a small cylindrical vial. The purple liquid swirled lightly, catching the light. You quickly recoiled.“Relax, it’s just shimmer,” she said, opening a compartment in her arm. She pulled out an empty vial, tossing it onto the desk. “You’re not the only one dependent. The difference is, I like it.”You couldn’t take your eyes off her arm. The metal gleamed under the lamplight. Inside, in small, vein-like transparent tubes, shimmer flowed like blood.“How does it work?” you asked, genuinely curious.“It powers it. Think of it like extra fuel.” She rotated her arm, showing it to you from every angle. “Shimmer has its uses. It depends on how you look at it. Your James was healed because of it. Well, he didn’t last long, but still. Others use it to lose themselves, and in larger amounts, it can turn you into a mindless monster. You didn’t see the first victims of it. Things are calmer now."She lowered her hand and sat down on a chair. She seemed tired. Only then did you notice that there was no bed in this room, which meant she didn’t live in the facility. So why was she here in the middle of the night?"What are you trying to tell me?""Instead of pitying yourself, start taking control of it. Even if it’s as addictive as hell, it’s still shimmer. I’m surprised you haven’t tested what you can do yet.""It doesn’t work like that. From what I know, this strain mutates after entering the body.""That’s what I’m talking about," she almost interrupted you. "You’ve got that stuff in you all the time. You don’t need to take more to get back into that state. Whatever it gave you is still inside. Learn to use it."You started examining your hands as if answers might suddenly appear on them. True, after taking it, you could hear and see better. But you thought it was just your senses recovering after the numbness caused by the voice. What if that wasn’t it? What if you really had started to change?"Even if it works, it only lasts for a few days," you sighed, but something clicked in your mind. "Wait, is that why Silco wanted me to train with you?""Maybe. You know yourself that he doesn’t tell everything.""Yeah, I’ve noticed," you muttered in response, but your thoughts were elsewhere.That night, you didn’t get a wink of sleep. You’d regret it when 6 a.m. rolled around, and Sevika dragged you into training without breakfast, but what she said wouldn’t let you rest. The day you found the smugglers, you were high. You’d been too focused on the thrill of finding proof at the time, but now you realized it had been different. You’d reached the docks faster than usual. You spotted them despite the lack of streetlights. They were being quiet, and you wouldn’t have noticed them without improved night vision. Even breaking in had been quicker. You felt strength in your hands that you never expected.The question was—what else could you do?You must have dozed off briefly in the early morning because Sevika burst into the room, announcing that if you weren’t downstairs in five minutes, you could say goodbye to training. You scrambled down, pulling on your shirt and grateful no one caught the spectacle.She led you to one of the rooms downstairs. Usually, these were occupied by brutes who considered regular beatdowns a form of relaxation. You didn’t expect anyone so early, but when you entered, a group of men was leaning against the wall, laughing at a young guy doing push-ups under their watchful eyes.At the sight of Sevika, they straightened up, ready for orders. One of them nudged the guy with his boot. The poor kid nearly wet himself when he saw you—or rather her. Everyone feared Sevika. With one gesture, she ordered them out, and they obediently almost ran outside. Sevika smiled faintly, as if she enjoyed tormenting Silco’s other workers. Well, you’d experienced that firsthand.So yeah, you were terrified of whatever she had planned for you.And rightly so. You spent hours in that room. She had you running and jumping over obstacles, testing your reflexes in darkness and blindfolded. There wasn’t a spot on your body that didn’t ache from her blows. You felt like her punching bag. You’d suspected she’d take out the last few weeks on you, but this was torture. After just half an hour, she declared you unfit for hand-to-hand combat. You tried to explain that, but exhaustion silenced you. You gritted your teeth, ready for more. When you dragged yourself off the floor again, raising your fists to fight, blood trickled from your nose. You stared at it, surprised.That’s when she let you off strength training. She handed you a bottle of water and a towel, allowing a short break."I don’t know what you were thinking, but you’re not cut out for repelling attacks," she said, lightly tapping your boot in a teasing, not malicious, way. "You’re too weak for that. To take someone down, you’d need to spend weeks in the gym. But I know that’s not your domain.""No kidding," you croaked, draining the last of the water."Funny how even after I beat you down, you can’t stop talking back," she laughed, crouching in front of you.You felt like sticking your tongue out at her like a child. Instead, you wiped your face one last time and stood up shakily."What now?""You’re hitting the showers because you stink. That’s it for today.""But I haven’t shown you what I can do!""I’ve known what you can do from the start. Now I know your weaknesses. Tomorrow, another session," she said on her way out. "If I have to drag you out of bed again, I’ll make today’s workout feel like a warm-up."She left you with a head full of questions and muscles on the brink of collapse. The door hadn’t even fully closed when a swarm of rowdy idiots flooded in. You had to escape before they made you the butt of their jokes. On your way back to your room, you didn’t know what to do with yourself. Sure, you had new assignments, but without the adrenaline-fueled freelancing, you were starting to get bored. That kind of behavior was asking for trouble.After an hour-long shower, you went downstairs, cursing Sevika for not scheduling a breakfast break. You decided you’d have to keep food in your room to avoid training on an empty stomach. When Sra handed you a loaded plate, you felt like kissing her. You hadn’t had an appetite like this in months. As you stared at the empty plate, you searched your thoughts for something to do.An idea came to you on its own. *** The building looked the same as always. You were glad it hadn’t changed. There had been too many changes in your life already. You pushed the door open, letting the familiar scent of grilled meat fill your nostrils. Leon was nowhere to be seen, but the place was open, so he was probably in the back.Sore and bruised, you took your usual seat at the bar, running your fingers over the chipped wood in front of you. Funny, this texture no longer reminded you of home. It was a place from memories you had left willingly. Still, it felt good to return, even for a moment."Busy as ever?"Leon jumped like he’d been burned, dropping an armful of pots. He let them fall when he saw you."Fuck, you scared the life out of me," he grumbled in disapproval, trying to hide a smile of relief. "Good to see you, kiddo.""Looks like nothing’s changed.""No, but you look like hell," he said, sliding a glass toward you and leaning against the counter sideways. "What’ve you been up to while you were gone?"How much could you say? He knew you were working for Silco, but all the assignments so far revolved around a subject you weren’t allowed to talk about. He wouldn’t judge you if you admitted to an addiction, but you were strictly forbidden from informing anyone about the substance. Besides, you were ashamed of how easily you’d been drawn in, and so quickly, too.Adding a few embellishments and some outright lies, you spun him a story about tracking potential enemies of Silco. You mentioned training with Sevika when his gaze lingered, questioning, on the darkening bruises on your arms. Even if he didn’t believe the tall tale, he tactfully refrained from pointing out your lies. He was kind to you, and lying to him hurt, but what else could you do?"You know, I actually came by for the rest of my stuff."He nodded and wordlessly brought a box from the back room."So, this is it? You’re officially leaving?""Will you miss me?" you asked jokingly, but Leon wasn’t in the mood for jokes. "Hey, what’s this? Are you going to cry?""Something got in my eye, that’s all."You politely pretended not to notice. You finally had the chance to come for your belongings. You couldn’t keep being torn between your old and new life. Something had to end for a new chapter to begin, even if you weren’t sure yet whether it would end in your death. There was no turning back now. You might as well spend what time you had left finding answers.Clinging to sentimentality made no sense. You came back for one small thing: a photo of your family when you were still together. You might be part of a gang and tangled up with drugs, but that one thing you couldn’t give up. You tucked the photo into your pocket and instructed Leon to burn the rest. It was better if no one associated you with him.You left Leon’s place after a few hours. You’d spent the time catching up, forgetting for a little while the worries waiting for you beyond the door. He shared a few bits of gossip from the upper city, and you showed him the beating Sevika had given you. He was impressed you wanted to go back to her, but, like you, he thought it was a good idea to learn how to defend yourself.You said goodbye, feeling a weight lift from your shoulders. You’d been afraid that after the rush to pack your things, he might have thought you were dead. Every now and then, you touched your pocket to make sure the photo was still there. You were halfway home when the dizziness hit. You’d expected it but didn’t think it would strike in the middle of the road. Another day or two, and you’d have to meet Silco. The thought made your knees wobble. The last time he appeared in your dreams, it had ended a bit differently. You pinched your cheeks hard, willing yourself to focus."No way! It’s you!""People really need to stop greeting me like that," you groaned instinctively before freezing, staring at Camille.You wouldn’t have recognized her if she hadn’t spoken. She was wearing a simple shirt and leather pants, with an apron dusted in flour thrown over the top. She stood in the doorway leading to the back of the bakery, holding a bucket of scraps, which she dropped when she saw you."Camille. Long time no see. I’ll just… be going now," you said, wanting to vanish before she got any bright ideas."You’ve got some nerve walking the streets after killing James," she snarled, indignant.You hissed, looking around quickly, then darted toward her, shoving her inside the building. She yelped in surprise, but you covered her mouth with your hand. Your knife was in your other hand before you even realized it, pressing against her stomach. Her eyes widened in terror."Don’t scream, okay?"She nodded. You removed your hand and the blade, though you didn’t put it away. Her fear turned to anger as she clenched her fists, but it seemed to dawn on her she didn’t stand a chance. With a huff, she shut the door, cutting you both off from the outside world."Aren’t you ashamed? You killed your friend and disappeared.""Ashamed? He should be rolling in his grave! The idiot betrayed me.""So you killed him for it?" she asked coldly."Tell yourself that if it helps you sleep. And stop spreading rumors that I’m responsible. I know where you work now and can come back anytime."She paled and lost some of her bluster. You stood up to leave through the front door. Of all days, you had to run into her today. Maybe you should’ve listened to Silco and dyed your hair or something."Finn’s people are looking for you. They’re offering a lot of cash for your head."You turned back to see her holding a kitchen knife. She was upset, angry, and on the verge of something reckless. You raised your hands slightly, keeping them visible. Her hands trembled as she gripped the handle. You were going to get yourself killed someday, but you couldn’t help provoking her."Go ahead. I dare you. You know I’m faster."She hesitated, then slowly lowered the blade. She sank to the floor, starting to sob. The situation had become awkward. You wanted to slip out discreetly to avoid dealing with it, but then she started talking."I loved him, you know? Really loved him.""That’s nice..." you said awkwardly, rocking back on your heels, unsure what to do. "I’ll be going now.""Of course, run off. Hide. Like the coward you are!" she shouted after you.You should’ve walked away, just kept going and ignored the accusations, but your legs wouldn’t listen. You glanced back over your shoulder."Instead of wallowing in self-pity, why don’t you find out who really killed him? Because it wasn’t me."You slammed the door behind you, making the glass shake. You didn’t care that she cried for James. He’d brought it on himself by dealing with Finn’s people. No, the problem was that Camille was convinced you were being hunted. Finn supposedly believed you were dead, but that information had come from Silco or Sevika—most likely. You weren’t surprised he didn’t believe it. That meant they were still interested in you.You pulled your hood over your head and covered your face with a scarf. You had to tell Sevika. This complicated the task you were about to receive. You’d learned by now that hiding the truth from her led nowhere good.This time, you didn’t bother lurking by her door, knowing you were set to meet the next day. You only hoped the growing hunger wouldn’t disrupt that training. Whatever she had planned for you, you needed to be ready.She wasn’t pleased with what you told her, but she had to deal with it. This time, she tested your knife-fighting, throwing skills, and target shooting. The latter could use improvement, but she found no faults in your knife work—despite looking hard. You grinned proudly, knowing your years of grueling practice had paid off. Unfortunately, you had to take breaks more often this time.Neither of you said it, but you both knew the day was approaching. It wasn’t a pleasant thought, but you knew once you took the dose, they’d send you on a mission. Your hands itched at the thought.While you rested on the ground, Sevika practiced her shooting. You watched her aim and fire shot after shot, her normal arm hanging still by her side. It didn’t move a millimeter. You envied her for that. Every shot sent your shoulder jerking out of alignment, leaving it aching like it was about to pop out of its socket.You glanced at the board with a circle drawn on it and felt a small twinge of satisfaction upon noticing that one of the bullets had pierced the circle, earning a mere six points."But you don’t have a perfect score. One of them only got a six," you yawned, still sleepy, but stopped halfway when she turned to face you. She was wearing some odd-looking glasses. "What’s that? A new fashion statement?""Do you even realize what you just said?"You raised your hands in mock surrender."Sorry, I didn’t know you were sensitive about your sense of style.""They’re night vision goggles, idiot. Fifteen minutes ago, I turned off the lights in front of the targets to test them. Are you telling me you can see in the dark like it’s broad daylight? Damn, your pupils look like a cat’s.""What? No, absolutely not!" You dashed to the light switch, but nothing happened when you flicked it. Your heart jumped into your throat. "What the hell?""Silco was right. Shimmer is mutating something in you."You kept flipping the switch, hoping Sevika was messing with you. Yes, you’d noticed that colors occasionally seemed to lose their saturation for a moment, but you chalked it up to fatigue. Rubbing your eyes with sweaty palms didn’t help. You could still see the far end of the room perfectly—something that was supposedly shrouded in darkness."Oh, fuck..."

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"Exactly my words." She removed her goggles with a slight grimace. "Come on, get moving. We're going."  You stretched your arms above your head, shaking off the sluggishness in your muscles. Fatigue weighed heavily on you. Sleep had been elusive, your thoughts consumed by the changes happening in your body. Every day, Sevika pulled you into intense, individualized training sessions. But if she had anything else planned, you had no choice but to follow. That was the deal.  "Alright, alright, just don’t make me jump over crates again."  She gave you a look—half amused, half as if you’d sprouted rabbit ears.  "What are you rambling about? We’re going to Silco."  You immediately flushed, retreating further into the shadows of the room. Thank goodness it was dim in there.  "And what the hell for?"  "You just found out you can see in the dark, and you want to keep it to yourself?"  "Oh sure, I should just burst into his office and announce to the world that my eyes mutated or something?" You reached for the door handle, ready to flee, but she slammed it shut with her mechanical arm. You were trapped.  "Not too long ago, you would’ve run to him over the smallest issue, blaming him for all your problems. And now, when you actually have something important, you’re ignoring not just his orders but mine as well."  You forced a calm expression onto your face.  "Well, as it happens, most of my current problems are directly tied to him. And I don’t recall being ordered to report every little thing my body decides to do."  Sevika growled low in her throat but didn’t let you go. Instead, she leaned her weight against the door, fully blocking your escape.  "Listen, this is important. New abilities could be useful. Did you forget you have a mission coming up?"  "Believe me, I’m thinking about it nonstop," you sighed. "Running to Silco with every little thing doesn’t make sense. I need to figure this out myself."  "This is not a little thing."  You placed your hands on the back of your neck, staring at the ceiling. She was right. It wasn’t a little thing. You’d nearly had a heart attack when you realized you could suddenly read numbers on a pitch-black scoreboard. But you suspected Silco would demand details—since when, how you felt, what you could do. Going to him empty-handed would only invite ridicule. Even if there was more trust between you now, you couldn’t hand him everything. This was your body and your problem to solve.  "Fine, I’ll tell him. But..." you added quickly, "only after I learn more and test myself under different conditions. I’ll have to see him soon enough anyway."  Your voice trailed off. This was humiliating.  "You’ve got a day. Otherwise, I’ll tell him myself."  She was irritated—you could see it. But even if she thought you were being irrational, you couldn’t run to him with every problem, expecting him to fix it. That’s not how things worked.  The room around you was narrow but long. The shooting range was set up so that five people could practice simultaneously. Lamps hung every few meters above the lanes. If not now, then when? You were utterly exhausted, but you needed clarity before tomorrow.  You remembered Leon telling you once that cats didn’t see in total darkness. They were just sensitive to light. Sevika had compared your eyes to a cat’s, so you followed that logic. Cats could navigate well at night, but in sealed, pitch-black rooms, they were as helpless as humans. The trick lay in their pupils, which could make the most of even faint light. A sliver of moonlight was enough to guide them.  There were no windows in the shooting range, probably to prevent anyone from accidentally firing through glass. The only light came from the lamps and a small pane in the metal door. You began turning the lamps off, row by row, starting with the ones closest to the targets.  The stress mounted with each trial. You hoped you were wrong, but no matter how many lamps you turned off, you could still read the numbers painted in white on the black boards. Only when you reached the last two rows did you start having difficulty. The paint appeared gray, barely discernible. When all the lights were out, you could still make out the tables with ammunition but no longer see the targets, now swallowed by darkness. Your current range seemed to be about twenty meters—far beyond normal human limits.  You left the room, trying to decide your next move. Your hands clenched into fists, but the strength you’d felt before wasn’t there. They even began to tremble slightly. You chalked it up to exhaustion and poor nutrition. By your calculations, you had about two days before withdrawal caught up with you and demanded its price. Unfortunately, Sevika had only given you a day. You didn’t want to rely on shimmer more than necessary, but that meant you’d be facing two meetings with Silco instead of one.  You weren’t sure you were ready for that, especially after the emotional gut punch you’d endured earlier.  You shoved your hands into your pockets to hide their shaking. Sara had set aside food for you again, and you needed to find a way to repay her. She didn’t have to help you this much. She clucked her tongue in concern at the shadows under your eyes but didn’t comment.  Before you felt ready to answer Silco’s summons, you had to test your abilities in a more natural setting.  Living under a quasi-house arrest was very different from voluntarily locking yourself in a room to avoid people. You’d noticed that since you started training with Sevika, people were looking at you differently. You’d gone from being a shadow slipping unnoticed through crowds to someone they couldn’t ignore. Sevika’s attention had made them reevaluate you. It wouldn’t be long before someone tried to intimidate you. Now, not only would she want to see what you were made of, but others would as well.  It was time to disappear from sight for a while.  Hiding in your room, you prepared to climb out the window if anyone decided to get stupid. You tried to mend the torn hood of your jacket, but your fingers couldn’t hold the needle. Frustrated, you threw everything onto the table.  You pulled your knees to your chest, burying your face in your arms. You felt pathetic, miserable.  It had been over a month since you started living with the knowledge that your body could give out at any moment. You were surviving on borrowed time, extending it by mere weeks with every dose.  Your fingers toyed with the shimmer vial you’d been given recently. Its walls gleamed dangerously with violet hues. You remembered the taste. Suddenly, you threw it across the room, watching as it shattered against the floor.  No one would clean it up for you, but at least it brought a fleeting sense of satisfaction.  As usual, Sevika was right.  You slept through most of the day. When you woke, disoriented and unsure of where you were, the room was already steeped in darkness.You were sweating, with a piece of cookie stuck to your cheek that you had stolen from the kitchen when no one was looking. Your head felt heavy, like when you're sick. But you had waited for the right time of day. You packed the essentials into your backpack and went out through the window. You had a feeling that even if you were caught sneaking out, Sevika would just wave it off. You were starting to feel like she was getting tired of making sure you were working like clockwork. Honestly, it was fine, what difference did it make how you followed orders? The result was what mattered, right?You were still avoiding your tower. You weren’t sure what to do with it. There were still traces of blood on the floor and walls inside. An event you preferred to forget. You wanted to test how your senses would behave when surrounded by many stimuli. You chose one of the houses near the bridge leading to the upper city. You wanted to see how far your vision could reach without losing track of the guards in the darkness and fog. You found a comfortable spot on the roof, hidden in the shadow. The Enforcers wouldn’t be happy knowing you were closely observing their every move.It wasn’t just about sight. It could have been hearing or smell. The shooting range always smelled like gunpowder. If you were going to act in the field, you had to test your new abilities there. You picked one of the guards and followed him with your eyes. By the eighth lamp, he should start fading into the darkness. The lights didn’t reach everywhere, yet you were still able to notice him briefly pulling off his mask to shove some food into his mouth. You clicked your tongue in disapproval. It wasn’t right to eat on duty. But it was clear to you that, much like cat eyes, your own reacted to the amount of light. You glanced at your reflection in the polished blade and grimaced in slight disgust. Your pupils were dilated to the extreme, an eerie sight.However, after focusing your sight for so long, your head started to hurt more and more. You decided it was time to head back and rest before your next training with Sevika. You probably couldn’t count on a single day off. You froze when a dull groan reached your ears. It sounded strange, wild. You glanced at the guards, but they didn’t seem disturbed. After a moment, you heard it again. Blood began to freeze in your veins. It wasn’t that Zaun was a quiet place. Even early in the morning, it didn’t quiet down – it was just that the loud music gave way to the murmur of merchants and shopkeepers.But this was different. It sounded like an animal caught in a trap, only more sinister. It was a call, not betraying fear.You had to know where it was coming from, mainly out of curiosity. Unfortunately, the streets near the bridge were empty, too close to the patrols. You scanned the area for the source of the sound. Suddenly, the sound of metal striking stone reached your ears. Whoever was making those groans was starting to stir things up. Guided by the sound, you had to pass four more buildings to finally see something.And then you began to regret coming.You weren’t sure if it was a man or a woman. Their emaciated limbs looked the same on anyone. The rags thrown over their back were meant to hide their face from prying eyes. The stranger was bouncing off the walls, groaning and knocking over trash bins. You frowned when you realized you were looking at someone addicted to shimmer for a long time. You couldn’t take your eyes off them. You knew that if it weren’t for Silco, it could have been you.The person suddenly grabbed the wall, collapsed to their knees, and then to their face. Everything went silent, even their rasping breath. Saliva filled your mouth. You couldn’t stop yourself and vomited beside you. Cruel, inhuman, and drastic. The life of those foolish enough to reach for shimmer. You wanted to blame Silco for this, it would be easy. Someone might say that your feelings were clouding your judgment, but you could just as well blame the alcohol manufacturer for killing your father.You sat on the roof, leaning your back against the low parapet. The building wasn’t tall, but tall enough to feel the cool, slightly salty wind. The wind carried with it the stench of the river's murky waters. But even that was better than the heavy air you had left behind in the room.Four blocks away. That was the range of your hearing. Despite the distant screams, you knew where that dying person was. I wonder if you could eavesdrop on a conversation in the same way. It terrified you that your fascination was taking over. You couldn’t deny that the new abilities were intoxicating. You tried not to forget where they came from.Well, either way, Silco would find out. It would be better if he heard it from your mouth. *** When you got up in the middle of the night to quench your thirst, you were horrified to realize that the pain behind your eyes hadn’t disappeared in your sleep. You looked at your reflection in the mirror. Your eyes looked normal, maybe except for the small veins along the sides. You gripped the sink to keep your hands from trembling like crazy.“It’s too early,” you murmured in a tired voice. “Why now…”You had miscalculated. Either you had lost about a day and a half, or your body was demanding more and more frequently. Your mathematical-biological abilities couldn’t deny the fact that even without Sevika’s orders, you had to report to him.Humiliating.Sleep was out of the question. When you returned to your room, of course through the window, you collapsed onto the bed still in your clothes. You slept maybe four hours before the addiction began sending clear signals. You waited patiently for the sun to rise. This time, you didn’t give Sevika the satisfaction and were downstairs even before she woke up.You were throwing knives at an empty crate, complaining about the pain in your arms. She didn’t make you wait long. Not pleased that she wouldn’t be able to beat you up for being late, she stormed into the training room.“I should be impressed that you’re on time, but in your case, it means you want something.”“Nice to see you too,” you replied, getting up with difficulty to gather the knives. “It hurts that you think so poorly of me. I thought there was something more between us.”You theatrically grabbed your chest, contorting your lips into a crooked, despair-like smile. However, she wasn’t amused when she saw how you looked. She muttered a curse and crossed her arms over her chest.“When’s the last time?”“You know, that question is rarely asked with care,” you said, waving the knife. “Not that anyone ever heard care in your voice, but you get it. Interesting, right?”“You know, I’ll write in my report that after a month, an addict starts losing their mind,” she said, stepping closer, her expression softening a bit. “I’m asking honestly: when was the last time?”“It’s too early,” you muttered. “I know I have to tell Silco about… you know, but can we do it after the training?”She raised her eyebrows and snorted in disbelief.“I’m not going to kick someone when they’re down. Not even you.”“I’d be touched if I didn’t know what you’re after.”“If you know, then why the hell are you sitting here?”What were you supposed to say to her? That every day, you were feeling more and more how absurd the whole situation was? That you were terrified of the moment when Silco would find out about the mutation?You looked at her for a moment with a dull gaze, searching for an answer, but eventually lowered your shoulders and simply passed by her. She grabbed your arm and leaned in slightly.“Don’t overdo it, okay? You’re annoying, but I don’t want to see you die just because you're refusing help.”“Using is not help,” you hissed, trying to pull away, but unfortunately, she held you with her stronger hand.“No, it’s not. But Silco is doing what he can to find the person responsible. Don’t make it harder for him.”She let you go, leaving not only a red mark on your shoulder but also another knot in your head. Everyone in the lower city knew she was as loyal to him as a dog. But there was something more driving her than money and shimmer. She was one of the few people who trusted him and believed in his actions, no matter how morally gray they were.She couldn’t know about your conversation with him. You didn’t think they confided in each other about such details. Yes, Silco cared about you, but only because he felt guilty. That should have been enough for you, but bitterness crept up to your throat. I wouldn’t blame you if you started looking for what you really need elsewhere – you heard those words in your head. They echoed in the emptiness left by hunger. If only he knew...The sun was horribly bright that day, and for the first time, you longed for rain. Though then you’d probably complain about wet shoes. You took a slightly longer route to Last Drop, but you had to think. You agreed with Sevika that you couldn’t hide the mutation for much longer, and Silco had to know. What you feared was what might happen when you said those heavy words. There was work waiting for you. A new, exciting job was within reach. The only thing in your way was that meeting. You didn’t want, and couldn’t let anything stand in your way. Earning money was one thing, but revenge on the people who indirectly put you in this mess – that was something completely different.Sometimes you wondered where he actually lived. He sat in his office from morning till night. He disappeared whenever he wanted, but that was a constant place where you could find him. Or maybe the couch was there because he actually lived above the bar? It seemed ridiculous, but seriously, no one had a clue where to look for Silco if not at Last Drop.A place without people was actually an interesting one, though unfortunately, it reminded you too much of the effort Silco had put you through, at your own request, no less. You probably should have gone upstairs and knocked on the door. The stairs stretched up unbelievably high. The thought of climbing made you lose your breath. Damn, you felt like a soft pile of refuse. And you probably looked like one too. How the hell were you able to run across rooftops yesterday, and today just walking made you sweat like crazy?Halfway up the stairs, you had to grab the railing to avoid falling. You wrapped your arm around yourself as if pressing your ribs might help with breathing. You had to pause for a moment. You rested your forehead against the door, enjoying the slight coolness. Before you regained your breath, you almost counted to a hundred. You hadn’t thought about whether he had company or whether he was even on the other side. At worst, you’d peacefully faint by the door, waiting for him to return. Still leaning your forehead against it, you raised your hand and knocked quietly.Fortunately, your heightened hearing caught the permission, as the thudding in your head didn’t stop and drowned everything else out. You entered, dragging your legs. Funny, you didn’t feel the same embarrassment as you had a few days ago. You had your reasons to delay showing up as long as you could, but embarrassment wasn’t one of them. Silco was sitting with his back to the window. He held only his trademark sign in his hand. You closed the door behind you and leaned against the wall beside it. Just a few more steps. It was bad, worse than before. Whatever that meant, it wasn’t good.“Sevika mentioned you’d be here today. I’d appreciate it, though, if you informed me about the time beforehand.”You rolled your eyes. You weren’t sure what to expect, especially after the last conversation with him. You didn’t expect any big emotions or caring words, but that coldness was striking.“I’ve been dying since midnight, be glad I didn’t start looking for you in the morning.”He spun around abruptly and aimed his elegant pen at you. He looked as if you had interrupted the most important meeting of his life. For heaven's sake, he was smoking a cigar in the armchair! Was that more important than the fact that you were dying? Dragging your legs, you walked closer and collapsed tiredly into a chair.“You barge in here like it’s your place and expect me to drop everything when you start burning holes in my back with your stare. I remind you, this is still my office.”“I’m well aware of that,” you replied, somewhat offended.“Can we change the tone?”It seemed like he was starting to lose patience with you.“Will you give it to me already or not?”“That’s what I was talking about. You’re always demanding something.”Shimmer dulled the mind and senses but left room for the most primitive things. Now you felt anger beginning to rise to the surface. Oh, you really wanted to argue with him at that moment.“What else do you want from me?” you asked, impatient.“You were supposed to trust me. I gave you a free hand in how you take the drug.”“Oh, thank you very much, sorry I can’t bow down.”You should probably feel ashamed for snapping like that. If you were indifferent to him, he wouldn’t be helping you with your addiction, he would have thrown you out the door at the first sign of disobedience. Still, snarky comments were one of the few things that eased the irritation a bit. Fortunately, he didn’t let your childish remarks throw him off balance. He leaned over some documents and started quickly scribbling something.“If you can’t control yourself, you can leave.”Calm down, you kept telling yourself, but instead, a mocking snicker escaped from your lips.“Are you threatening me? Either I listen meekly or you cut me off from shimmer? I regret giving you the stash.”He slammed his hands onto the desk, nearly destroying the pen. A few drops of ink splashed onto the collar of his shirt. He cursed quietly but quickly corrected himself as if he didn’t want to show that you could throw him off rhythm.“I’m showing you that you have free will in what you do with your body. I’m bending over backward to make this easier for you. I trusted your judgment in the hope that you’d think logically, but you’re doing everything to drive me crazy.”“Do you think I come here for fun? It’s humiliating to come back to you every few days and beg for another dose, and…”“I promised I’d help you, so don’t treat me like your enemy,” he cut in sharply.You were taken aback. Despite the pointless interruption, he remained very calm. He spoke with reason, you knew that, but everything bad in you was pouring out. It was as if shimmer, leaving your body slowly, was also destroying it with vile moods.“I don’t treat you like…”“There’s nothing wrong with asking for help. I never wanted to humiliate you. I’d rather have spared us that trouble, but this isn’t just about you and me.”“Somehow, I don’t remember anyone else begging you for a dose.”"You’re crossing boundaries. Too much. You have no idea what happens when you refuse to take another dose when you need it. Yet you test your limits like it’s diving. You won’t become more resilient by delaying another day."You growled angrily. What could he know about it? He wasn’t addicted to this crap. He couldn’t know how destructive it was—physically and mentally. You were afraid of yourself because you felt you were capable of the worst things just to get shimmer into your hands. Powerlessly, you dropped your hands and slightly lowered your head, saying:"You don’t know what it’s like when you lose control and can’t do anything about it because your life depends on it.""You’re right, I don’t know. But what I do know is that you’re forgetting about your task. The transport won’t wait for you to come to your senses."He pushed the vial closer, leaving it on the desk, giving you a choice. To do it on your own terms, when you want—or rather, when you need it. You were being stripped of your control over your own body, yet he was looking for a solution that would give you the most comfort. He could have thrown you scraps, administered the drug without his involvement, and waited for the results. No, he let you seek shelter with him when you were at your weakest. You should be grateful, but the anger wouldn’t go away."When will it finally get through to you that this is the only way? I’m trying to help you, but you’re fighting it with your hands and feet. I won’t force you to take it, I won’t pour it down your throat by force. But without it, I won’t give you the task. I need you healthy. I need you to do your job.""It’s blackmail.""It’s reality. Take the dose and get back to work. You think I don’t know how many of my employees are addicted? You think that bothers me? As you’ve kindly noticed, I flooded the lower city with shimmer. I don’t care what my people do as long as they do their job well. Start taking it regularly and don’t let anything interrupt your observations. Or quit altogether."You leaned back, surprised by his words. He was playing hard. He was playing dirty. He was playing to get through to your mind, but you were really resisting it with everything you had. Pathetic."Will you fire me if I choose to quit?""No. I’ll fire you if you jeopardize the job."He was right. He was fucking right. You had forgotten about the task that was waiting right after you left Last Drop. Now you felt the emotions fading away, and the all-too-familiar exhaustion was returning. But the apology didn’t want to pass through your clenched throat. You weren’t fair to him. After all, he was the gang leader, a ruthless criminal who held Zaun in his grasp. And this criminal let a mere thief, at lowest point, use him as an emotional doormat."I hate being dependent on anyone. You keep everything locked up like you don’t trust me. I don’t blame you, I don’t trust myself either. In this state, it’s hard to control my emotions. I see that you have something I need, and I’m afraid that one day I won’t hesitate to do anything to get my hands on that chest. Promise me you’ll stop me if I start losing myself.""That’s another promise. You first have to keep yours."With one sure movement, you grabbed the vial in front of you and drank everything in one go. You slammed it down loudly. He froze halfway through his words."Promise me."Shimmer started kicking in. Everything became sharper. He looked at you with a slight mixture of pride and amusement. He covered the container with his hand and slowly moved it away from you. Now, as your ability to analyze returned, you realized how easily he had played you. You should be thanking him for getting through to your foggy mind. But for now, you felt the shame creeping in."I promise," he replied with a slight smirk. "You can wait here until the first phase passes." *** In the end, you didn’t tell him about the mutation. Sevika would probably kill you for it, but if you blamed it on the hunger, maybe she would forgive you. You kept telling yourself there would be other opportunities, and Silco already knew shimmer had messed with your genetic code, so why rush and pass on incomplete information?You’d been watching the warehouse for another hour. They were late with the delivery or weren’t working as regularly as you thought. Once the frenzy had settled, Silco gave you all the necessary information. You were supposed to check where the barrels were being delivered, nothing more. The problem was, it was never just "nothing more." Getting across to the other side was a challenge in itself. The upper and lower cities were connected by a massive bridge. If you didn’t want to swim in the dirty water, your choices were to sneak over the top under the watchful eyes of the guards or with the smugglers. Neither option was appealing. From where you stood, near the warehouse, you could barely see the bridge in the distance, even with your new eyesight.You probably didn’t have any choice but to hitch a ride as a stowaway.Bored, you started listening for voices in the area. Testing your new senses was better than staring at the building, hoping they’d show up. Houses were stacked one on top of the other, creating a disturbing heap of wood and brick. You were sure that on one of the floors, a woman was throwing a betrayal at her husband, but you weren’t certain yet. You’d forgotten to ask Sevika where she got the information that the next transport was supposed to come soon. She better not be wrong, or you’d be spending the night on the roof. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but the smells from the water weren’t inviting.You were fiddling with a leather ball, waiting for the right moment to use your new energy, when you heard the sound of many feet on the sand. You peered discreetly down and saw a group of eight men—probably—heading towards the warehouse. Strange, wasn’t there supposed to be a delivery today? They weren’t carrying large barrels in their pockets. They all wore the same outfits—dull, unremarkable, tattered hats with wide brims, and tall boots. They looked like miners, but what were they doing so far from the mines?Too suspicious to ignore. You dropped down to the ground and peeked around the corner. They were noisy and probably drunk—or pretending to be, so they didn’t stand out from the crowd. An inexperienced eye might mistake them for regular workers, but you immediately noticed the slight glimmer. The moonlight reflected off the barrel of a gun one of them had tucked behind his belt."Ah, miners, sure," you whispered, somewhat impressed.You crept along the wall and hid behind a bench. It was too dark for them to see you. They also didn’t expect anyone to be watching them. Just because you couldn’t see anything didn’t mean there wasn’t something there. That was the first lesson you learned from the streets. They entered the warehouse like they owned the place and slammed the double doors shut behind them. The echo spread throughout the area. Clever, no one would suspect a few men of any wrongdoing. They could just be working the night shift. The only problem was, this warehouse didn’t belong to any company. Sevika had already checked. Whoever owned it was keeping a low profile, or they were from the upper city.You had to find out where they were getting the shimmer from. Using the shadows cast by the houses, you crept closer and began climbing the wall before anyone noticed. The window you entered wasn’t locked, meaning no one had noticed your break-in. You had to hurry if you wanted to see where they were getting the goods from.The warehouse smelled of grease and metal, but you could still sense the remnants of the last shipment. The faint smell didn’t have much of an effect, but it was irritating. You didn’t feel the usual sting behind your eyes, but the awareness of it settled in your mind, occupying space where other thoughts should have been.You jumped onto the platform and immediately froze. Funny, of all the people you knew, only Silco behaved differently and searched for you with his gaze, looking up high. It shouldn’t make you happy, you were becoming predictable. But these people down there, together, didn’t even have half the IQ of Silco. They were waiting for something. A few of them started laying out cards, one was lying on the floor, and two were waiting near the edge for some signal. So, they weren’t the ones delivering the barrels to this warehouse. It could’ve been five minutes or several hours, but you were too afraid to move, lest they spot you.You could feel your left leg slowly going numb when one of the men whistled sharply and waved his hand. The whole group abandoned their current activities and almost synchronously reached between the standing crates. They pulled out long, several-meter-long poles with massive hooks at the ends. It looked rather strange, though they clearly knew what they were doing. They moved toward the edge with intense focus, as if they were about to discover something important.You couldn’t get down silently, so risking it, you wrapped your legs around the metal railing and slid down headfirst. Now you had a good view of the water, though it was completely upside down. In any other situation, it might have been funny.“Do you see anything?” one of them asked.“There!” he pointed towards the water. “Start looking.”All of them, as if on command, moved to the edge and began poking their poles into the water, making long, steady motions. They looked comical, as if they were fishing for something large with hooks. Suddenly, you heard a dull thud of wood against metal.“I’ve got something!” one of them shouted.Two others immediately joined him. They began pushing with all their might, pulling something out of the water. After a few tense seconds, you saw them pull up a massive chain, as thick as your arm. Each of them grabbed a link, and with the hook, they helped pull it higher. Their goal was a large spool, attached firmly to the ceiling.They hooked the chain onto a short rod sticking out of the mechanism. One of them, clearly responsible for the equipment, removed the protective cover, revealing a heavy winch. He wrestled with it for a moment until the spool began to turn, pulling something large out of the water.You hung there, feeling your blood rush to your head. You had to move. Either jump down or find another place to hide.“Go get the boats,” ordered the tallest one, probably the leader.You waited until two of them disappeared into the darkness, and the rest turned their gaze away from the inside of the warehouse. Then you jumped to the ground. The sound of the retracting chain and the splashing water drowned out the dull sound of your landing. You crouched behind a pile of bags, watching their movements.Soon, rafts began appearing on the water, approaching the warehouse. Finally, you understood what they were doing. They were fishing the barrels out of the water, connected by a chain that ensured they all arrived at the same time. Brilliant and terrifying at the same time.The whole process was so clever that no wonder Sevika hadn’t found any evidence. They used the strong current of the river to float the barrels to the location, and then they used hooks to pull them out and load them onto the boats.You couldn’t take your eyes off them, wondering who came up with this method. It was the perfect solution for those who wanted to stay in the shadows. Adrenaline coursed through your veins, almost spilling out your ears as you tried to come up with a way to get onto one of the boats. There were only four left, and now only one—your only chance for crossing. Your heart raced wildly, every muscle tensed, ready to act. They weren’t waiting for all the barrels to be loaded, so you had to move fast.You didn’t even have time to plan. Fortunately, fate seemed to be on your side. One of the men suddenly cursed loudly.“Damn it, something’s caught!” he growled, tugging with all his might.A barrel, filled with something heavy, had gotten stuck under the water. The water was putting up too much resistance, and one person alone couldn’t lift the load. Before the others rushed to help, something unexpected happened—a loud snap rang out as the chain broke, and the barrel vanished into the river. A piece of the broken link shot into the air and hit the man steering the boat in the leg. He howled in pain and, moments later, bloodied, fell into the water.“Are you insane?! We’re going to lose the job because of your clumsiness!” someone else shouted angrily, rushing to help the wounded man.This was the moment. Hunched low, almost glued to the ground, you ran to the boat and jumped aboard. You slid between a pile of bags at the bow, hiding as best as you could. From behind the curtain, you heard frantic shouting and a hurried exchange of words.“What about him?!”“Leave him! We’ll lose more time, and someone will see us!”None of them even thought about pulling the wounded man out. It was brutal but logical—he had no chance of surviving in that water with an open wound. After a brief consultation, the rest decided to fill the empty barrel with water from the warehouse and hoped that no one would open it on the way.But you were thinking of something else—the barrel at the bottom of the river, full of drugs... You shook your head, trying to focus on your own survival.The boat rocked as someone jumped on board. The engine roared, and moments later, you slowly drifted down the river. You held your breath, lying still in the bags that smelled like mildew. For a moment, the rocking was almost soothing, but adrenaline still pulsed through your body, keeping you on high alert.About fifteen minutes into the journey, the boat slammed into the shore with a jarring thud. You heard quick footsteps and the grunts of people hauling heavy barrels. You carefully peeked out from behind the bags to look around.What you saw sent a chill down your spine. A group of people was hauling barrels onto carts set up on tracks, pulling them towards something hidden in the darkness. It was clear this wasn’t just a regular scam. This was a perfectly organized operation that had likely been going on for quite some time.It was impossible for anyone from the lower city to be behind this. An operation of this scale would not have gone unnoticed by Silco or Sevika. Yet—barrels floated down the river, avoiding all traces... This was perfection.Once you were sure everyone had moved away from the boat, you crept out of your hiding spot. The moon illuminated the narrow, sandy beach, its cold light reflecting off the small stones that sparkled like warnings. You pressed yourself against the side of the boat, trying to assess the situation. The last cart disappeared into the darkness, screeching loudly along the tracks.You cursed quietly. You were too late. You missed the free transport, and time was working against you. If they came back and found you, everything would be ruined. You had to think of something quickly before panic fully took control of your thoughts.You couldn’t risk it. If they had realized someone was following them, they would have changed the way they transported the goods, and then the trail would be lost forever. The problem was that the beach was bathed in moonlight—there was nowhere to hide, not even a patch of shadow to shield you. Going back to the other shore? That was out of the question. Your thoughts were racing chaotically, but eventually, a spark of an idea emerged. Risky, but better than doing nothing.You reached into your pocket and pulled out a match. With a trembling hand, you lit it, watching the bright flame disperse the darkness. You threw it into the pile of bags where you had been hiding. The fabric caught fire instantly, bursting into flames. Within seconds, chaos erupted.Shouts and accusations tore through the silence.“Who the hell left a lit cigarette?! Idiots!”“It wasn’t me! I’m telling you, it wasn’t my fault!”Without waiting for further arguments, you darted along the side of the boat to the furthest one. You hid, watching as the panicking smugglers tried to save the burning ship. They started towing it further from the shore so the fire wouldn’t spread to the rest of the boats.This was your chance. Quietly, almost on all fours, you crawled toward the darkness. When the moon hid behind the clouds, you seized the brief moment and sprinted toward the tunnel, disappearing into the shadows. Your heart was pounding like crazy, but no one noticed you. Everyone was too busy fighting the fire.You waited until the chaos subsided. The smugglers’ voices grew increasingly muffled, and eventually, everything went silent. Pleased, though clearly irritated, they returned to the lower city by boat. You were left alone, listening to the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore.You were proud of yourself. Cunning paid off. Now you could return and report to Service with triumph, though mainly to rub it in her face. However, the darkness of the tunnel seemed too deep to use a flashlight. Instead, you touched the wall with one hand and tried to spot the tracks leading deeper into the city with your eyes. You knew they led straight to the heart of Piltover.Your movement was slow, and the tension still kept you on edge. You shouldn’t have risked it. You could have returned to the shore and tried another day. But this wasn’t just about Silco—you had your own reasons for wanting to know what was going on in the tunnels.The air was heavy, filled with a strange hum that sent shivers down your spine. You weren’t afraid of people or weapons, but nature—its untamed power—always stirred a primal fear within you. After hours of wandering in the dark, you spotted a faint glow in the distance. The hum grew louder, more aggressive. Water.You quickened your pace until you finally reached the edge of a chasm. The tracks ended abruptly, at a point where the water crashed into the darkness. It was the place where several tunnels converged, and water was spilling wildly from them, creating a chaotic waterfall.“Damn it!” you swore, looking around frantically. “They couldn’t have just disappeared like that…”Fear gripped your throat, cold sweat ran down your back. If they hadn’t thrown the barrels in with the carts, you had no lead. You moved along the edge, walking cautiously by the wall. Every step could be your last.Finally, you noticed a ladder hidden in a stone alcove. It reached high, stretching up for meters. You sighed heavily, knowing the climb would be painful—your muscles would remember it more than all the sparring with Sevika. You gritted your teeth and began climbing.You were perhaps a few dozen meters above the roaring reservoir when you reached the next level. You jumped down from the ladder with relief, allowing yourself a short rest. You didn’t know how yet, but you had to get home. The ladder ended about five meters above you, which was almost a blessing—the further climb would have certainly been a torment.However, you didn’t have time to relax. The sound of footsteps started growing somewhere to your left. You jumped up, ignoring protesting muscles, and hid in the shadows. A moment later, a man emerged from one of the corridors. He moved nervously, looking around in all directions. You recognized him immediately.Zarys.What was he doing here? You could have missed the trail of the barrels, but Zaryz was more important. Much more important. Without hesitation, you began following him. He was splashing water, rushing in a hurry. He was loud, clumsy, constantly glancing over his shoulder. You, on the other hand, stayed close to the wall, cautious and silent as a shadow.Soon, he reached the stairs. As he ran up them, he stumbled three times, almost losing his shoes. Whatever was chasing him must have scared him badly. You stayed below, watching him fumble with a bundle of keys. He opened a gate and, pulling his hood over his head, disappeared into the darkness. You ran after him, hoping he hadn’t gone too far.Through the bars, you saw him slip into one of the fancy houses. Whoever lived there, they were now hosting the dangerous scientist responsible for the latest variant of Shimmer. Was this where his boss stayed?The gate was open—he must have forgotten to close it. You gently pushed it and stepped out onto the street. Piltover shone at night, its white walls, golden window frames, and perfectly trimmed bushes. You grimaced at the sight. In those houses, the Egonés played hypocritical games, indifferent to the suffering of the lower city.There was no point in staying. You had to go back. But... you were lost. It was embarrassing to admit, but the unfamiliar city, the lack of access to rooftops, and the uniformly looking streets made it hard to orient yourself. Your only guide was the moon. You hoped it would lead you to the bridge. The sun would rise soon. All you needed was to blend in with the crowd of workers to cross the border unnoticed.You heard the sound of water, meaning you were close to the exit of this labyrinth of white mansions. You almost sighed with relief when, behind you, you heard the distinctive click. You blinked, straightened your back, ready for an attack. Someone had pressed the barrel of a gun between your shoulder blades.“A night out in the city for a little theft, huh?” The voice was rough and mocking.“Since when can’t you go for a walk at night?” you snarled, turning your head.Someone grabbed your shoulder and twisted it brutally. You heard the metallic clink of handcuffs.Shit. You were caught.You were pushed forward. You clenched your teeth, suppressing your anger. The guards had nothing on you, but getting into a fight could only make things worse. They prodded you straight to one of the posts.Inside, it was cramped and stifling. The guard at the table was drinking something strong from a bottle he hid under the desk. The smell of alcohol lingered in the air. He looked up and measured you with a stare.“What do we have here? Far from home, huh?”“How do you know where I live?” you snapped, trying to yank your arms.“Someone like you doesn’t come from the upper city. What were you doing here? A break-in? A theft? When will you learn that you’re not welcome here?”Everything inside you was boiling. You wanted to throw something sharper at him, but you held back. He wasn’t going to let it go, though.“Search this individual.”The one who brought you in put his weapon on the table and approached. His hands started to touch you, and disgust rose within you. You knew he wouldn’t find your tools—your blades were well hidden. Still, you hated every move he made.Until his hand stopped where it shouldn’t have.You jerked, ignoring the handcuffs, and slammed your head into his nose with all your might. The cartilage cracked with an awful snap. Blood sprayed onto the floor, and he jumped back, cursing. You spat at his feet.His fist collided with your face, and stars flashed before your eyes. You fell to the boards, your bound hands preventing you from getting up. You felt a kick to your side that knocked the air out of you.“You ungrateful scum,” he crouched down, grabbing the front of your jacket. His face twisted into an angry grimace. “We’ll see if you’re still so talkative when a sentence hangs over you.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

You wondered who would be angrier when it came to light that you had been arrested—if you even lived long enough to find out. The guards had managed to land a few more blows to your ribs and stomach before throwing you into the cell. You thought about your predicament—what else could you think about? Anyway, it was a curious question: would anyone even bother to look for you?They were waiting to transfer you to Stillwater, pending paperwork from their superior. You weren’t counting on a miracle. Even if you somehow survived a week in prison before your body gave out without the booster, you didn’t expect anything more. You should’ve been terrified of such an end. You should’ve shuddered at the thought of how quickly you would fall apart. And yet, the only thing you felt was anger—at yourself. At the fact that you’d die before you could take revenge on those who had dragged you into this mess.You imagined Sevika would be the one most enraged. Silco… you had no expectations of him anymore. He was as unpredictable as ever. One day honest, almost pleading for help; the next, cold and demanding, as if your condition didn’t matter at all.God, how badly you wanted to hate him. But it wasn’t as easy as it used to be.You weren’t a good person. You stole, you lied—you should’ve been rotting in prison for your crimes long ago. How could you judge him? It was easy to say it was just theft, but the money you took from someone’s pocket could have been all they had. You probably ruined more than one life because of it. Sure, you worked on a smaller scale than Silco, but in the end, you were a criminal too. The difference was that your victims never knew who had robbed them until it was too late. Everyone knew his name, and they could hurl accusations straight at his face. Living like that was far from comfortable.And yet, it was him—Silco—who had shown you more care and understanding than the entire upper city combined. He could’ve left you to die on the street. The council, obligated to help, washed their hands clean and turned their gaze away from everything south of the river.That’s why you were on his side. Even if he drove you insane lately, you were honest and loyal. There was a grim morality to his actions, but at least he acted instead of waiting for the mercy of the strong. You wished there was a way to cut ties with Piltover without resorting to illegal trade, but it wasn’t that simple. Zaun couldn’t afford independence, not when it was being exploited by the city above. Someone had to do the dirty work while the rest lounged in their cushioned chairs, sipping tea from expensive porcelain. If it were just about Piltover, you might have shrugged. Let them rot. But it wasn’t just about them. It was about everyone.If you could help your people by finding those responsible for this new drug variant, you couldn’t refuse. Your people—yes, that sounded strange. Only now, standing at the edge of life and death, did you feel like you truly belonged to them. Maybe it was because you no longer saw a chance for yourself? Maybe you wanted to spend your last weeks saving others? But heroism made you nauseous. No, you weren’t doing this selflessly.On one hand, you felt you owed Silco this help. On the other, you wanted to rub the council’s nose in it. Show them that even a scumbag from the lower city, with a rap sheet longer than her life, could do more than they ever had.Being stuck in a cell was driving you mad, but at least you had time to think. You could almost see the disgust on the faces of the upper city folk when they found out they owed their lives to the scum from below. For obvious reasons, you probably wouldn’t get to witness it firsthand.But your thoughts kept circling back to Silco. You wondered how angry he’d be when he found out about your arrest. Because he would find out. You kept telling yourself you loved to get under his skin. It was easier than admitting you eagerly awaited any form of attention from him. Your thoughts would scatter, and you’d resort to sharp remarks to hide how much he captivated you. Maybe you really were close to crawling back to him.The worst part was that no matter how cruelly he treated you, you felt that, in his twisted way, he thought he was helping. He infuriated you. Drove you mad. He always hit the mark—his comments wounded your pride but were never off-target. And yet… he awakened a desire in you that could have outmatched your addiction if only you let it take over.That’s why you only met with him when all you felt was hunger. His voice, his scent, his gaze… they all threw you off balance. It was easier to be angry at him, to blame him for all your problems, than to admit he drew you in in ways you didn’t want—or didn’t know how—to understand.“Get up.” The guard smacked the metal bars of your cell with the butt of his rifle, startling you.You let out a heavy sigh and swung your legs off the cot. So this was it.“Hope you’ve got a first-class ticket for me, or I’m not going,” you quipped.The closer you got to Stillwater, the dumber your jokes became. The guard entered the cell in the meantime. You held out your hands, ready for the cuffs, but he grabbed your arm and practically threw you into the corridor. You stumbled, fighting the urge to retaliate. Grabbing onto the bars, you steadied yourself. Before you could regain your footing, he struck your injured side with the butt of his rifle again. You growled at him, but another shove forced you to move.Without ceremony, you were thrown out the door, no explanation given. They didn’t tell you if you were being released or if an execution squad was waiting outside. But was there even a point in wondering? You raised your hand and flipped them the bird.“And fuck you too!” you shouted toward the doors.People around you stared. Some in shock, others in fear. They were all upper city residents. You scoffed at them, shoving your hands into your jacket pockets. Maybe there was a chance your arrest would go unnoticed. You glanced at the sky. You’d spent all day in the cell, and the sun was setting again. Returning to Zaun had never sounded more appealing. Unfortunately, the journey was twice as long with your aching ribs. You had to have bruised or broken something, as every breath burned like fire. Dried blood still clung to your face from when you’d been hit with a heavy, metal glove. No wonder people crossed the street to avoid you. You were drawing far too much attention. In the lower city, no one would bat an eye. But before you got there, your bloodied face would linger in the memory of a few, and the gossip would start.You kept your head low, tugging your hood down to shield your eyes from the sharp sunlight. Lost in thought, you didn’t notice the person you walked straight into. You bounced off them, landing on the ground in a puddle.“Well, look who finally showed up.”Oh, shit.“Sevika?”“Were you expecting someone else?”She extended a hand toward you. Hesitantly, you accepted the help, wary of a trap. The fact that she didn’t attack you outright was even more unsettling. Once you were on your feet, and she was still holding your hand, she yanked you closer before letting go quickly.You felt yourself falling face-first, but before you could extend your hands to cushion the impact, you were kicked in the backside with such force that you were shoved even further forward. So, she was mad—got it."I get it, I deserved that," you muttered, feeling the mud squelch between your fingers.Sevika crouched in front of you and grabbed your hood, helping you up slightly."You are so dead right now."Wiping the grime from your face, you got to your feet, this time under your own power. After a whole day, you smelled worse than a homeless person. Your clothes clung to you, and you weren’t even sure what caused it—blood, sweat, or dirt."So Silco knows too?""Who do you think bailed you out?"You paused mid-motion while brushing sand off your pants, lifting your head to look up at her."What did he do?""Have they beaten you so bad you lost your senses? Too bad I wasn’t the first," she replied, pulling a cigarette from her pocket and lighting it leisurely, indifferent to your impatience. "He bailed you out of jail. Otherwise, you’d already be on your way to Stillwater."You should’ve been grateful to return in one—albeit battered—piece, but everything screamed that this time, you were in deep trouble. You felt the blood drain from your face."I’m so dead right now," you whispered after her, voice trembling."Move. He wants to see you."The mere thought of facing him that day made your head spin with fear. You were certain this was the end of your career and, with it, your chance for revenge."Do I at least have a moment to wash this filth off me?"She didn’t answer. It would be odd to stand before Silco looking like you’d slept in a dumpster, but Sevika kept a firm grip on your arm to ensure you wouldn’t escape. She didn’t say another word on the way to the Last Drop, though she didn’t need to—her smirk of satisfaction made it clear she was enjoying your misery.The closer you got to the bar, the more of his people you encountered. Their whistles and comments flew the moment they spotted you in Sevika’s grip. Some even started trailing behind, hoping for entertainment, but one glare from her sent them scattering. Oh, how you wished you could disappear along with them.Inside, the atmosphere was quieter than usual, with fewer people around—maybe it was still too early. Conversations halted the moment Sevika shoved you through the doors. All eyes were on you, their stares heavy with curiosity about what you’d done."You have five minutes," she said, nodding toward the bathroom door. "Don’t even think about running."You didn’t waste any time, shoving the door open and quickly washing your hands and face. Your clothes were beyond saving in these conditions, but at least your cheeks were no longer streaked with blood and dirty water. The cut on your brow began to bleed again. You didn’t want to give Sevika a chance to drag you out by the hair, so you emerged early, pressing a piece of paper towel to your forehead.She sat on a couch surrounded by her fan club, now somehow holding a drink. She glanced at you briefly before shifting her gaze to the stairs. Apparently, you weren’t worth a second more of her time.Your heart pounded against your bruised ribs. You gasped for air with every step, praying you wouldn’t faint before you reached the top. Whatever awaited you upstairs... a beating from Sevika suddenly seemed more appealing.A strange sense of humility washed over you, one no one would have ever suspected of you. You knocked on the door, feeling like you were heading to your execution. He left you standing there for agonizingly long minutes. You leaned against the wall to avoid collapsing.When you finally stepped inside, you understood how others must feel in Silco’s presence. He stood facing the window, hands clasped behind his back. The sight was almost stoic, serene even. Yet you knew it would only take a second for his temper to ignite into something you’d never witnessed.Well, here goes nothing."If this is about the incident, it wasn’t my fault. Everything was under control until—""Under control?" he asked with calculated calm, turning slowly to face you. His voice was cold, making your heart freeze for a moment. "You were arrested. That’s your definition of control?"You clenched your hands, already imagining the bones you’d like to crush. Fighting him seemed oddly tempting—maybe then he’d finally explode and reveal what he really thought."I did what I had to do. I tracked the shipment to the upper city. I saw Zarys—""Where are they moving the barrels?"The way he interrupted you shattered the last remnants of your confidence. His icy tone pierced your thoughts like a blade."Well, I don’t know exactly. The trail went cold, but—""Where is Zarys?"His voice grew sharper, almost cutting. With every question, he stepped closer, and you felt your body tense as if bracing for an attack. You shrank slightly, knowing he’d extract what you didn’t want to share."I saw him hiding in one of the houses.""Which one?" His footsteps grew louder, more forceful. "Whose house? What district?"You threw your hands up in exasperation, knowing nothing you said would satisfy him. Rage started bubbling under your skin, your fists clenched tightly to stop yourself from throwing something heavy at him."Stop taking it out on me because you lost money! I was on my way here to report when they grabbed me. It’s not my fault!"His face remained stoic, as if your outburst were nothing more than an irritating buzz in the background. He reached for his smoldering cigar, ignoring you in a way that made your heart race even faster. He was toying with your emotions, provoking you, and you knew it was deliberate."Just like you were on your way to tell me about the mutations?" he asked, his gaze slicing through you. Before you could respond, he added, "Yes, I know.""Silco—""Did it ever occur to you that this information might have affected the mission? That maybe you were needed elsewhere? No, of course not," he laughed, but it sounded like a blade scraping against stone. "Don’t expect me to be honest with you if you’re withholding information like this.""So I’ve learned something from you after all," you spat through gritted teeth. You felt the venom in your words burn your throat, but you couldn’t hold it back.He raised an eyebrow, and his smile resembled a blade ready to strike. He sat on the sofa with a nonchalance that almost immobilized you. He didn’t need to flaunt superiority—his confidence and icy demeanor were enough to make you feel like the ground was slipping out from under you."I’m starting to wonder if I overestimated your usefulness. I don’t need people who get caught.""Usefulness? Is that really all I am to you?""Don’t play innocent. You chose this path yourself.""Yes, but not so you could treat me like a tool. Maybe you’ve forgotten I’m doing this for you.""No," his voice turned into a growl, and his posture betrayed that he was losing control of his emotions. "Everything you’ve been doing lately is for yourself."His words struck you. You had hoped your jabs would unnerve him, but instead, they hurt you. Your anger dimmed for a moment, like a flame snuffed out, leaving only a heavy silence."Are you mocking me now? Do you seriously think I hunt down your enemies for my own amusement?""You had one job," his voice was low and sharp, each word seemingly wrenched from his throat with difficulty. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his finger pointed at you in a way that almost paralyzed you. "Find out where they’re moving the goods. The trail goes cold, so you come back and report what you saw. Not march straight into the center!"Fire danced in his eyes. You were sure his outburst was a cover for something deeper—something you didn’t yet understand. Something you had been waiting for all this time, but it had arrived at the wrong moment, in the wrong place."If only you had the courage to admit you rely on me instead of playing your games..."He stood so abruptly he nearly knocked over the table. In two steps, he was in front of you, and his presence was overwhelming. You didn’t back away, though your whole body screamed to take a step back. Too much, too close."Rely on you? I was forced to buy you out! Maybe I should have left you at Piltover’s mercy since you can’t even keep your own promises."You felt something in him snap. Anger filled the space between you, but its source seemed far deeper."Then why didn’t you? After all, I’m nothing more to you, right?"You jabbed a finger into his chest, and for a moment, he froze. Something shifted in his gaze—a flicker of pain crossed his face before it disappeared under the mask of cold composure."Because I couldn’t! If you’d stayed there, then..." He broke off, turning away from you abruptly. He started adjusting stray strands of hair as if trying to regain lost control. "I couldn’t let such an investment go to waste."His words pierced you like a knife. In an instant, the old Silco was back—cold, calculating. There wasn’t even a shadow of the understanding you thought had been born that one night."Of course. It’s just about the investment, isn’t it?""You can leave."You didn’t respond. Your body trembled with suppressed rage, but you wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. You let out a frustrated sigh and ran out of the office, leaving behind a heavy silence. You needed to be alone. *** You knelt on the hard stones, scrubbing the floor with freezing soapy water. You had to get rid of the stain; otherwise, this place would never feel like yours. The brush nearly broke in your hands. You’d been at it for two hours. Your weary muscles screamed for mercy, but with the sweat, you were purging every emotion. It was better this way.Sevika hadn’t stopped you when you ran down the stairs. Either they had heard your shouting, or your expression alone was enough proof that you understood your place in the hierarchy. Oh, you knew. You’d known from the start, but you had deluded yourself into thinking Silco was, above all, human. His attention flattered you. It made you feel recognized. You were foolish. He had found a new toy, one he discarded as soon as it started showing its own will. You wanted to see the man in him, but he kept donning the monster’s mask, pushing you away whenever you didn’t dance to his tune.You wiped your face with the back of your hand and sat heavily near the wet stain. There was no trace of blood left. You had erased the memory of how he had bled out here. It had been a strange evening, one that should have brought people closer. You had genuinely worried about his condition and had been ready for the most absurd actions to save him. Because you were starting to like him. Truly and honestly, especially after he admitted he worried about you. You had seen something more than the cynical facade he wore every day like his coat. You had hoped he felt something similar toward you. You shared a secret; you had saved his life. But he couldn’t express gratitude in any other way than with a strange gesture.You considered selling the tower and trying to escape somewhere far away, somewhere where there might be a solution to your problems. Some other medicine, maybe… But everything tasted sour after the recent fight. You wished you could wash away all memories of him the same way.Because you had been unimaginably foolish.Nothing was simple with Silco. Everyone knew that. Docility wasn’t in the set of traits you inherited from your parents, nor had you acquired it throughout your life. Standing up to him mattered to you; it filled you with pride that you hadn’t buckled under the weight of fear. Until the moment he touched you for the first time when you needed the drug. That moment hit you harder than any alcohol ever could. You could still feel his hand on you. The difference was that before, it had been gentle, tender; now it held your face in a grip that wouldn’t let you turn away as he berated you.It was twisted.You felt sick knowing you had let infatuation and fascination overshadow your true goal. You seriously contemplated fleeing the city. If not for the recurring pain, you would have done it that very evening. Unfortunately, whether you liked it or not, Silco had you in his grasp, even now. You feared that when you returned home, you’d find out you had been fired. He was capable of it. Pride and honor wouldn’t let you stoop to begging or searching for dealers who would charge a price you could never repay in your lifetime.You’d rather die.At the very thought of suffering, fear surged within you. You patted the stone wall beside you, knowing the tower would make an ideal grave. Whether you liked it or not, you were dependent on Silco—more so with each passing day. But you’d sooner bite your tongue off than go back there to ask for more.You needed to rise higher. Somewhere the air was different. Somewhere the wind could blow away everything from your mind—including the memory of his scent. You caught yourself sniffing the collar of your jacket, hoping to catch a trace. But all that remained was the smell of dirt and sweat. Perhaps it was better this way.You wanted to think of him only as your boss. Nothing more. Unfortunately, you weren’t sure if that was still true. You were glad you hadn’t thrown away the bottle Leon gave you. You needed to numb your body and mind; otherwise, the galloping thoughts wouldn’t let you sleep and might provoke you into doing something stupid. You sat on the rooftop, observing the city.“I fucked up, okay?” you shouted into the void. “I tried to help you, but…”Your voice broke, and for the first time in years, you felt tears streaming down your cheeks. You felt used. Somewhere deep in your heart, dreams of helping others had taken root, only to be crushed almost immediately. You should have laughed at your own naivety, but instead, you felt empty. You thought you had found a purpose, a direction to move toward.Yet, you were still living day by day. Previously, the contents of your wallet dictated whether you’d see the next sunrise, knowing you could end up on the streets at any moment. Later, you extended your time with shimmer, but only as much as your body could handle. You wanted to make your days count, to use the time given to you for something meaningful. You genuinely believed that Zarys would hold the answers, perhaps even a cure for you.Tomorrow. Tomorrow you’d think about it calmly. Act independently. Without Silco, you had only a few days left. He was furious beyond words when you entered his office, and you wouldn’t be surprised if he decided he’d already helped you enough. Yes, you believed he could be that cruel.You took a long swig from the bottle and started laughing. Leon would’ve skinned you alive if he knew THAT Silco had gotten into your head, and you’d let yourself be charmed like a lovesick teenager. What a disgrace. At least you could recover from that. But your body remembered. Even if he never went further than that single gesture, it was enough. You knew you wouldn’t forget anytime soon. You feared you’d become more addicted to his scent than to the drug. Now you faced a double withdrawal, and you didn’t know which would be harder.You kept revisiting the argument, like poking a sore tooth. Something about it didn’t sit right with you. Your memories, distorted by anger and despair, still held onto that strange glimmer of pain in his eyes, as if you had hurt him with your actions. It was irrational. He couldn’t blame you for being arrested when it wasn’t your fault. Sure, you messed up by not telling him about the mutation, but in the chaos of events, you genuinely forgot. He wouldn’t believe you now, but you had planned to tell him right after you filed your report. You didn’t blame Sevika for spilling the beans. She’d threatened to do it, and at least she had the decency to follow through.
If you'd stayed there, then...
If you had stayed, you’d be sitting in Stillwater right now, locked up with a sentence hanging over your head. You had no idea what he meant by that. First, he criticized absurd gaps in the task you’d completed, despite the fact that you’d gone above and beyond, uncovering new information. If you had done as he said and returned to shore with the smugglers, you’d never have discovered that Zarys could be found in the underground. That was a lead worth pursuing.
If you'd stayed there, then...
If he feared you would reveal his secrets, it meant he didn’t trust you at all. You might not like him, but you would never sell out someone from Zaun to the enforcers. You weren’t that low yet.
If you'd stayed there, then...
“Then what?!” you screamed, hurling the bottle into the abyss below.It shattered with a dull, sharp crash that echoed briefly against the walls. Shards scattered across the street below. You could have hit someone, but you didn’t care. Your head spun. You were bruised, sore, and tired. Drunk. In this state, you wouldn’t make it back to the center. So why not stay on the roof, in the one place that was yours?You knew he could find you here if he wanted. But why the hell would he? Maybe just to torment you further. Perhaps you should’ve disappeared for good while you had the chance. To think you trusted him, believed he cared about your well-being. How could you be so foolish?With Silco, nothing was ever simple.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It's interesting how, in just one year living above the pub, Leon taught you more about life than your own father ever did. One evening, before you went out looking for an opportunity, Leon sat you down on a barstool against your will and started pontificating. Back then, you didn’t realize how deeply his words would resonate in your life.“In your life, you'll find more than one job, and you'll leave more than one. The most important thing is to always be the first to act. To have control, even over your own dismissal. People like to humiliate others when given a little power. No one has the right to demean you unless you let them, and that often happens when you're thrown out onto the street. Trust me, you'll feel better leaving on your own terms than waiting for their decision. It’s your life, isn’t it?”You thought about this as you returned to the hideout. You had envisioned several endings to that absurd argument. Silco accused you of incompetence—an insult that burned every inch of your skin. They could accuse you of many things, but when it came to work, you gave more than you should have. He hit the mark painfully, as if he knew exactly where to strike. So why should you wait for further humiliation?You needed to collect your things, mainly the photo you kept under your pillow. The rest could be left behind. Going through the main door could lead to a few outcomes: you'd either be stopped before reaching them or attacked right afterward. Neither option was appealing. You preferred not to squeeze through the crowd, enduring their remarks. And there would be remarks. They had seen Sevika dragging you into the Last Drop, dirty and bloodied. Rumors had surely spread by now—people loved talking about others’ failures because it made them forget their own shortcomings.Whatever decision Silco had made, you needed to get ahead of it and disappear before he decided firing you wasn’t enough. You felt his wounded ego—or whatever the hell it was—might provoke him to go further. No one willingly approaches a wasp’s nest and pokes it with a stick.That’s why there weren’t many people outside, just one sleeping guard at the door. Interesting whether he was actually on duty or just stepped out to escape the noise. You looked at the building that had served as your home for a while. You couldn’t go back to Leon, and certainly not to the ruins—they’d search there first. But that was a problem for later.You circled the building, stepping quietly. Glancing upward, you saw with relief that the window was still open, just as you'd left it. This meant no one had rummaged through the room looking for valuables yet. A few more steps, one vertical climb, and it would be over.You kept your anger burning hot to drown out everything else. It fueled adrenaline and gave you strength. Even with your aching side and growing hunger, you didn’t feel tired. Adjusting your short gloves, you slid your foot into a familiar crevice. You’d climbed this way so many times you could do it with your eyes closed.Halfway up, you paused to focus on the sounds. You heard voices and soft snoring. You’d spent half the night in the tower before deciding to return. Sleep had become a luxury lately.But from your room, you heard nothing suspicious."Your room"—the phrase was starting to feel out of place. You needed just five minutes. You didn’t even have to step off the windowsill to grab the photo. A few moves later, your fingers gripped the window frame. The metal bit into your hands. The room was dark, most of it shrouded in shadows.You weren’t expecting an ambush, but still, before climbing fully inside, you glanced around. Everything seemed fine."Had a good look?""Fuck!" you shouted, feeling yourself tip backward.You let go of the frame in shock, and your center of gravity shifted. You were close to falling but managed to grab one of the outward-opening shutters. It protested loudly but held. Your heart pounded against your sore ribs. Fear began replacing anger. Your legs and hands trembled. Taking a shaky breath, you carefully moved your feet forward. Once secure, you reached for the frame again and slipped into the room, sitting on the windowsill.Sevika sat in a chair with her legs on the table, looking exceptionally at ease. It was strange and unnerving, but she wasn’t smiling, even though she’d just scared you half to death. Something felt off—she should have been smug."What the hell are you doing here?"You snapped, waiting for the stress to subside so you could step onto the floor without shaky knees."Waiting for you to graciously return," she replied.You grimaced at her words."Not enough for him? Now you have to pile on in his name too?""Excuse me. I’m doing this purely for my own amusement."You rolled your eyes as you dropped to the floor. Tossing your backpack beside her, you reached under the pillow. Standing with your back to her, you smoothed out the creases in the photo before tucking it into the back pocket of your pants."Either way, I won’t be staying long."You heard the chair creak as she planted her feet on the ground."And where are you off to this time, if I may ask?"You glanced over your shoulder. She was sitting forward, staring at you with an intensity that, weeks ago, would have frozen your blood."I don’t know, somewhere far away.""I see you’re deep in your own narrative, acting like the main character," she scoffed. "I’ve been waiting for you for hours, so don’t think you’re disappearing now.""Sevika, I’m tired of all this. Say whatever you have to say, and let’s get it over with."You leaned back against the windowsill, ready to bolt at any moment. Sevika settled comfortably into her seat, throwing an arm over the backrest."I’m not sure I like this attitude. I prefer it when you fight back," she said, pausing as if to let her next words carry more weight. "I don’t know what you’re thinking, but for shirking your duties like this, you deserve some kind of punishment. I’m not good at that stuff, so I’ll just take it out on our training sessions.""What are you talking about?"For an organized crime syndicate, it seemed everyone had different information. How was it that Silco’s right hand still didn’t know—"He didn’t fire you," she said, as if reading your mind.You stared at her blankly. What she said was a logical sequence of words arranged correctly, but your brain refused to process it. Something was happening that you couldn’t understand. Silco hadn’t used those exact words, of course, but everything in your conversation pointed to it. People who get caught are useless to me—logical, right? Apparently not to them.The question remained: why had Sevika waited hours for you when she could have grabbed you at any time?And then it dawned on you.She didn’t know where to find you. Sevika—the terror of Zaun, who supposedly knew everything—couldn’t track down one thief. You should have mocked her for it, but you weren’t in the mood to laugh. The only person who knew about your whereabouts was Silco. For some reason, he hadn’t told her. Before, you’d have been grateful—now all you had was a cold emptiness.“You said you were waiting.”You deliberately ignored her earlier words, not yet ready to delve into their meaning. She noticed but didn’t push.“After you ran out of the bar with tears in your eyes…”“I wasn’t crying,” you cut her off sharply.“My bad,” she raised her hands slightly. “After you ran out of the bar, not crying but with watery eyes, Silco called me in. I didn’t ask questions, but he was deeply agitated, unlike his usual self, as if this time he couldn’t find a solution. I’ve only seen him like that once, and I don’t ever want to again. Anyway, the point is, I was ordered to make sure you didn’t do anything stupid, and we both know you’re more than capable of that.”You clenched your jaw to keep from snapping. He was impossible.“So what, I’m a prisoner again? Either I behave, or I’m not allowed out? You know I can escape anytime I want, right?”“And do you know that?” she shot back, throwing you off balance. “You drinking? You look like you need it.”The question was both out of place and completely on point. Why hadn’t you run yet? If it was so bad, what was keeping you here? Oh right, shimmer. It’s your life, isn’t it? Leon’s voice echoed in the hollow space between your ears. If you decided everything, that included how you die—even if it was due to a lack of the drug, the decision would still be yours. Yet, you couldn’t move your feet off the floor.“What?” you asked, unable to recall her words.Sevika smirked slightly and stood up.“Move your ass; it’s going to be a long night.”“Is that an order?”“No, but I’ll drag you if I have to.”Despite yourself, you smiled. You felt that in different circumstances, you might have liked her. But she reminded you too much of Silco. By following her, you might get answers. Staying in the room would get you none. You shrugged and trailed after her. Things were happening that you didn’t understand, but if they did, you’d be fuming for weeks—you were sure of that.The clock read two in the morning. The corridors were empty, but somewhere downstairs, you could hear conversations. The new sharpness in your hearing was useful, but you could’ve done without knowing that Bonnie had the best ass of them all. You shook your head, trying to rid yourself of the thought, but you’d seen Bonnie a few times and seriously doubted the judgment.Sevika opened the door to her room, letting you in first. You were truly exhausted. You hadn’t slept in the cell, and after the fight with Silco, sleep hadn’t dared approach you, as if it feared you. You should have been collapsing, barely able to stand, but anger kept you steady. Sevika pulled two short glasses from a cabinet and poured something amber-colored into them. She shoved a drink into your hand and dropped heavily into her seat. Damn, Silco drank something similar—it smelled all too familiar. You set the glass on the desk and looked at her uncertainly. You shouldn’t be here.“What happened in the Piltover?”She asked, pulling a cigarette from her pocket, but she didn’t light it, as if waiting for your words.“You know, I’m not really in the mood to chat,” you replied quietly, knowing your voice might betray you.“If you tell me what went down, I might have some information for you. Deal?” she extended her hand.You studied her for a moment, suspicious, but there were no signs of deception. Whatever was on her mind, she was being genuine. Maybe you’d find out why Silco was so furious. You sighed heavily and shook her hand.“The trail for the goods disappeared in the tunnels. They transport it by railcars, but the tracks vanish into darkness. I figured I couldn’t do more that day, so I looked for a way out. I had to get back to the surface. Halfway up, I saw Zarys.”“That guy with the mix? What was he doing there?”“If you’d stop interrupting, you’d learn that he was running like his life depended on it,” you glared at her. “He disappeared behind some house. Even I’m not dumb enough to go in there unprepared. I kept looking for a way to the bridge when a patrol grabbed me. They thought I was a thief. I am, obviously, but being called that to my face stings.”“You must’ve done something to get locked up.”You smiled slightly, still a bit proud of yourself.“I broke a guard’s nose,” you said nonchalantly, but seeing Sevika’s expression, you quickly added, “He was getting handsy—what was I supposed to do?”She snorted and took a big swig from her glass, almost draining it.“Not the smartest move, attacking guards on their turf, but if they deserved it…”You started to feel strangely at ease, even though your drink remained untouched. A new sensation in Sevika’s presence. Maybe you just needed to get it off your chest? Nights were mainly made for saying things that you can’t say tomorrow day.“I was ready for a first-class trip to Stillwater when they tossed me onto the street without a word. You know the rest.”“Fair enough. Still doesn’t explain why Silco’s so pissed.”“Why do you care?”“Because I’m the one cleaning up his messes. The man doesn’t give a damn that his little tantrums ripple through everyone else. I’m trying to figure out who I should be mad at for giving me extra work.”“And you think I’m to blame?” you raised your voice.You should’ve expected that somehow the blame would fall on you again. The idea of running became more tempting.“That’d be too easy. Especially after what you said, I don’t see how you could’ve screwed up the job. What did Silco say?”Thinking back to that conversation wasn’t pleasant. You were always ready to argue with him—truth be told, you enjoyed it sometimes, as he occasionally contradicted himself. But this time was different. He attacked with precision and intent.“He accused me of being incompetent,” you quickly grabbed your glass and took a sip. The alcohol burned your throat but didn’t stop your words. “He said he doesn’t need people who get caught. That’s why I was sure I was fired.”Sevika fell silent, deep in thought. If even she couldn’t make sense of Silco’s behavior, maybe he really was mad, and his outbursts weren’t worth overthinking. She propped one leg on the desk edge and leaned back, staring at the ceiling.“If you weren’t needed, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to bail you out. You’d be sitting nice and cozy in a Stillwater cell right now.”“How did he find out?”She looked at you as if you were an idiot.“Seriously, you haven’t figured it out? He pays off more than half the guards in the city and all of them in Zaun. He has his informants in every station. I don’t know how he does it. For you, he used one of his fake names to make sure the money couldn’t be traced back to him.”You flinched at the sound of those words.“Fine, you’ve got your information. What do you have for me?”“Hold on, you’re not telling me everything—I can see it,” she teased, wagging her finger lazily.You didn’t have the energy to argue. The problem was that you were approaching the part of the conversation that hurt you the most. Well, keeping it bottled up might cause more damage later when you’d start blowing his words out of proportion. You lifted your head and answered, looking her directly in the eyes.“He let me believe I was more than just a problem, that I wasn’t entirely responsible for my situation. And then he called me an investment…”“That’s what this is about? That’s what you’re offended by?” She seemed genuinely surprised. “If only you’d heard how—”“You don’t understand, and I don’t expect you to. I thought… I thought we were in this together, but apparently, I’m just a vessel for a drug so he can observe how it changes people. Sometimes I doubt he’s even looking for a solution.”She narrowed her eyes as if searching for a hidden meaning in your words, but you were being honest. Silco moved too slowly, and you often ended up hitting dead ends because of him. You ventured into forbidden territory, and it usually yielded the desired results. You knew too many pieces of the puzzle were still missing, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that Silco was overly cautious.“I have to disagree with you there,” she said quietly. “Even if it’s not obvious, shimmer occupies all his attention now. I know because guess who’s stuck with everything else?” she added, pointing her thumbs at herself.“After everything I’ve done… Look, I’m not expecting any medals for loyalty—I know it’s my damn job to follow orders. I knew what I was signing up for when I joined. I just didn’t think my life would get this complicated, that’s all. He gave me free rein regarding my addiction. He acted like my skills were actually useful. But now I see that it’s the drug he’s interested in. He immediately called me out for hiding my mutations.”Sevika spat out her drink, cursing loudly between coughs.“You didn’t tell him?!”You shrugged. You couldn’t bring yourself to care anymore.“There wasn’t time. I don’t blame you for telling him—he had to hear it from someone. At least now I know you stick to your threats.”You raised your glass in a pathetic toast before staring into its depths. Maintaining your anger was draining. You weren’t upset about the fierce argument you’d had—it might’ve even been amusing if not for the fact he used your previous conversation against you. That conversation where you thought he saw you as a person, not just a carrier for shimmer who hadn’t died yet. It was deliberate. He wanted to hurt you. You knew he was capable of it, but you’d fooled yourself into thinking you were different.You felt sick. Partly from exhaustion and drinking on an empty stomach, but mostly because you let him manipulate you. You let him get under your skin. You’d dropped your guard the first time he looked at you earnestly. You’d fallen for it. You’d been flattered that he might have a soft spot for you, but apparently, you’d been horribly mistaken.“I’m surprised you haven’t left yet,” she said, pulling you from your thoughts.You felt embarrassed when you noticed a hint of concern on her face.“I’m surprised at myself too, but, surprise, surprise, I’ve got nowhere to go,” you said, your voice breaking slightly. “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” you growled, downing the rest of your drink in hopes the alcohol would burn away whatever pathetic thing had just surfaced.You slammed the glass down. You’d come to the compound planning to disappear for good, even if it was only for a few days of freedom. And instead, here you were, sitting in Sevika’s room, analyzing the erratic behavior of your unpredictable boss—something you’d sworn you wouldn’t bother with anymore.“You know where they keep the shimmer.”You lifted your head, hearing something strange in her voice.“Get to the point, Sevika,” you replied cautiously.“With everything Silco’s pulling, using you left and right, I wouldn’t be surprised if you switched sides.”You jumped to your feet, ready to leave, but instead, you began pacing the room, feeling like you might explode if you didn’t channel your anger somehow.“I thought you were different,” you growled, reaching for the door handle.Sevika quickly stood up, knocking over her chair, and approached you. She placed her hand on the door and leaned slightly toward you.“Sorry, that was cruel. I didn’t mean it this time.”She nodded toward the chair, inviting you back to the conversation. You should have left—you really should have. But instead, you obediently sat down and hung your head.“Do you really see me as nothing more than an empty shell driven by addiction?”“Shit,” Sevika whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Listen, I’m really sorry. It’s just… I’m not good at this. It’s just… your loyalty fascinates me.”“You’re not helping your case.”“I know, damn it. Let me rephrase. I’m impressed you found a lead on more shimmer, and yet you still came back to us.”It was almost kind. But this was Sevika. Could she even be genuinely and selflessly kind to anyone? You raised your head. She rested her elbows on the desk, impatiently waiting for you to say something. She genuinely seemed regretful. And that made you feel awkward. You cleared your throat and straightened your back.“Well, believe it or not, I have a bigger goal in mind than just getting high. Unfortunately, I know that in a few days, I’ll be a pathetic little pile of shit again. And then I’ll have to face him. When I’m going through withdrawal, I lose control of myself. I don’t know how I’ll act, but I know he’ll seize every opportunity to break me. I’d rather not imagine how he’ll react to seeing me—or whether he’ll give me another dose. So, I’ve got nowhere to run. Until I solve this or die, I’ll have to keep going back to him, no matter how much he hurts me.”Damn it, you’d said too much. Sevika fell silent. The silence between you was heavy, charged with intense emotions. You glanced at her and immediately regretted it. Her eyes were a mix of anger and pain—a combination you didn’t need to see from her. Whatever was going through her mind, you’d rather not be the target of it. But for the first time, it felt like her anger wasn’t directed at you.“Well…” she began slowly. “In that case, you’ll be glad to know that, besides the order to babysit you, I also have a dose for you, just in case you need it.”“What do you have?”“Silco disappeared right after talking to you. Sometimes he does that, and when he—”“I know, you’ve got more work to do,” you interrupted her, slightly irritated. “Where did he go?”

“Who the hell knows,” she shrugged. “But he gave me one vial. Look, I’m not trying to justify him. He acted like a jerk, I can see that. If you tell him I said this, I’ll cut out your tongue. Still, you must have flipped something in his head. He was mad as hell, like a swarm of hornets, but he didn’t say a single bad word about you today.”

“That sounds like justifying.”
“Occupational hazard. He gave it to me so you wouldn’t have to suffer until he comes back—which might not be anytime soon.”
You wanted to scream in frustration. But more than that, you wanted to grab Silco by his perfectly pressed vest and shake him until he finally told you everything you had every right to know. You let out an exasperated huff.
“What. A. Man,” you growled through clenched teeth.
“Now that’s the fire I missed!” Sevika threw her hands in the air. “I have to say, seeing you so withdrawn was unsettling. Gave me chills. Anyway, I promised information, so now it’s my turn. I’ve been asking all this to get a complete picture,” she took a deep breath before continuing, “We were being followed. Or rather, you were.”
“What?”
“Your reaction tells me you’re trustworthy and didn’t know about it.”
“Well, now I—”
“Sit down, and before you think about bolting again, let me finish. Understand, I have to consider everything. It’s not like I trust everyone here. I’m not stupid. When you left the station, I noticed it a bit later. They were hard to miss—amateurs.”
“But how do you know it was about me?”
“I know every patrol in Zaun. Enforcers don’t wander far without a reason, and those two followed us like clowns until my people took care of them. I came out to give you a beating, but when I saw them, I knew that could wait.”
“This doesn’t make any sense! They’d let me go, then follow me? What for?”
“My point exactly,” she pointed a finger at you. “Silco paid for your release before anyone higher up could figure out who they’d caught. Yet we had a tail. This wasn’t on their initiative.”
Each word added to your shock. You let your hands drop between your knees, feeling utterly overwhelmed by the new information.
“I don’t understand any of this,” you groaned.
“I can see that. So let me put it in simpler terms. Silco pays the guards, and yet they had the audacity to follow one of our own. We don’t pay them to pull stunts like that. This just convinces me more that they knew who you were as soon as they arrested you. Maybe they never even planned to send you to Stillwater.”
“But…, but I didn’t do anything!”
“Or you don’t know you did.”
You pressed your lips together, trying to force your thoughts into order, but your brain resisted.
“Did Silco know about this before he bailed me out? Is that why he did it?”
“Probably not. When I noticed the tail, I had one of our people get ahead of us on the way to Last Drop.”
“How is that possible? You didn’t say a word the whole way!”
She smirked in mock amusement.
“Don’t tell me you’re so naïve that you don’t know we have people everywhere.”
You took a deep breath.
“So, you think he was so mad because he thought I was scheming behind his back?”
Right. If that were true, he hadn’t said a word about it to avoid giving himself away. You could understand that, but now it was clear he didn’t trust you. Your own words about loyalty burned in your gut. You clutched your stomach, feeling almost physical pain. This couldn’t be happening… When you thought he couldn’t hurt you more, he managed to do so even in his absence.
“No,” she said firmly. “Silco is who he is, but he values loyalty. Even if he was angry about something and took it out on you, he has a good eye for people. If he didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t have been given all those tasks.”
“Then what’s this about?”
“I can only speculate,” she pursed her lips, debating whether to tell you.
“Oh, just spit it out already!”
“Someone influential and wealthy enough to pay off already-bribed guards is making a move. They’re defying not just the law but also Silco. Whoever they are, they’re either confident or stupid. The fact you hid your mutation from Silco means you weren’t ready to talk about it, but it doesn’t reflect on your loyalty to the gang. I don’t doubt that, and I don’t think he does either. Like I said, the guards didn’t know who you worked for. They followed you to find out. Whoever sent them wants to track your steps—or they already know who you work for and are trying to get to him through you. I don’t know.”
“This can’t be happening,” you whispered, shaken.
“Don’t dwell on what’s already happened. Think about who might have it out for you. And let me know immediately before we end up at odds with someone bigger.”
That thought haunted you for the rest of the night. But you had no idea who would go to such lengths to kidnap or kill you. You were too insignificant. You kept to yourself and did everything possible to stay unnoticed. If it was the one behind the drug, they wouldn’t have let you leave the station. Or maybe they did it to… You groaned in frustration, collapsing onto the pillows.
This time, Sevika didn’t drag you out of bed. Maybe she figured that after a dose of information like that, you needed a moment to yourself rather than training. Yet you would’ve preferred sweating and trying to fend her off to dwelling on Silco and everything else.
That man gave you bigger headaches than shimmer ever could. Still, whatever his hidden motives were, you couldn’t forgive him for his behavior. You were bound to him for a long time, if not forever. Asking him for anything now would hurt your pride. You could suffer as much as you wanted, but showing it felt like a weakness. Holding onto anger too long would destroy everything in you, leaving no room for other feelings. If he disappeared, you’d lose not just your strength but yourself. Anger was a precious and powerful emotion. It made more sense to ration it, letting it drive your actions—or direct it at someone else.
Silco—whether you liked it or not—was still your boss. The only connection left between you was the knowledge about the drug. You planned to destroy it. Whatever plans he had for it remained a mystery. You could only hope he wouldn’t try to take control of it. Your emotions boiled over, suspecting him of the worst possible deeds. You could already feel yourself exaggerating his actions, driven by the pain he caused.
Instead of creating an image of a monster in your mind, you focused on other tasks. You promised yourself that in the coming days, you'd muster so much professionalism and competence that it would overflow. Since he had set the situation this way, there was no point in arguing—not with him. Proving him wrong would feel like begging for scraps of attention. You were above that. You appreciated how he spoke to you, but he didn’t treat you as an equal. No, you weren’t thinking in business terms. You were thinking in human terms. As you recalled your conversations with him, a bitter realization dawned—he always cared only about the shimmer in your blood. Nothing more. Any illusions that he might see you the way you saw him were nothing more than childish naivety.
You knew you could let your emotions cool and make your anger over his words fade. You’d done it before; you just needed to stop caring about his opinion. That was doable. Forgetting him and how tender he could sometimes be toward you would be harder, but this challenge seemed worth pursuing—and you loved challenges. Anger and resentment would fade, but the memory of what he did would remain. No matter what he did, nothing could fix that. The problem was that your body remembered, and it wanted to respond the way it used to. He’d turned your head, yes. You’d let yourself be manipulated, true. But you wouldn’t let him toy with you anymore in those games whose rules only he understood.
That night, after talking with Sevika, you sat on your bed, staring at your arms. You didn’t notice any signs of change, no shimmer glinting beneath your skin. Whatever had happened to your body was more significant than you’d thought. Silco knew about the mutations, but you couldn’t reveal anything more to him—not until you were certain he wouldn’t lock you in a lab to study you like some sick animal.
You felt another dose would be necessary in a few days. Sevika didn’t know if anything was planned for you, but she didn’t seem intent on pushing you either. You wanted her to, but something about her changed after your conversation. You just didn’t know whether it was for better or worse. It wasn’t an order, but a suggestion. She advised you to practice your skills in every way possible. For the next three days, you spent every waking moment in the training room, throwing knives in the dark or listening to conversations from every direction.
Oh, how you hated your hearing. You could close your eyes and shut out the world, but wherever you went, you heard everything. You knew who was sleeping with whom. You knew who drank the most, who had the biggest debts. These people were simple and had no secrets. If only they trained their minds with the same fervor they used to develop their muscles, their conversations might transcend primal needs.
For a moment, you thought Sevika might be looking for someone in the crowd and needed your hearing to find the culprit. You feared she’d want to exploit it, but she said nothing about your new activities. She was probably waiting for you to bring it up yourself. You were even grateful for that.
Silco might be cruel, but he was right about not pushing past your limits. At any moment, you might be needed. So, when you started feeling the familiar pain, you immediately went to Sevika. She handed you a vial without question, only making sure you knew what you were doing.
The shimmer coursed through your veins. You had to bury your head under a pillow because every sound from outside attacked you more intensely than before. You feared your ears might start bleeding if the noise didn’t stop. The only comfort was that the dull pain inflicted by the enforcers disappeared after taking it. You could breathe and move as you used to, so you went to her as soon as you could. You insisted on continuing your training. She must’ve been waiting for that because she agreed immediately. As usual, she ordered you to be in the gym at six.
Unused, new energy was pouring out of you. Long before she came downstairs, you started your little ritual. You grabbed a few knives from a box. They were blunt but good for throwing. People had gotten used to your sessions, and no one tried to hang out there, even if you weren’t around.
You had excellent aim for many years, but hitting targets in almost complete darkness required much more practice. Dissatisfied with the results, you turned on the lights and began walking toward the mannequin when you heard a swoosh near your ear. Without much thought, you reached out toward the sound. Something sliced the skin between your thumb and index finger, but you managed to graze the handle with your hand. Startled, you jumped back, clutching your hand. Would there ever come a day when this room didn’t taste your blood?
“What did you just do?”
You turned to see Sevika with another knife ready to throw. She looked oddly shocked.
“Me? Why are you throwing knives at me?”
“I wasn’t throwing at you, I was aiming at the mannequin!”
You had no idea what had just happened. Sevika was stronger, and her throws—even with her human arm—were more precise and faster than yours.
“I almost caught it,” you whispered, watching blood pool in the crease of your hand.
“What now?” she asked, stepping closer.
“I heard it fly past my ear, and something told me to grab it. I didn’t know it was a knife. But I’m sure I touched it.”
“Start sleeping more, because you’re talking nonsense. Shall we start?”
She ignored your observations. But because of them, you couldn’t fully focus on the training. Again and again, you ended up flat on your back, trying to figure out how you had reacted so quickly. Something had triggered that response in you. Perhaps innate abilities, perhaps the shimmer messing with you again. But whatever it was, it disappeared as quickly as it came.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

This time, there was no one to share your new theory with. After training with Sevika, you felt the need to think. It wasn’t as surprising as discovering that darkness didn’t work against you or that you could hear sounds from distances imperceptible to others. Lately, those abilities felt oddly natural. Sara was still impressed by how quickly you found her tools in the basement despite the lamp malfunction. She didn’t ask questions but cast curious glances when you lingered near the kitchen.But this… this was disturbingly strange. The wound on your hand was proof that the incident had indeed happened. The problem was, you had no idea how to explain it. You heard a sound. Your body reacted on its own, as if to an unexpected attack. Quick reflexes were a necessity in your profession, but your hand had moved far too fast. You tried to replicate the movement, but nothing changed. You must have looked like a lunatic, flailing your arms around. Yet none of it compared to the speed you had experienced earlier. Unlike the other mutations you had undergone, this one wasn’t constant. Fleeting, easy to overlook—if not for the unsettling feeling it left in your chest.You hadn’t reacted like that even once during your training with Sevika. You kept telling yourself that adrenaline and shimmer were behind it all. But what if they weren’t? What if each dose was changing you until you became someone unrecognizable? Would you still be able to look at yourself in the mirror? Your identity was defined by your experiences, not the amount of drugs in your system. You wanted to remain yourself for as long as possible, but the challenges you faced made it incredibly difficult.For the first time in a long while, you lacked the strength to run far. Was that another change beyond your control? If you met someone from your past, would they be able to spot the differences? Losing yourself terrified you more than death. You didn’t want to leave this world knowing you were a walking mutation and not… yourself.Sitting on the windowsill in your room, you dangled your legs out the window. From your perch, you could see the city sinking into valleys that formed glimmering fissures in the ground. It was a view you had grown accustomed to, one you’d recently started to appreciate. There was something intriguing about the chaos.Aside from that one mention, you hadn’t brought up your feelings to Sevika again. You were beginning to respect her more than before. She had her reasons for not sharing everything that weighed on her mind. She understood your hesitation about withholding information from Silco. The fact that she kept her word made you feel like you could trust her when the time came. Even though she didn’t have to, she tried to steer you onto the right path whenever you strayed. Of course, she didn’t shy away from insults and threats, but she was rarely wrong. It was as if she genuinely tried to understand your perspective before passing judgment. And even when you often got yourself into trouble, she gave you a chance for one last explanation.She didn’t have to tell you that you were being watched. Nor did she have to share Silco’s behavior after your argument. She stood firmly by his side and could have ignored the matter entirely. Yet she decided that what you had to say was worth something. You wanted to like her—really, you did. But everything about her reminded you of him.Silco had apparently decided he’d had enough and vanished for a while. Whatever he was doing shouldn’t have been your problem. As long as he didn’t suspend the search, you should have been satisfied. So why couldn’t you be? Why did you keep leaving that thread open in your mind?Despite your still-strong feelings for him, you decided the safest course of action was to distance yourself personally and focus on work. Maybe if you started looking at him as just your boss, your life would get simpler. That, however, required him to think of you as merely an employee. Unfortunately, his behavior didn’t support that notion. But well, one of you had to be the smarter one.That didn’t mean you would leave all the decisions to him, though. If he acted irrationally, you had no intention of nodding along to foolish ideas. You weren’t crazy—yet. Sevika had advised you to stay at the base for now due to potential patrols. Once things calmed down, you could return to your usual outdoor tasks. It was odd that her words weren’t a command but a request. She probably knew you’d ignore an order and sneak out under the cover of night if you felt like it.He’d been gone for four days now. Sitting on the windowsill, you decided to give him one more day before heading back to the upper city to search for clues. The longer you waited, the greater the chance you’d be too late to stop whoever was behind this.You were deeply curious about what Zarys was doing there. You were convinced he was just another lower-city schemer who’d wormed his way into the higher echelons by offering his skills. Who was he, really? His profile didn’t indicate anything special—if it was even real. He could have just as easily assumed a new name and erased his tracks to get a job at the factory. But why? Why go to such lengths and create a new drug?As far as you knew, it hadn’t hit the streets yet. So, he wasn’t making it to enslave people. Were they exporting it to other countries? That would be a direct path to war. Or maybe it was meant as a weapon. Who stood to profit from this?So many questions, so few answers.And only three minds to work on a solution. It felt like a recipe for disaster.You planned to put your mind to work on solving this. You spent the rest of the day making notes about everything you knew, so you could revisit them and look for further connections. Some might call your thoroughness a sign of servility. Of course, you didn’t intend to share any of it with Silco. That would be childish and reek of petty vengeance. You didn’t want to prove anything to him; you just needed to clear some mental space for other facts.At some point, you must have fallen asleep with your face on the desk. A strange sound, like scraping, woke you. You recognized it—similar noises came from your lockpicks. Groggy from sleep, your body still recognized the potential threat and reacted on its own. One moment you were sitting at the desk making notes, and the next, you were standing by the door, waiting for the intruder to step inside.Who could be so foolish?The door creaked open softly. Oh, of course, now it decided not to squeak. A narrow beam of light spilled into the room. You stood on the other side of the door, watching the shadow of a figure lurking at the entrance. Too late, you realized your knife was safely tucked under your pillow. You cursed silently. There wouldn’t be time to reach for it.First, a foot appeared, then a hand reaching for the door. He tried to move as quietly as possible, but his bulky frame barely fit through the doorway. You tried to recall what Sevika had said about using an opponent’s weight against them. Were you strong enough for that?Without hesitation, instinctively, you grabbed his wrist and twisted it hard. He yelped in pain, startled by your attack. His free hand reached for his belt. You acted without thinking. A kick sent his gun flying under the bed, where it hit the wall with a soft thud. Whoever he was, you didn’t recognize his face.Before you could strike again, he raised his head and landed a punch squarely on your jaw. The blow snapped your head back, and the metallic taste of blood filled your mouth. You wiped your lip, feeling the sting of a split. That moment’s pause cost you a fraction of a second—one breath too long.The attacker took advantage of the opportunity, trying to break free, but you acted faster than you thought possible. Your knife was out of reach, but your hands were close enough. You grabbed his shoulder and yanked, forcing him off balance. Your knee slammed into his chest, pinning him to the ground.He struggled, trying to free his arm, but the pressure you applied effectively immobilized him. You felt his muscles trembling and the strength he put into resisting. Ignoring the throbbing pain in your face, you pressed your knee down harder, trapping his other arm."I should kill you," you hissed through clenched teeth."Traitorous cunt!" he spat, attempting to spit at you, but the saliva landed pathetically on his own cheek. "You won't push me out.""What the hell are you talking about?""Everyone sees how you're kissing Sevika's ass. You're not taking my promotion."He had completely lost it. Everything happened in seconds. You weren’t thinking; you acted on instinct. Your response was swift, too swift for your usual capabilities. Footsteps echoed in the hallway—someone was coming your way.Without waiting for him to try attacking again, you twisted his arm, forcing him to stand. If he didn’t want a broken wrist, he had no choice but to comply. Seeing the pain on his face, you kicked him hard, sending him stumbling into the hallway. He landed heavily in front of someone just rounding the corner.You didn’t have to kill him. Letting someone witness his humiliation would suffice—the rumors would do the rest. That evening, your victory was clear.He crashed against the opposite wall in the hallway. You heard a faint crack before he slid down, leaving a small, bloody smear. The idiot had broken his nose. Not the smartest of his brood. Moments later, a shocked gasp reached your ears, followed by laughter. You stepped into the hallway, feeling the need to put on a show so they’d understand it wasn’t worth messing with you.You approached him and nudged him with your boot. He groaned faintly, clutching his face. In front of you stood two people, but you pretended not to notice them. It looked like one of the muscleheads had found company for the night. The woman covered her mouth, her eyes wide with fear."Next time, I’ll break more than your nose," you said, trying to steady your voice. Only then did you acknowledge the startled duo. "What are you staring at?"The woman tugged at the man’s arm, trying to pull him away from the scene. That was enough. By the end of the evening, the rumor would spread that someone as frail as you had taken down someone twice your size. You wondered what Sevika would think about it.You slammed the door behind you. All the energy drained out of you. Your hands were trembling. You were terrified for your life. It seemed adrenaline alone had kept the fear from creeping into your voice. Leaning against the door, you slid down to the floor, pulling your knees to your chest. You touched your lips gently, feeling the sting of the still-bleeding cut. You knew it would be a while before anyone dared challenge you again. What puzzled you more were your reactions. Everything seemed to happen without conscious thought. You responded to sound alone, as if your body had suddenly grown a safety sensor. Adrenaline or shimmer? You’d reacted similarly when Sevika had thrown a knife. It was all strange, unsettling, and spontaneous. It was useful in a fight but too unpredictable to rely on. Besides, it only seemed to activate when an attack came unexpectedly.As if you didn’t have enough problems already. *** The next day, you learned through the grapevine that Silco had returned to his duties. Sara woke you early, relaying that you were to report to him. You wanted to roll over and sleep, but Sara was more afraid of Silco than anyone else. Not wanting to stress her further, you dragged your half-asleep body out of bed.At least you still recognized the person in the mirror. The cut on your lip gave your mouth a strange, perpetually scornful look. It hadn’t fully closed, which was odd—shimmer usually sped up healing, but not this time.Sara might fear him, but you didn’t. If he had something for you, he’d have to wait until you were capable of thinking. And that couldn’t happen on an empty stomach. Snatching a still-warm meat bun from a tray, you knew Sara would have a fit if she saw you. It had been two hours since she’d delivered the message.As expected, the rumor had spread overnight. Conversations quieted slightly at your approach. You heard increasingly absurd versions of the story passing from person to person. Someone even claimed you’d attacked the guy. Whatever—they could make up stories as long as they left you alone. You didn’t see the nose-broken assailant anywhere, so he was probably hiding to avoid questions. In a few days, you’d likely hear that he’d beaten you and that a broken nose was a small price for such a triumph.You nibbled on the bun as you walked to The Last Drop. Amusingly, it was the first time in a while you didn’t feel anything at the thought of seeing Silco. Well, maybe a small hope that things would finally move forward. It was absurd for them to see you as a threat. Sure, you could handle yourself to an extent, but in a one-on-one fight, you’d lose miserably. Sheer luck had allowed you to turn the situation to your advantage—or maybe shimmer.It wasn’t even nine when you walked through the nearly empty streets. The smog still hung thick in the air. The light that reached this level was dim, barely noticeable. That’s why lamps and other lights were always on. Some parts of Zaun looked as if they were perpetually shrouded in night. You were heading to one of those places, finishing the last bites of your breakfast.You stopped dead in your tracks, realizing Sevika hadn’t dragged you out for training. Either you had the day off, or she’d decided she wouldn’t wake you every time. You hoped she was just busy with other duties. You should have been mad at her for skipping your sessions despite her earlier threats, but you had no intention of confronting her about it.The sight of The Last Drop without its irritating lights reminded you of the pointless tests you’d undergone when you thought stopping Zarys would solve everything. As expected, the place was empty. The lights were off, which should have plunged everything into darkness, but of course, you could still see. Lost in thought, you headed upstairs automatically. Raising your hand, you knocked three times. Without waiting for permission, you entered. He was expecting you, right?You closed the door behind you but didn’t move closer. You also didn’t say a word. You just waited. That seemed to surprise him; he looked up from his documents, his expression slightly unsure, as if he expected someone else to barge into his office."You're unusually quiet today."You shrugged."I have nothing to say."Okay, his bewilderment amused you a little. But regardless, you had no intention of getting drawn into word games. His hand paused mid-writing. He flinched slightly but quickly recovered."I see Sevika hasn’t gone easy on you.""What, did she come to brag?" you snapped before you could bite your tongue.Silco lifted his head and pointed a pen at you.“No, it’s written all over your face.”You raised a hand to your split lip. You had forgotten about it.“It wasn’t her. Some guy tried to break into my room, so I showed him it wasn’t worth messing with me.”He suppressed a strange smile and straightened up, turning his attention fully to you.“I take it that’s a battle wound, and he ended up worse off?”“If you kept a better eye on your people, I wouldn’t have to break their noses and set them straight.”Damn, it was hard not to get drawn into a conversation with him. It felt natural, like breathing fresh air after weeks spent at the bottom of Zaun. But you couldn’t stop yourself from snapping back. Not when he tried to mock you. You could’ve lost your life the day before; it wasn’t exactly a laughing matter.“One of my people attacked you?”“Am I not speaking clearly? Some idiot thought he was hunting for his supposed promotion. Maybe he’s infatuated with Sevika, who knows.”Sometimes you saw a similar look on Leon’s face when one of the customers started acting out. Something like confidence mixed with determination. Dangerous. Still fascinating.“I want you to get back to tracking down leads.”You didn’t respond. You simply nodded. He pressed his lips together, slightly distracted, as if he’d expected the usual barrage of questions from you. In a way, it was satisfying to throw him off balance by saying nothing. He didn’t anticipate you would let him speak uninterrupted. He looked as though he’d lost his train of thought. Adjusting the scarf around his neck, he returned his attention to the documents.“Any questions?”“When do I start?”It seemed like he sighed, annoyed, but you might have misheard. That would be a first, given your heightened hearing.“Whenever. I know you’ve just had a dose.”You wanted to ask where he had disappeared to. You wanted to ask if something else influenced your argument. You wanted to ask why he insisted on you coming to him when he could easily have Sevika deliver the vials. He trusted her, didn’t he?But none of those questions made it to your lips.“May I leave?”He stiffened, gripping the pen a little too tightly. You heard a faint crack. You should have been pleased that, despite his efforts, you hadn’t let him draw you into a conversation. Instead, there was a slight pang of guilt, as though you’d spoken out of turn. He didn’t look at you again. He just waved his hand dismissively.You left the room with relief, feeling a strange exhaustion clouding your mind. This behavior toward him was something new. Worse, treating him coldly made you feel bad. It was wrong, inappropriate. After everything he’d done, you should still be angry. Maybe Sevika’s words were affecting you too much, and against your better judgment, you wanted to justify him. Deep down, you didn’t fully believe Silco could deliberately hurt you.Maybe it was time to open your eyes. *** You could’ve asked a few questions.Leaning against one of the lampposts, you watched the bridge, thinking about the best way to return to the upper city. Even if the patrols had stopped searching every corner of Zaun for you, they might still keep an eye on anyone entering the city. You doubted they were conducting full searches of people or vehicles, but caution was never a bad idea. Covering your face would raise suspicion. You could avert your gaze or pull up a hood, but those actions screamed deceit. Walking with your head held high didn’t seem like the right approach, either.It had been too few days for another shipment—or at least you thought so. You’d familiarized yourself with shimmer production rules using data from one of Silco’s factories. The flowers grew quickly, but it took over a week for them to reach full potency. No more thefts from the factories had been reported. Zarys must’ve figured out the formula and reworked it with some of their own nasty additions. Either way, it was too early for another shipment, which meant sneaking in with smugglers wasn’t an option.You could steal a boat and try your luck, but you didn’t know where to go. You’d had sacks over your head last time. You knew the beach was somewhere east of the city. You could wander blindly, but that didn’t make sense. Your memory didn’t fail you—the beach was cut off from the rest of the area by water. Dirty, polluted water.On the other hand, you weren’t sure if you’d find your way back to the underground passage. Wandering aimlessly could lead you straight into another patrol, and if they remembered you, no amount of money Silco offered would work this time. Luck wouldn’t be on your side twice. It was a stalemate. You couldn’t get there from above or below. Unless you planned to lock yourself in a barrel and wait for them to take you, you were out of ideas.You stayed put, straining your mind and hoping inspiration would strike. Returning to Silco or Sevika for help getting into the city was humiliating. If only you knew someone who could handle business in the upper city. Someone the guards wouldn’t stop, either out of fear or because they carried strong credentials. Someone who…You bolted.It wasn’t far. You knew the way like the back of your hand. The shimmer still coursing through your veins helped you arrive without losing your breath. You pushed the door open with a bang. The painting above it swayed precariously. Two men sitting at a table turned to you, startled, their heads moving in unison.“I thought I’d never see you again.”Leon placed two mugs filled with something brown on the bar, wiped his hands on his apron, and gestured for you to sit in front of him.“Tell me you still have that client in Piltover.”You took a seat and leaned toward him.“Ollie?” he mused, scratching the back of his head. “Well, he hasn’t ordered anything in a while.”You drummed your fingers impatiently on the wooden bar.“You need to get me into the city.”“Why? Can’t you just walk in?”You glanced discreetly over your shoulder. The two customers were eavesdropping. You leaned even closer, practically laying on the counter.“The guards might still remember my face. I need to get in today, and with you, they won’t dare interfere.”Leon straightened up, as if proud that he could still command respect. You smiled sweetly. He blushed slightly at the sight. You knew he couldn’t say no to you.“Just this once,” he said, wagging a finger at you. “I won’t ask why, because I can tell it’s about someone up high. I don’t need to know, don’t even tell me. The less I know, the better I sleep. When do you need to go?”“Anytime.”He nodded and disappeared into the back room. He returned a few minutes later with a large bag full of bottles that clinked pleasantly with every step.He nodded toward the two men, and without a word of protest, they gathered their things and left faster than you could blink. Impressive. You hadn’t realized that Leon commanded such respect among people.He locked the establishment, and you both exited through the back. You had to jog occasionally to keep up with him—his strides were far too long. You remembered that he also worked for Silco, but it had never crossed your mind to ask what exactly he did."Leon? How do you even know him?""Silco?" he asked quietly, glancing at you. "Know is maybe too strong a word. I was recruited a few years ago. I’m not anyone particularly important. I usually scout out gems like you. See? I’ve got a good eye.""Weren’t you a smuggler?""Unofficially. Sometimes things end up mixed with the bottles, but it’s been a long time since anyone left me a message. They still pay me, so I don’t complain."Leon was someone who hid much more than he revealed. Before working for Silco, you used to see him almost daily, and it had never occurred to you that he might have his own secrets.As you approached the bridge, you wondered if you could trust him a little more."How well do you know the upper city?""Not very well. Why?" He stopped so you could catch up. Reading something on your face, he raised his hands in mock surrender. "Oh no, don’t drag me into your business. I told you, I don’t want to know.""I just want to ask something," you reassured him. "Do you know where the entrances to the underground are?""Entrances? Sweetheart, they’re everywhere."Oh, damn. That complicated things. You didn’t press him further. Walking behind him in silence, you mulled over the implications. If you could enter the tunnels from nearly anywhere, there was no point in dragging him along. The problem was, you didn’t know how large the tunnels were. If you went down without a map or directions, you might get lost and never come out.Sure enough, as you’d suspected, the guards turned away at the sight of the towering, almost two-meter man, not daring to intervene. Shielded in his shadow, you slipped into the city like you owned the place.The architecture should have impressed you, but you’d grown so accustomed to Zaun’s shadows that the white buildings of Piltover seemed glaring. The only pleasant thing was the air—strangely sweet, as if perfumed.Once you passed the checkpoint, you both went your separate ways. You nodded at him in farewell, intending to thank him later—if you made it through your mission unscathed. You hadn’t shed any blood yet today, but the day was still young.You had a plan, as always—risky, of course. You needed to find that entrance. Someone in Piltover had to know. Unfortunately, your appearance immediately betrayed that you came from the lower city. There was a subtle difference in the fabrics of clothing. You were always dressed in dark colors, so you could disappear into the shadows. The people of the upper city, however, seemed to favor white. You stood out like a blotch on pristine canvas. Was this how they saw Zaun?There had to be someone familiar with the layout of the tunnels under the city. A random passerby probably wouldn’t know, so you needed someone educated or with access to the right books.Keeping close to the walls, you walked slowly, trying not to appear nervous. Still, you felt the weight of every gaze on you. You couldn’t blame them. Hopefully, you’d find the entrance before someone decided your presence was unwelcome.You could have wandered for hours, searching aimlessly, but you dared to approach a street vendor and ask for directions. At first, he seemed ready to run, but he hesitated and reluctantly directed you further.You were looking for a library or a bookstore. Places like that always had books about the city’s history. You were searching for one specific entrance—it shouldn’t be too hard.Pushing open the door to a small shop, a bell tinkled softly overhead. Inside, it smelled of dust and paper—a surprisingly pleasant scent. The walls were painted a deep green, complementing the dark wood of the shelves. Books had never interested you, but you respected the knowledge they held.Delicate beads clicked softly as an elderly woman emerged from an adjoining room. She leaned on a well-worn cane as she approached you."Can I help you, dear?"Startled by her kind tone, you froze momentarily."Uh… I’m looking for information about the Piltover underground. A specific location. Do you have anything like that in your collection?"She tutted briefly and shook her head. Well, one lead down, on to the next."Well, thank you anyway," you said, turning to leave.But she caught your hand."I might not have a book for it, but I’ve got a memory," she said, tapping her temple. "What are you looking for, sweetheart?""A reliable entrance to the underground," you explained. "Specifically one near the largest reservoir, where other tunnels converge. For… academic purposes, you understand?"The old woman seemed to have poor eyesight, as she believed you without question. Or maybe she simply didn’t care how you looked."Sweetheart, there are six such places in the city. You’ll have to be more specific.""Near the beach, on the eastern side of the city. A straightforward tunnel leading to the surface.""Ah, now you’re talking sense," she chuckled raspily, turning to rummage through something. "You mean the eastern aqueduct, bringing water to the city’s northern parts. What sort of work is this?""Um… economic analysis, quarterly water consumption, that kind of thing…"Gods, you were terrible at lying. Your voice faltered with each word as you wondered how she could possibly believe you.She tutted again, pulling out a sheet of paper. Folding it in half, she handed it to you."Of course, of course. Off you go now—don’t keep your work waiting."She waved you off and began shuffling slowly toward the back room. The encounter had been unexpectedly peculiar. An interesting woman, to say the least.You glanced at the paper—it was a map of how to reach the appropriate entrance. Lifting your head to thank her, you were startled to find her standing upright behind the counter."How is it now?""In the tunnels?" you asked, puzzled."In Zaun, sweetheart. My home."Oh, damn. That’s why she hadn’t reacted to your appearance or behavior. She hid it well, playing the part of a frail old shopkeeper. But what was she doing in Piltover, working as a vendor?"Different," you replied briefly, not knowing what else to say."I hear rumors about what’s happening there. I have a good life here, but sometimes I miss home. Off you go now, my dear.""Thank you," you said slowly, still in shock as you walked toward the door.Something was nagging at you. Something didn’t fit. Something whispered a ridiculous curiosity in your ear. You placed your hand on the doorknob and hesitated. But it wouldn’t let you go."Did you, by any chance, run a library back in Zaun?""Indeed, my love." *** The entrance to the underground was far from the bookshop. Gods, but she had surprised you. What were the odds of this? Was it luck again, or were you being guided by some unseen hand? Either way, you knew there was one thing you wanted to do before the possibility of death. One act that would define your worth.The gate near the stairs was open, just as Zarys had left it. Apparently, they weren’t overly concerned about potential break-ins. Then again, who would be reckless enough to tamper with such a volatile force? You nudged the gate open and slipped inside before anyone could notice. Things should get easier now. You had memorized the turns while shadowing Zarys. All you had to do was reverse their order and hope the noise would lead you further.You felt proud that not only had you found a relatively safe path into the city, but you had also discovered an entrance to the tunnels. There was nothing wrong with seeking help, but acting on your own made you feel strong. Not the kind of strength shimmer gave you—this was real strength. Since when were you so driven by such honorable emotions?Following the path you'd stored in your memory, you quickly arrived at the fissure leading to the reservoir below. Zarys had come from the left, so that’s where you had to start. True, Silco had mentioned tracking the goods, but what were you supposed to watch when the smugglers hadn’t shown up yet? You didn’t know, but you felt that Zarys was the key for now.You relied on all your senses to guide you, trying to locate anything significant. On the back of the map the old woman had given you, you sketched a crude diagram of the tunnels. You explored every branch you could find, but they all looked the same. And they all stank the same. Thank goodness the mutation hadn’t touched your sense of smell; otherwise, the unrelenting stench of rot and sludge would’ve driven you insane.You wandered through the tunnels for hours, growing increasingly desperate. Going back empty-handed wasn’t an option. You were prepared to spend days down here if you had to, but you needed to find something—if only for yourself. Zarys had indirectly sentenced you to a painful death. If you could thwart his plans, you’d gladly do it for the sake of revenge.But the tunnels were nothing but dead ends.Returning to your starting point, you perched on a patch of dry stone. You shone your flashlight around, making sure you hadn’t missed a single branch. You prided yourself on being meticulous, and the fact that you’d come up empty enraged you. Zarys couldn’t have just materialized out of thin air."This makes no sense," you groaned, closing your eyes.The noise was maddening, but there was nothing you could do about it. It was arrhythmic, interrupted by occasional moments of delicate silence, when only the faint trickle of water could be heard. And in one such pause, a new sound reached you. Muffled, but distinct—it sounded like two voices overlapping. Startled, you flinched and hit your head, cursing loudly. You opened your eyes and searched for the source. You were too far down to hear people on the surface. Could it be smugglers? No, the sound came from somewhere else.It didn’t matter how crazy it seemed; better this than nothing.Pressing one hand against the wall, you moved toward the voices, eyes closed, hoping to reach their source before they faded. They led you to a tunnel ending in a vertical wall. You really were losing your mind. The noise was driving you to madness.Pulling out your flashlight, you began searching. Just because something wasn’t visible didn’t mean it wasn’t there. You focused on details that wouldn’t normally draw attention. It could be a hidden mechanism behind a loose brick or a concealed lever in a crack. Carefully, you inspected every inch of the wall, growing more irritated with each passing second."I'm definitely losing it—just what I needed," you muttered to yourself but didn’t stop searching.Your hands were dry and raw from probing every crevice, hoping to find something. Slowly, you edged along the wall. Suddenly, you tripped over a protruding plate, twisting your wrist painfully. The voices became slightly louder and clearer. Frantically, you began feeling around. The plate was heavy, but you managed to shift it slightly. A muted light spilled out from below. You couldn’t see them yet, but you could hear them.“…eight, then twelve the next time, and after that…”"All right, all right, I’ll read the data later.""But it’s important! You need this to plan the relocation!"Two women. That’s all you could discern about the speakers."The relocation has already been planned without your calculations.""Then adjust it! My findings suggest it would be more efficient a week later. It’ll reduce the risk that—""Enough, you’re irritating me. Just tell me where Zarys is."You strained your ears."He left just now to meet with the boss. He should be halfway to the lower city by now."Your heart sank. Too much information at once. You’d think about the relocation later. The voices started fading, and waiting for more risked missing Zarys. You bolted, determined to catch him before he reached Zaun. You had a chance to discover who was behind all this. Your speed would determine the future of this reconnaissance mission. The bridges were too far apart to watch both simultaneously. You gambled that Zarys would take the closer one and head toward his real objective afterward.The question was, could you beat him there?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

You wonder if this is how Silco felt.You had always heard that bleeding out was painful. But all you felt was anger—anger at how stupidly you let yourself get caught up in that fight. You could have left before anything happened, but no, you stayed until the end, hoping you might hear something useful.And you did. The disgusting sound of flesh being torn open.The anger kept the adrenaline pumping, pushing you forward. Funny—in another situation, your actions might have been called dedication. No, you had to reach the Last Drop before the information died with you. The worst part was that you hadn't even learned anything particularly significant during that observation. If you had returned to Silco directly after hearing about the shipment, none of this would have happened.It was vengeance driving you forward, even though you had no real chance of achieving it.You staggered, leaning your full weight against a wall as dizziness overtook you. Squinting, you tried to focus your vision but couldn’t tell where you were. Your mind was too dull to feel panic. Somewhere in the distance, you could hear a murmur of voices, maybe even some music. You couldn’t gauge how far you were from your destination.Two breaths later, you pushed yourself off the wall and tried to keep moving. The wound wouldn’t stop bleeding because you wouldn’t stop moving. Your hand brushed your thigh, fingers meeting the wet, now-cold blood. Its metallic smell made you nauseous, but you couldn’t stop. The wound wasn’t fatal, but if you stayed on the street much longer, you risked bleeding out or getting an infection. No one would help; they’d sooner rob you of your last coin.Step by step.Small steps, focusing on your breath, and you could reach the Last Drop before you passed out. A part of you was curious about Silco’s reaction to your condition. After all, his precious investment was at risk. Still, you didn’t expect much emotion from him.Ahead, the brighter lights of better-lit streets came into view. You were so close now, but your vision was growing dim. You should have heard the cacophony of voices, but the rushing sound of blood drowned it out. That was the only thing reminding you your heart was still beating. Your leg was going numb, and the chill in the air deepened. In Zaun, strange sights weren’t uncommon—one more injured person wouldn’t faze anyone. But navigating through the crowd became harder; you were a vulnerable target for shoves and jostles.You wanted to hold onto your anger at everyone and everything, but your mind was emptying, leaving only exhaustion. The temptation to sit down, even for a moment, was overwhelming. It would be so easy…
You have to stop him.
The words hit you like a slap, ringing in your ears. After everything, he had the audacity to ask for help. Anger flared again, clearing your vision just a little. A familiar logo loomed ahead. So close. You stumbled against a passerby, who glared at you like they’d stepped in something foul. You didn’t blame them; you probably looked worse. Raising your hands in a gesture of peace, you backed off. The stranger flipped you off and muttered something you couldn’t make out.The bouncer standing at the entrance straightened, bracing for trouble. He’d probably seen plenty of drunks trying to force their way in. With the last of your strength, you pulled down your hood. He recognized you. His eyes widened in alarm as he reached out to catch you, but you waved him off. You weren’t dying—just bleeding a little too much.“What the hell happened to you?”“I need… to see him… information,” you managed to get out before a stabbing pain shot through your leg. Someone bumped into you, driving the metal buckle of their belt straight into your wound.You howled in pain, unable to keep your balance. A hand pressed against your back, steadying you.The bouncer didn’t ask more questions. He opened the door, letting the deafening music spill out into the street. You had no idea what time it was. You hoped the patrons were too drunk to notice how unsteady you were.You thought you saw Sevika’s face in the crowd, but you could have been mistaken. In this state, nothing was certain anymore. You’d forgotten about the flight of stairs still ahead. But you were too close to give up now. No one stopped you as you began to clumsily climb. With every step, you felt your makeshift bandage slipping lower, unable to hold against the blood loss. You were sure you were leaving a trail behind you. Oh well, it wouldn’t be the first time someone had to clean your blood off the floor.The climb felt endless. You should have passed out twice on those stairs, but you stubbornly pressed on, trying to convince yourself that the searing pain wasn’t so bad. You felt pathetic—not just because you had almost gotten yourself killed again, but mostly because, like a loyal dog, you were dragging yourself back to Silco to confess everything.You knew no one else should hear about Zarys’s meeting with his boss. Sevika could have been anywhere, dealing with other matters. That Silco was in his office was practically a given—unless he’d decided to disappear again.The closer you got, the harder it was to make your legs move. You grabbed the handle, glancing at your bloodied hand. You wondered how many marks you’d left behind. Without knocking, you stepped inside, leaving the door open behind you.“Not now. I’m busy,” he said without looking.Standing with his back to the door, he stared at something through the massive window. You slid against the wall and slowly sank to the floor. One leg couldn’t hold your weight anymore. The wound burned like fire—stitches wouldn’t be enough this time.“Don’t mind me,” you muttered weakly. “I’ll just sit here.”At the sound of your voice, he froze for a split second and glanced over his shoulder. You had expected many things—annoyance at ruining an expensive carpet or indifference. But when he realized what had happened, he rushed to you without hesitation. Funny—just a few days ago, that gesture might have seemed kind, caring.“I have to… I have…” you tried to tell him everything, but even breathing was a struggle, let alone speaking.Suddenly, the door swung open wider. You recognized the edge of Sevika’s cape at your eye level.“What the hell happened?!”You smiled faintly, wincing as you tried to get up. Every movement sent another wave of pain through your body, forcing a loud groan from your lips.“Don’t move,” Silco said, placing his hands on your shoulders to keep you still.“I’ll get someone,” Sevika said, stepping forward before Silco stopped her too.“There’s no time,” he said, rolling up his sleeves despite your weak attempts to protest. “We need to treat this now.”Sevika, without waiting for permission, leaned over and slid one hand under your knees and the other behind your back. Things were happening that you couldn’t comprehend. Whatever they were planning, you had no power to stop them. You watched as Silco rummaged through a cabinet. Sevika lifted you as if you weighed nothing. You lay stiffly in her arms. It only lasted a few seconds before she placed you on the couch.You might have been mistaken, but she seemed worried. Maybe. All the edges were blurring more and more. You felt your head loll to the side.  “Don't you dare fall asleep!” Sevika shouted.  Something clinked beside you, like metal against metal.  “You have to drink this,” you heard his voice.  A hand pressed something glass to your lips. The scent alone made you flinch so hard that more blood spilled.  “No,” you rasped. “I can’t.”  “It’s just shimmer. It’ll help stop the bleeding.”  Shimmer. The word meant something to you. Something you should remember, but a thick fog was descending, blocking out rational thought.  “Fuck it,” Sevika muttered and forced your mouth open, pouring the drug in.  The moment it touched your tongue, your receptors reacted instantly. You began coughing and choking. Every spasm sent waves of pain rippling through your body. Colors exploded behind your eyelids, but your hearing was already sharper. You wanted to curse, but your tongue felt heavy, and your dry throat refused to form words.  “This is going to hurt.”  You opened your eyes to see Silco cutting your pants around the wound and pouring something foul-smelling on it. There was no point in pretending—it hurt. You screamed, hoping the music downstairs would drown it out.  “Just let me get up…” you began to threaten, but Sevika quickly pinned you in place.  “Stay still. This next part will be the worst.”  You should have known what was coming. You turned your head to ask what they were planning when you felt the first stitch. You’d done this before, back when Silco was injured. But when it came to your own body, it felt as if you could hear every sound inside yourself. The sensation of the thread sliding through your skin wasn’t overly painful, but it was nauseating.  You clenched your hands on the couch fabric and threw your head back. The shimmer was working. You could feel hunger, teased by the drug, but it wasn’t strong enough to subdue the darkness. Whatever was happening was beyond your control. Sevika held your shoulders to keep you from thrashing. You could sense Silco beside you but refused to look at him. The delicate brushes of his fingers on your exposed skin sent shivers and pain coursing through your irritated nerves.  It felt like an eternity.  The wound on your thigh ran vertically from the middle to your knee. You knew enough about anatomy to understand no major artery had been hit, but still, without proper care, the injury could be fatal.  The room was filled with nothing but the nauseating squeak of the thread sliding through your skin. You fought the urge to bolt. They had reacted quickly and decisively, but in your eyes, they were nothing short of barbarians. You probably swore a lot during the process, but neither of them seemed to care.  The distinctive click of scissors and the release of pressure on your shoulders were clear signs that the ordeal was over. You sucked in air through gritted teeth and lifted your head. Sevika stepped back and stood near the door, ensuring no one entered. You glanced down at your leg. The reddened skin—from blood and stitching—looked awful. The stitches stretched endlessly; you counted about ten.  “Well, these pants are ruined,” you muttered.  Sevika let out a short laugh but quickly composed herself. Silco stepped away as fast as he could. You dared to look at him. His face was tight, as if he were trying to suppress anger. No, it wasn’t anger—something else was trying to surface, but he kept his emotions in check. He was wiping his hands on a white towel, avoiding your gaze. You suddenly felt awkward.  “Thank you,” you whispered. “For helping.”  The air grew heavy with awkwardness. Instinctively, you tried to sit up straighter to relieve your back. A quiet hiss escaped your lips as you realized it was a mistake. Silco flinched, as if he wanted to move, but he continued meticulously wiping his hands instead.  “I’ll arrange a spot in the hospital,” Sevika said. She seemed to sense the tension and disappeared as quickly as possible. Left alone with him, the awkwardness was replaced by mild unease. You had come here with information and caused them trouble. It was impressive how swiftly he had acted, but the lack of emotion on his face unnerved you more than any outburst of anger.  You felt an overwhelming urge to explain yourself, but no words seemed adequate.  “What happened?” he asked quietly.  The question jolted you from your thoughts. You turned your gaze to his face, but he had already turned away. He was putting the tools back in the cabinet, not looking at you. Should you be concerned that he kept a suture kit in his office?  “I was following Zarys.”  Standing, he gripped the edge of the cabinet tightly.  “You were supposed to observe the shipment.”  He was angry. Or at least irritated. Following orders wasn’t exactly your strong suit.  “I did. I found a place where they might be storing the barrels, but the entry point wasn’t secure. I overheard a conversation suggesting they plan to move the supplies elsewhere.”  You were proud of this information. Even if it wasn’t much, you had discovered the storage site. The problem was, you didn’t know how quickly you’d be able to get back on your feet. By then, the shimmer and its trail might vanish.  “What else?”  You wanted to snap at him to pay attention and focus on the conversation instead of making you talk to his back.  “Not much. Before I could hear more, they moved too far away, and even my hearing wasn’t enough.”  “They?”  “Two women. Judging by their tone, I’d guess the other isn’t high in the hierarchy.”  As you recounted your findings, it was easy to forget how much you had disliked him earlier. Now, perhaps because of the blood loss, you didn’t much care how he reacted. It was certainly easier to joke.  Silco finally turned around, as if the time he needed to compose his thoughts had run out before he managed to do so. You weren’t entirely sure what you saw in him, but it wasn’t anger.It wasn’t irritation either—more like resignation to the fact that you were constantly breaking orders and putting your life at risk.  No, you were endangering his investment. You couldn’t help but wince at the thought. He frowned slightly at your reaction but didn’t comment. He grabbed the chair by his desk and pulled it closer to you, sitting down hunched over. He rested his elbows on his knees and covered his mouth with clasped hands. You’d never seen him like this before. There was something unsettling about watching him wrestle with his thoughts.  “How did this happen?” he finally asked.  You studied his face for a moment, gauging how much you could say before deciding on complete honesty.  “I heard them talking about Zarys. He was supposed to meet with his boss in the undercity. You understand I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like that. I found them on the west side of the city in some haunted-looking place—probably an abandoned factory…”  “How? How did you know where to go?”  
 
You narrowed your eyes at the question. Was there a deeper meaning behind it?  “Well, do you believe in instinct? Or maybe just dumb luck? Either way, I wandered through the streets, recalling places that hadn’t been claimed by one gang or another yet. I guess I only found them thanks to my hearing.”  Images played in your mind like a fragmented reel. Until the very last moment, you doubted you’d find them. Panic had grown with every second wasted searching the wrong district. You wanted to believe you’d somehow heard faint whispers carried by the wind, but the truth was you knew exactly where to go—like something was guiding you. It was unsettling, terrifying even, but you felt shimmer had something to do with it.  “Zarys met his boss in an abandoned factory. It reeked of oil—I don’t think they were hiding anything particularly significant there,” you paused, waiting for Silco’s reaction, but he stared at you without blinking. You shifted uncomfortably under the weight of his gaze. “Well, uh… I guess I got there too late to learn much about their plans. But I do know this—whoever that man is, he’s answering to someone from Zaun.”  “Why do you think that?” he asked softly.  Gods, something was very wrong. His voice, his stare… You had no idea where this conversation was headed, but it couldn’t end well—not with the way he was looking at you.  “I barely made it inside before their meeting was interrupted by a group of men. I couldn’t tell who they were working for—they had tattoos on their arms and close-cropped hair. They started making threats. From what I understood, this meeting wasn’t sanctioned by anyone. One of them was holding what looked like a metal rod, waving it around and yelling that every meeting in Zaun had to be authorized by their boss. Whatever’s happening, it’s getting harder to make sense of it.”  “Where exactly was this?”  You closed your eyes, trying to retrace your steps, but the memories blurred together.  “I remember it was somewhere west. There was a broken sign above the entrance, something with a key…”  “Sevika will check it out,” he replied, sitting up straight. You hoped the interrogation was over, but then he asked one more question: “How did you get hurt?”  You felt your cheeks flush slightly. Even though it wasn’t your fault, you couldn’t help feeling foolish for how easily you’d let your guard down. You could still recall the sharp pain from the metal shard of a broken sign…  “There was a shootout. Zarys’s boss must have thought he was above the threats because he pulled out a gun without saying a word. Instead of taking cover, the others charged right at them. Zarys tried to escape but tripped and grabbed a lever connected to a walkway I was on. I started sliding. I saw barrels of oil falling to the ground, spilling that foul sludge everywhere. I thought I could hold on, but…”  You looked at your hands. They were scraped raw from gripping the rusted railing. Your eyes drifted to your backpack still by the door. You’d come so close…  “You don’t have to explain,” Silco said, standing up and pushing the chair back into place. “Sevika should be here soon. She’ll help you get to a hospital.”  Funny. The anger slid back into place, as if on cue. You found yourself surprised at your own disappointment, scoffing in irritation. He glanced at you out of the corner of his eye but didn’t comment. You bit your lip to stop yourself from saying too much. You couldn’t even leave his office—the stitches in your leg pulled painfully, making the entire limb throb with a dull, relentless ache.  So much for professionalism.  “Really? You’re not even going to give me some self-righteous lecture about jeopardizing your precious investment?”  That was a mistake. A huge mistake. But you couldn’t stop yourself. You’d risked your life again to uncover vital information, and he looked more annoyed about the blood on his couch than anything else.  Your words seemed to strike a nerve. His hands curled into fists, and he closed his eyes. You didn’t think he’d lash out at you, but who could tell?  “About that…”  “I don’t want to hear any cheap excuses,” you interrupted, feeling your grip on your temper slipping. “You’ve made your point. I understand. I’ll try to be more competent next time.”  Silco slammed his palms on the desk, leaning heavily against it. He stared out the window, his jaw clenched. You felt like it was only a matter of time before someone—probably you—said something they’d regret. Silco, of course, never seemed to regret anything.  “That’s not how I meant it to sound,” he said quietly, almost calmly, though his posture betrayed no such calm.  “It doesn’t matter anymore,” you murmured, weary. “I’m sorry if I acted out of line earlier. I want to see this through to the end, and then we can each go our separate ways.”  You leaned your head back against the cushion, feeling sleep creeping in faster than it should. Your dirty clothes clung to your skin, irritating you almost as much as his feigned tranquility. You wanted to scream at him, to tell him how deeply he’d hurt you, how much you’d trusted him—and how he’d thrown your fears in your face as ammunition.  “Separate ways? Really? Is that what you want?”  “What are you talking about?”  He leaned against the desk, watching the door as if willing Sevika to burst in and save him from the conversation.  “And then what? You’ll leave? Run away, like you’ve always wanted to?”  You didn’t understand. Suddenly, he seemed almost upset—as though the idea of you quitting and leaving was absurd to him. But what else were you supposed to do? How could you live and work alongside him after everything that had happened? After everything that hadn’t happened but that you desperately wished had?  “Leave, die… right now, it’s all the same,” you whispered, shaking your head slightly.  “You can’t mean that.”  "Starting to lose my patience. Just say what you want instead of trying to drag it out of me."He began rubbing his hands together as if it had suddenly turned cold. You had never seen this gesture from him before. The calmness he'd guarded so carefully moments ago seemed to evaporate. Distressed."Have you forgotten something? Surely, I don't need to remind you that without the drug, you'll die."Ah, back to this again, you thought. Despite your injuries, you sat up straighter. Well, this had to happen eventually."I'm reminded of it every single day. Every day, I think about when the hunger will hit so hard that I'll be forced to come here and beg you for help. I know exactly what's waiting for me if I stop taking it.""And yet, you still want to leave.""Can you stop pretending to be so composed? Let's call it what it is. I'll die, Silco. Whether I want to or not. At least I can do something for others before I go."For a moment, he buried his face in his hands, rubbing his eyes as if to banish exhaustion."You won't die. I won't allow it."A bitter laugh escaped you."And what can you do? Take over production to keep feeding me that garbage? Turns out I have bigger ambitions than living in addiction forever."You’d thought the time for conversations like this had passed. Silco hadn’t seemed inclined to share his thoughts with you for a while now. And yet, here he was, staring into the void as if searching for a solution to a problem with no answer. Or maybe... no, something was trying to break through the exhaustion. Something like...Silco reached for a cigar and lit it unhurriedly. You were stuck waiting for Sevika anyway, so you might as well watch him for a while. Who were you kidding? He still affected you in the same way, no matter how hard you tried to suppress it. As usual, he tilted his head back to take a drag, and you couldn’t tear your eyes away from his neck."I want you to give it a rest for now. Until you're back on your feet.""Did you even hear what I just said? They're planning a shipment. If you’ve got someone else to handle surveillance, maybe it’s time to send them, don’t you think?"He leveled a stormy gaze at you. Smoke curled lazily between you, blurring his features slightly. But even through the haze, you could see guilt battling with pain. Gods, what a mix. It made you feel uncomfortably warm. You cleared your throat, startled by your own thoughts."Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised. You throw yourself recklessly into danger every chance you get. If life means so little to you, go ahead. Just don't come crying to me when something happens again.""Then why the hell did you bother saving me today?" you snapped, thoroughly irritated. "Oh, right. I forgot. I'm just a valuable investment.""You latch onto those words... If only you'd cling to life as tightly."You had no answer to that. There was no answer. You could explain it to him endlessly, but someone who’d never stood at the edge of life and death couldn’t understand how hard it was to accept that every day might be your last."Silco..." you began, but just then, Sevika walked into the room."The hospital’s full..."She trailed off, sensing the heavy atmosphere, thick enough to cut with a knife. Silco had already composed his expression. Gods, how you hated him for it at that moment."I’ll go back to the facility," you said, shifting slightly."You must be joking," she scoffed."I know how to care for stitches. The shimmer's working as it should, and I’m not bleeding. But if it makes you feel better, if I die, I promise not to haunt you."Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Silco set down his cigar and pinch the bridge of his nose."You won't win this one," he said to Sevika before circling back to his desk to resume working.Sevika looked at him, a little bewildered. She glanced at you, but you only shrugged. *** "After him! We’ll catch him yet!"Shouts echoed through the empty space. You could feel the faint heat from the fire raging below. It had only taken one bullet for the spilled oil to ignite. And you were dangling directly above it. Gripping the railing tightly, you tried not to fall, but your sweaty hands were hard to control. You hadn’t felt fear like this in a long time. Burning alive wasn’t exactly your top choice for ways to go.The bridge groaned loudly in protest. Another chain snapped. You were getting closer to the ground. Glancing down, you saw a small, fire-free patch below, but it was far too small for a safe landing. Another chain broke. You let out an involuntary cry, startled by the speed at which you were descending toward the flames. You had a choice: fall into the fire or jump and hope to avoid the oil.As always, someone else decided for you.The railing snapped with a loud crack. Bits of rusted metal showered your face as you fell. Straight into the fire. Panicking, you searched for anything to grab onto. You thought you’d found something, but pain exploded in your leg. It was so sharp, you thought you might black out. Whatever it was had left a deep gash in your thigh.You hit the ground with one arm so close to the flames that your jacket caught fire. You tried to smother it, but the wound in your leg hurt too much. This was it.Suddenly, something foul-smelling was thrown over you. A hand grabbed your arm and dragged you away. You tried to shake off the canvas, but then you felt a heavy patting on your shoulder. The covering disappeared, and you saw a face that haunted your thoughts of revenge."I’ll help you, but you have to promise me something," Zarys said."You bastard!" you screamed, lunging at him with your hands.He stepped back, visibly shaken."I know you have reasons. I can feel the shimmer in your blood.""I’ll kill you!" you snarled, trying to reach him, but waves of pain shot through your body, leaving a burning emptiness in their wake."You're bleeding too much. Let me treat it."Breathing heavily, you scanned the area for a weapon. Without waiting for your permission, Zarys approached and began examining your leg. The pain was too intense to keep resisting."What do you want for this?" you asked. "Say it now, before you start. I won’t owe you."Zarys seemed to have an entire medical kit with him. Whatever he had planned when he left the upper city, he’d been prepared for a fight. Or maybe he always carried it. Either way, this wasn’t something to dwell on while you were bleeding out in the middle of a burning warehouse. The oil was starting to burn out, smoldering faintly on the surface."Stop him. You have to stop him before he destroys the city."You grabbed his hand."Who are you talking about?"  He started bandaging your leg, his face visibly filled with fear.  "I don't know. He never revealed who he was. Every time I see him, he's wearing a hood and some kind of mask. But whoever he is, he's far too dangerous."  His hands were practiced, and he finished the bandage before you even registered it.  "That would mean we have a common enemy," you rasped. "Why should I trust you? How do I know you're telling the truth?"  He pressed his lips together, acknowledging the validity of your skepticism. He reached into his bag and pulled out something that was all too familiar. Just the sight of it made your stomach clench. You tried to move back, but your leg refused to cooperate.  "Get that thing away from me," you spat through clenched teeth.  He hesitated.  "I don't want your trust. I want someone to stop him because I never had the courage to do it myself. Take this," he insisted, shoving the vial into your hand despite your protests.  "You're a monster, you know that? Do you have any idea what this garbage does to people?"  "What? What are you talking about?"  "Don't play dumb."  "I... I don't understand... Wait, this isn’t shimmer, is it? At least not the usual kind. Oh gods..."  Something was happening. Something you couldn't quite grasp.  "What the hell are you rambling about?"  "I knew I smelled shimmer in your blood. I've been around it long enough to recognize that sickly sweet scent, but this... Listen, this drug was never tested on humans. Whatever's happening inside you shouldn't exist. I don’t know how it happened, but this was never meant for people!"  "Don’t you dare act like a victim now. You should be burning in that fire for creating this variant."  "Yes, yes. I made it. But we never released it onto the market! That’s not how this was supposed to work!" He clutched his head, rocking back and forth.  "Hey, you! Pull yourself together! What's going on here?"  He glanced at the vial in your hand.  "What you're holding is a perfected version. Whatever you consumed must have been a prototype. Your blood reeks."  You flinched. You should’ve been squeezing the life out of him right now, watching the light fade from his eyes—not having a chat.  "You’re damn lucky I can’t move right now," you growled.  Zarys looked around, panicking. He stood as if ready to flee, but he hesitated for a moment.  "That thing in your hand... I gave it to you because I thought it would help you recover. But now I’m not sure how it will react. It might help you, i can't really tell. But it will definitely stabilize whatever is happening right now."  "I don’t understand."  "I can't stay any longer. He’ll come after me," he groaned, desperate but unable to leave. "That thing will change you. It might give you new abilities or cause mutations. I can’t predict it because I don’t know how it interacts with the prototype. Keep it. I have to go!" he shouted, bolting upright in a panic.  You cursed loudly at him for a good several minutes after he disappeared before the anger gave you enough strength to stand. You wanted to hurl the vial into the fire, but if it held even a sliver of a chance for freedom, you couldn't ignore it.  You had no reason to trust him. He seemed genuinely shaken when he realized it was in your blood. Whatever guilt he felt wasn’t enough to erase his atrocities. But you still couldn’t bring yourself to destroy the vial. He could’ve been telling the truth—or just a brilliant liar.  Either way, keeping it for now seemed like the rational choice. You’d figure out a way to analyze it later. For now, the priority was getting out of this place.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ultimately, you chose not to be honest.It was easy to justify it by saying it wasn’t about work, but about you—but, damn, it was tied to work in every single way. If this came to light, no explanations or excuses would save you. You felt trust would be necessary to move forward, but it was hard to trust him when his words didn’t match his actions. He was unpredictable. You were making trouble for both of you now. The fact that you hadn’t said anything immediately put you in a bad position. Because, in truth, you were doing everything to ensure they didn’t trust you the way you wanted.But could you really be blamed?Well, maybe you could, but doubt is part of every human’s life. You didn’t know what Silco would do if you handed him the vial. You weren’t a mindless machine spilling everything to him. He probably expected that, but it would mean giving him complete control over you—not just over your actions, but also your plans. Yet, this was mostly about you. It was up to you to decide what to do with the gift.When you returned to your quarters—or rather, when Sevika dropped you there like a sack of potatoes—the first thing that came to mind was to hide the drug somewhere. Sitting on the bed with your injured leg stretched out, you felt your skin numbed where the stitches held it together. The shimmer they had given you didn’t just stop the bleeding; it also sped up your healing a little. Not as much as the version you were forced to take, but enough to let you take care of yourself. Really, aside from thinking, you had nothing else to do. You felt energy trying to burst free inside you, but for now, you couldn’t leave—not to mention returning to training—at least as long as Sevika was still willing to help.You kept the vial close, pondering what to do with it. What you had said in the factory was true. You had no reason to trust Zarys’s words. That encounter itself was unusual. You replayed that part of the meeting in your mind over and over, trying to understand what had happened.Zarys had met with his boss in the abandoned factory. You hadn’t heard their conversation, as it had been interrupted by attackers. This meant that whoever his boss was dealing with, it was a secret, even from his partner in Zaun. You wondered if Zarys had even survived the pursuit. The fact that Zarys stayed behind to help you was ambiguous at best. Either he was working for his boss under duress and genuinely wanted to help you, or they knew they might be followed, and Zarys was an incredibly good actor.Of course, you hadn’t let slip anything about who you worked for, so he had no evidence against you. What he gave you could just as easily kill you as lead them to Silco. There was a reason you operated in secrecy—so you wouldn’t spill everything at the first opportunity. If Zarys thought this gesture would worm its way into your head and upend your goals, he was gravely mistaken. You needed far more to trust him. And after all this, trust likely wasn’t possible under any conditions.You held the vial in your hand, turning it slowly. The light of the rising sun filtered through the violet liquid, casting a faint glow on the bedspread. It could be a drug—or just tinted water. To find out, all you had to do was sniff it. The shimmer Silco produced smelled sweet, almost metallic. What you were forced to take shared the sweet scent, but there was something cloying about it. You couldn’t pinpoint it right away, but after so long, you could tell the difference. If this new substance smelled different, you might lean toward the theory that Zarys genuinely wanted to help, driven by guilt. But that would mean opening the vial.You were two days away from needing another dose. A simmering irritation grew within you, building with each passing hour. If you opened the vial, you might not be able to resist drinking it. Just looking at it scattered your thoughts.You slid it under the bed. Bending down made your leg pull painfully, sending a wave of discomfort through you. At this rate, you wouldn’t be on your feet for many days. Would Sevika have to play intermediary again? No matter how much they tried to make this easier, each day you went to Silco felt humiliating. You depended on him far more than you wanted to. You strained not to analyze his words, knowing it would spiral into hours of angry overthinking. Whatever he was trying to say—it could wait.This injury had thrown your plans into disarray.You knew the previous owner of the old library had left. You hadn’t thought she’d stay in Piltover. In fact, it was admirable that she managed to maintain a foothold in the upper city despite being from Zaun. Then again, as you considered it, the shop looked like no one had cleaned it in ages. She must have had few customers. Did the man on the street point out her shop because he knew who you were? Because he knew who she was? Could Piltover still be so divided? The so-called City of Progress—what a joke. Stuck in their own backward ways.Regardless of his intentions, he had sparked an unusual chain of thoughts. For a long time, you had wondered if you could call yourself a good person. The answer was always no. It would be arrogant to think so. But until you met her, you hadn’t realized how much the weight of it bore down on you. You had stopped looking for good in the world when your mother left, abandoning you to a father who was never a good parent. If she could be so selfish, why couldn’t you? From that day on, you did everything on your own terms, but now it was starting to bother you.It was as if standing one foot in the grave had made you want to do something worthwhile. Maybe you wouldn’t live to see your enemy defeated, but you could still do something else. This wasn’t an impulsive decision, so typical of you. No, you had thought about solving this problem almost every day since you received the deed, and now the solution presented itself. You knew it was the right thing to do.You spent the night writing a letter explaining who you were and why you were making this gesture, hoping it would be received as intended. Initially, you planned to deliver it yourself, but in your current state, that seemed impossible. There weren’t many people you could trust enough to deliver the letter. You wrestled with your thoughts but ultimately decided you weren’t doing anything wrong.As soon as the sun rose high enough to cast light in the building, you resolved to go downstairs. Despite protests, you were given an old pair of crutches to help you until you could walk unaided. You took them hesitantly, planting your feet on the ground. Your muscles resisted the effort, but with some assistance, you managed to stand.You should have felt elated, but all you felt was stress, tightening your stomach. You managed to stand without the crutches. Stretching your arms out for balance, the world didn’t tilt. There was no one nearby to mock you if you fell, so with a bit of strain, you lifted your leg, taking a step. You were still standing. Damn it. You should have been thankful that old, reliable shimmer had helped, but deep down, you knew it was the mutation.The thought made you sick. What else had this drug changed in you?You needed to find Sara before she disappeared into her work.Even if you could walk now, that didn’t mean you could make it to the bridge on your own. You weren’t foolish enough to push your body so soon after getting stitches. But going down a single floor? That was a different matter.You didn’t want anyone knowing how weak you were. Especially after how you’d taken out that guy. If someone thought you were getting too cocky and decided to put you in your place, you couldn’t make it easier for them by flaunting how little you could move. You put on loose pants that covered the stitches and didn’t irritate the raw skin. It was an interesting experience. You moved slowly, but your balance wasn’t compromised. Each step pulled at the threads a little, but none of them broke. Your muscles didn’t tremble, and there was no bleeding. Enough reasons not to stay in bed waiting for salvation.You found Sara downstairs, near the hallway leading to the shooting range. She was bantering with some guy. You quickly looked away, noticing in time that they were clearly flirting. You leaned against the wall, patiently waiting for them to part ways. You watched as people entered and left the building. Interesting—what was this place officially? Surely it wasn’t registered as a training center for criminals. No one was stupid enough to conduct unsanctioned inspections here, but every now and then, a self-righteous official with dreams of moral reform would show up. You wondered what happened to such people. Did they become food for the local fish?"Sara!"You stopped her as soon as she poked her head out of the corridor. She jumped, startled.“You’re going to give me a heart attack one day,” she whispered, clutching her chest.“Sorry,” you suppressed a smile. “Listen, can I ask you for a favor?”She looked at you with slight suspicion in her eyes.“Depends on what it is.”“I have a letter to deliver. Nothing dangerous, but it can’t wait. Unfortunately, I can’t leave here. Could you take it to a certain place?”You handed her the envelope, trying not to let your face show too much anxiety. She took it gingerly, as if expecting a bomb inside.“Are you sure it’s not dangerous?”“You can be sure.”She still hesitated for a moment, frowning, but didn’t refuse outright.“Look, I know what’s really going on here. They pay me well, and I don’t ask questions. But if this has anything to do with your job, I don’t want to get involved.”You gently but firmly nudged her hand, subtly encouraging her to take the letter.“It’s more personal than professional. But I can’t deliver it myself.”“Alright, what do I need to do?”“I’ll write down an address. Give it to the owner and tell him it needs to go among the bottles. He’ll handle the rest.”You had no idea how messages to Leon were usually delivered, nor if you were even allowed to do this. But he was the only person who could enter the upper city without being harassed or, more importantly, searched. Well, at least you could take comfort in the idea that you could play dumb if this backfired—or so you hoped.“Fine, you convinced me. I’ll take care of it,” she said, tucking the letter into the large pocket of her dress. “Do you want something to eat? You look like a ghost.”You didn’t protest. She wasn’t wrong, and the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen were too tempting to resist. Of course, she had no idea you were injured from tailing someone. Just like Leon, she didn’t want to be involved in anything shady.You started asking her questions about the place. Pleased with the change of topic, she began to explain. She’d been hired as a kitchen assistant here. From the start, it had seemed odd to you that the facility was flooded with waves of people and no one asked questions. Sara, of course, knew why.Silco had bought the place long ago, back when his influence in Zaun was expanding. Officially, it served as a shelter for the homeless. On paper, it painted Silco as someone trying to reduce homelessness in Zaun—entirely legal and unassailable. To avoid trouble around the Last Drop, he gave the goons a place where they could vent without causing problems on the streets. His little army had a spot where they could gather, blow off steam, and eat without blabbering about who they worked for. It seemed like a way to keep them in line, giving them a place to return to no matter the circumstances.It could almost be seen as noble—if it weren’t Silco, of course. There was undoubtedly more to it. Or perhaps, more accurately, someone. Sevika was a regular visitor here. You doubted she lived here, but the fact that she was often around made people wait for hours just to catch her. Silco terrified them, and they were loyal to him because of the money. Sevika, however, was closer to them. They respected her for her skills and experience. She kept an eye on them, ensuring no one stepped out of line, and sometimes even rewarded those who reported insubordination. Smart and calculated.Sara had figured all this out after two years of working here. Her family still believed she had a legitimate job. If they ever found out she was cooking for Silco’s people, they’d probably force her to quit to avoid trouble. But, as always, the money was too good to walk away from.You had to admit her talent for observation and analysis was impressive. She was smart—smarter than you, given she refused to work directly for Silco. You’d been tempted by the money, and now you were paying the price for your greed. Maybe if you’d chosen a normal job, you wouldn’t be wondering which day would be your last.But that would’ve been boring.Indeed, aside from the addiction and Silco’s peculiar behavior, this job brought you some satisfaction. Most of the time, your motives were personal, but you couldn’t deny the thrill was somewhat addictive—and you wouldn’t give it up, even if your life didn’t depend on it.The conversation with Sara gave you much to think about. You returned to your room with a few sweets to brighten your mood in case your thoughts became unbearable. Ever since you realized you might only have days left, you’d stopped planning further than a week ahead.You’d once dreamed of leaving Zaun and escaping the endless war between the upper and lower city. But that had all vanished because of your addiction.Now, suddenly, the solution to your problems lay under the bed, waiting for you to trust Zarys’s words. It was an incredibly tempting option. As you stared into the darkness under the bed, you could almost see the vial glowing purple, hypnotizing you more and more.It had once been nothing but a source of torment for you—a tangible proof that human lives could be manipulated.Zarys had said that what you’d taken was a prototype—a half-finished product that somehow, miraculously, made its way out of his lab and into the Last Drop. It sounded shallow and smelled fishy. Hard to believe.And yet, the conviction in his emotions didn’t seem fake.God, you wanted to sleep with the certainty that he was just a heartless bastard contributing to the city's downfall. So why would he try to save you if they knew you were spying on them? You were certain they didn’t know. They couldn’t know—you were too good at this. Everything pointed to his guilt.Yet, somewhere, a tiny seed of hope still lingered.If what Zarys said was true, you held the key to freedom in your hands. Real freedom. This thing was supposed to stabilize the undesirable effects. In the best-case scenario, it might free you from taking the prototype altogether, of which there was probably only one or two doses left.In the worst-case scenario, it will kill you. Leave, die… right now, it’s all the same. Your words hit you hard because you knew they were true. You’d told Silco you wanted to leave when it was all over, but maybe there was a chance to end it sooner? Would they be able to close the case without you if you died? You didn’t feel vital to the mission, but you weren’t entirely useless either. It was funny to think about your own death with a faint note of excitement. The question remained whether this was freedom or an escape.You sat in a chair, staring into the darkness, feeling the burning skin on your leg starkly contrast with the chills that ran through you every now and then. You tried to catch a thought, but it slipped away each time. Your mind was exhausted, and your body was starting to demand another dose. If the wound was to heal fully, and you were to return to work, you’d have to go to Silco at the first signs, not wait until everything inside you began to fall apart. You had to set aside personal feelings and approach this coldly. Whatever was happening between you two could no longer influence your behavior.It was barely a few hours after sunrise, but another sleepless night was taking its toll. You felt your head drooping, your eyelids sticking together. All this was clouding your thoughts. Instead of forcing yourself to dredge up issues until you bled, you simply wrapped yourself in a blanket and shut yourself off from the world, closing your eyes.If only you'd cling to life as tightly… *** “What the fuck is this?!”You opened your eyes, your heart pounding as if it wanted to burst out of your chest. You jumped up quickly, but all you saw were flashes before your eyes as one of the stitches gave way. You whimpered softly, grabbing your leg, and glanced around the room. For a moment, you weren’t sure what had happened. Something had fallen to the floor.“Are you going to explain this, or are you just going to stare dumbly?”“Sevika?”She stood over you with her arms crossed, looking at you with the same anger and disapproval as she had at the beginning. Adorable.“You’re testing my patience, and I don’t have much of it. Why are you sending letters to the city?”You glanced at the object on the floor and noticed the envelope you’d given to Sara.“Where did you get that?”You reached for it, but Sevika stepped on it, covering it with her boot.“Not a chance. What is this?”“If you’re so curious, why haven’t you opened it yet?” you asked, baiting her because you knew there was nothing incriminating inside.“I’m giving you one last chance to tell me why you’re suddenly sending letters to Piltover after two visits there.”You sighed and closed your eyes. Could you really have expected anything different?“So, you still think I could betray you for shimmer? To think I almost believed your words.”She hesitated. A shadow of doubt crossed her face as she stepped back slightly. She pressed her lips together and reached for the envelope. She weighed it in her hand for a moment but ultimately didn’t open it. Perhaps your calm and composure had planted a seed of doubt in her.“If not that, then why the hell are you reopening that channel for work?”“You know what? Maybe sit down. This won’t take a minute.”For the first time, you knew more than she did, and this time you hadn’t caused any problems. You wanted to relish the feeling, but it had been hard to find reasons to smile lately. With a gesture, she allowed you to speak, though her expression still betrayed suspicion.“It’s not a letter with information. I’m not betraying you. Seriously, open it and see for yourself.”Hesitantly, she grabbed the envelope as if expecting it to explode in her hands. She spilled the papers onto the desk. The deed was tied with a thin string. She picked up a loose sheet, the letter you’d written to the woman, and began reading it aloud:
I don’t know you, but I know who you are. Please consider this a coincidence, though I’ve had too many to believe that myself. I know you used to own a library in Zaun. I know you had to leave when it became dangerous. Don’t ask how, but I came into possession of the deed to this place. I don’t know the formal process, but I trust you’ll figure it out. I want to give this place back to you, so it’s yours forever. I’m leaving a letter transferring the property to you. I hope it’s enough. The kids in Zaun should have access to knowledge.
Hearing your own words aloud made you cringe. When they faded, they lingered in the air for a moment. Sevika followed the words with her eyes, as if expecting some hidden message. She reached for the deed, her expression revealing she hadn’t anticipated this.She needed time to process. It stung a bit that she’d immediately accused you of betrayal, but you doubted there was much trust between you. On the one hand, it was good that she didn’t underestimate threats, but the fact that she’d thrown your entire conversation from a few days ago out the window left a bitter taste.Sevika still said nothing. You sighed and shifted closer to the edge of the bed.“I found in Piltover the woman who used to run a library here. She fled when I was still a child. I used to go there for solace when people got too much. But with what’s happening lately… She can make better use of that place.”Something warm spread inside you. Was this what selflessness felt like? Was this what a good deed tasted like? You could get used to this.“I don’t know what’s going on, but first, explain one thing. Since when do you own a fucking tower?!”You couldn’t help yourself; you started laughing. Her confusion and the fact that she wasn’t holding the reins for once made her act chaotically. What a fascinating sight. She sat stiffly on the chair, throwing angry glances your way as if it were your fault she didn’t know something. You laughed a little longer before realizing she genuinely had no idea what Silco had done.“He didn’t tell you, did he?”“Tell me what?”You shook your head, still amused.“To think he runs an entire business. After I stitched him up, you came to me with that deed in hand. Silco thought it was better than a simple ‘thank you.’ See how absurd that is?”“Wait, Silco gave you… a building? What the hell?”With every word, more panic crept into her expression.“Alright, let’s start from the beginning. As I wrote in the letter, this place was important to me. I went there to think. It was also the closest when Silco got shot that night. We hid there. I knew no one would think to look for us there. I made sure every entrance was boarded up. Okay, long story short—I don’t know if he felt guilty, or if that word isn’t in his vocabulary, but in the morning, you handed me the deed, and in a conversation, he told me to consider it a token of gratitude.”"That doesn't quite add up... I'd almost be certain you're lying, but after working with Silco for so many years, I'm afraid he might actually be capable of something like this."She leaned back more comfortably, and you could almost see the metaphorical hamster running on a wheel in her mind, desperately trying to catch up with her thoughts. Steam might start coming out of her ears any moment now."He told me to do whatever I wanted with it, and I finally found a use for it.""And you're just... giving it away?" she asked, clearly baffled."Yes. What's so strange about that?""You're really asking? Do you have any idea what properties go for these days? Especially now? You could've sold it and been rich!"Funny, not so long ago, you might have thought the same way. Absentmindedly, you traced your finger along the stitches, grounding yourself. Even though one had burst, no blood was flowing. That was a good sign."For what? What's the point of money if I could die at any moment?""Occupational hazard, I get it, but still—""Sevika," you interrupted her. "You know what I mean."She looked at you with a pained expression. Both of you understood this all too well. It wasn’t about the money. You could’ve sold the place and enjoyed some luxuries for a while, but then what? No amount of money could buy your life back."So where did this idea even come from?""I don’t know. I guess it’s been sitting with me since I first held those papers in my hands. The weight of them, the weight of responsibility, was overwhelming, and I didn’t want to think about it. Then I met the previous owner in Piltover. I wouldn’t have even known it was her, but I guess she saw the lower city in me and confessed. I don’t know... For the first time in years, I feel connected to this place. Maybe I won’t find the answers I’m looking for, but maybe someone else will have a better life than I did.""So let me get this straight: you gave away a property worth thousands without any guarantee that this woman will do what you think she will?""You know, I haven’t completely given it away. You're still holding my letter," you joked, trying to lighten the mood, though Sevika remained unusually serious. "I’m not asking you to understand. It’s just something I wanted to do."It was still daytime. You could see her face sharply and clearly. She really didn’t understand this gesture. Well, she didn’t have to. The important thing was that she no longer suspected you of betrayal.The old library had been important to you because, in some way, it was yours. You hadn’t paid much attention to its contents back then, but you couldn’t help but notice that Zaun lacked a proper school or any place where kids could learn. It was strange feeling this mix of emotions—some sort of joy and hope that, for the first time in your life, you had done something good. Sevika was silent, processing your words. In her eyes, you were probably foolish and naive. She could think that all she wanted, but it wouldn’t change your decision."Shit... And to think I told him not to take that letter," she muttered, dropping her head."What?""Leon’s our contact in Piltover, but we haven’t needed him for a while. So when he got the letter, he immediately checked with us to make sure it was what he thought it was.""Wait, how did you know it was from me? I didn’t sign the envelope.""How did it go? 'Between the bottles'? That’s not one of our phrases. He recognized it right away because, apparently, you talked about it recently."You smacked your forehead with your palm."Of course..."Maybe you weren’t as clever as you thought you were. Saying it aloud was just confirming what you’d already realized. Trusting a stranger with something so significant might have been foolish. There was a chance she could claim the place for herself or sell it. She had missed Zaun. You were probably one of the first people from the city she’d seen in years. You’d brought back memories. You could almost imagine what she felt. Zaun doesn’t leave you, no matter how far you go. She wanted to return, but there was nothing for her to come back to. Maybe this gesture would show her what you’d come to see some time ago—not all of Zaun was rotten. Some people were worth giving a chance."Hey, I’m sorry."Her words snapped you out of your thoughts. You looked at her, slightly dazed."For what?""I judged you too quickly. Again."Oh no. Not this. You felt deeply awkward whenever she or Silco tried to be genuine with you. It was so unlike them that you immediately started looking for a trap. But they were being honest, and that unsettled you even more."Look, you don’t need to—""No, wait. You deserve an apology. You haven’t given me a single reason to doubt your loyalty. I guess because you’re always disobedient, I’ve been looking for trouble in you. You know, I rarely meet people who think for themselves.""I should probably take that as a compliment, but when it’s coming from you, I’m never sure."She snorted, amused."I don’t blame you. Look, I know you’re going to need another dose soon. I can take care of it if you don’t want to go back there."You choked on your breath, feeling your cheeks heat despite your exhaustion. Did she suspect something?"You don’t have to cover for me. I can handle his outbursts."No, you couldn’t. You lied through your teeth, telling yourself you’d stay professional, but you lashed out every time Silco opened his mouth."Don’t lie. I don’t know what happened between you two, but when I walked in, you were looking at each other like one of you was about to die. I just don’t know which one."Well, that was partially true. If it weren’t for the wound on your leg, you might have thought about shoving your fist into his mouth to force those words back down his throat. But avoiding him wouldn’t solve anything. You had nothing more to say to him, but you didn’t want to show him that his bitter words had any effect on you. That’s exactly how he might interpret it. No, this was your problem, and Sevika shouldn’t have to deal with it."Why was betrayal the first thing you thought of? Maybe I was writing to a lover?""One of us—you’re one of us. And besides, you don’t strike me as the type to go looking for side opportunities. But if you’re interested, I know a place."She said it, leaning slightly closer, with a mischievous glint in her eye. You immediately flustered."I think I’ll pass.""See? Not the type.""Look who’s a judge of character now. You still haven’t answered—why did you assume it was betrayal?"She sighed."I don’t know. When I saw you two so angry with each other, I just knew words had been said that shouldn’t have been. I’m impressed you let him get under your skin like that. I thought maybe, just maybe, you were looking for a different life for yourself.""Should I be touched that, this time, you didn’t accuse me of just being mouthy?"You raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile."That much I’m certain of. But he... he’s been acting really strange these past few days. I’m guessing this time, it might actually be his fault. I can see he treats you differently from everyone else. I don’t know what to think about it, but I don’t like that he thinks dumping all his problems on you will solve them."Now you felt incredibly embarrassed. Sevika outright admitted she was worried about you, but you still felt awkward as hell."Are you trying to tell me that concern made you think I was sending some spicy details to Piltover? Let me tell you, you’ve got the most twisted logic I’ve ever seen."She lowered her head, clearly distracted, as if the words refused to arrange themselves into coherent thoughts, rebelling when she tried to speak them."You’re ridiculously annoying, you know that? I’m trying to tell you I see potential in you and I don’t want Silco to kill it off before you have the chance for something more. Maybe I acted too rashly, but no sane person sends private letters through an encrypted channel, for crying out loud!"You’d been waiting for this outburst. When she was calm and struggling to find the right words, she was scarier than when she was actually angry at you. You couldn’t stop yourself from snorting. Gods, you were starting to like her. It was both strangely exciting and slightly dangerous. But you appreciated her honesty—and the fact that she gave you the chance to explain yourself. The tension eased, and for the first time, you were grateful for her presence."I’ll accept your twisted apology. And I’ll handle Silco. You don’t need to stress about it."She rolled her eyes, clearly not believing you, but didn’t challenge your words. She pulled a cigarette out of her pocket, letting the familiar smell of smoke fill the air. She settled in comfortably, propping her feet on the table, not in a hurry to leave your room. You didn’t mind her presence. It was oddly comforting. And it guaranteed that the next intruder would encounter her and her metal arm instead of a limping thief incapable of defending herself.Those words about Silco... Whatever she thought of your complicated relationship, it was clear even to her that it wasn’t healthy. You didn’t doubt her ability to assess the situation, but if even she noticed, it wouldn’t be long before others did too. The last thing you wanted were rumors about how you earned his treatment. The question was, were you ready to set things straight and firmly establish boundaries?Unfortunately, your thoughts were interrupted again by another question."If you’re handling him so well, then maybe you can explain why he ordered me to fire one of my better people?""What did he order?""Monty might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he was useful for collecting debts. And suddenly, out of nowhere, I’m supposed to get rid of him."What the hell was he doing? Had he completely lost it? The problem was, you had a suspicion about what was behind this behavior, and you didn’t like it one bit."Is he already out?""I was on my way to do it when your letter landed in my hands. Why do you ask?""Don’t do it," you said quietly but firmly. "I think I know what’s going on, but you can’t do this.""Why did I know that all of Silco’s weird decisions somehow trace back to you? What did you do this time?"Silco must be living in some parallel reality if he thought firing this man would solve the problem. You should’ve kept your mouth shut."Nothing. That Monty guy broke in here and tried to kill me because he thought I was trying to take his position. He hit me once, but thanks to me, he’ll be missing a tooth forever. Silco asked if you roughed me up like that, and I impulsively admitted I had a little scuffle here. I threw it in his face that he couldn’t control his people, and I guess his pride was wounded or something."Sevika pursed her lips, thinking intensely about it. If Monty got fired, everyone would know it was because of you. You’d be in deep trouble, and you might be forced to leave this place when they started hunting you down."Why do I always have so much hassle with you two?" she groaned. "I respect that you handled it yourself, but he...""Don’t fire him. You can’t.""He tried to kill you, and you’re defending him?""You don’t understand. This will cause bigger problems."She lowered her feet from the table and grew serious."You’re asking me to ignore his order. You know that’s impossible.""Then give me a day. Tomorrow I have to see him anyway to get another dose. If he doesn’t change his mind by then, do what you must.""What are you planning?""To knock some sense into his head because he seems to have forgotten what the world outside his fancy office looks like."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was hard to stay in one place after such a torrent of information. You should have known by now that a day without Silco’s strange behavior was a day wasted. When Sevika finally left you, it was still early. He was probably still holed up in his office, doing who-knows-what. You could—just could—get up and go to him with your head still hot, but there was a high chance he’d throw you off balance with another word game or ambiguous statement. Besides, your leg hurt like hell, and you didn’t know what to do with the loose stitches. The very thought of removing them yourself made you nauseous.You wanted to wait, to think through what you actually wanted to say to him and how to make him understand that his actions had consequences—even if he didn’t feel them. For hours, you couldn’t believe that this Silco, of all people, didn’t understand how quickly rumors and suspicions could spread. You could keep your mouth shut, sure, but the truth was he wasn’t keeping a tight enough leash on his people. For a moment, you felt a faint twinge of guilt, wondering if you were being unfair to him. It must be hard to keep everyone in line, especially with the shimmer business weighing on his shoulders. You caught yourself, much like Sevika often did, trying to justify his behavior instead of showing him the consequences. You just wanted to believe that his decision was about more than just wounded pride.Whatever his intentions or plans were, he had to understand that one of his decisions could trigger a cascade of events that might force you to disappear for a while. It was awkward and strange, knowing that you were constantly at the center of problems—problems you didn’t always cause. Sevika wasn’t wrong; he’d been acting strange the past few days. Well, this wouldn’t be the first—and certainly not the last—time you’d storm into his office for a fight. But this time, the right was on your side. You didn’t think you’d ever see the day when you’d anticipate an argument with Silco with impatience.You tried not to think about it, but the thoughts kept returning every time you looked down or felt the tension in your skin. The metal had cut deep into your muscle. This wasn’t some mild scrape. You needed multiple stitches and a small dose of shimmer just to avoid bleeding out in his office. You knew shimmer had healing properties in small amounts, but this… this went far beyond the drug’s usual effects.This was a mutation.You felt it, you knew it, but as long as you didn’t say it out loud, there was a sliver of hope that you might be wrong. Still, you’d already noticed similar reactions before—like the time you felt invincible a day after taking shimmer, even though moving had been impossible before. You suspected that shimmer activated something that sped up regeneration, though it didn’t halt cellular decay. It was all too complicated for your head. Unfortunately, you didn’t have anyone knowledgeable enough in biology to tell you what was actually happening in your body.You kept returning to Zarys’s words. What if what he gave you worked like shimmer, but better and faster? What if it gave you a permanent boost and freed you from relying on the tainted drug? Of course, you could die if some adverse reaction occurred—or mutate and grow a third arm. Yet, if there was even a shred of hope that the vial under your bed was the key to freedom, you couldn’t completely ignore it.That’s why you waited until the next day, organizing your thoughts. You didn’t want to let slip anything about the mixture in a fit of anger. He’d probably be furious or demand that you hand it over. He might control one aspect of your life, but you weren’t about to give him all the solutions.For the first time, you were heading to him without that overwhelming stress. Even your anger had settled slightly. You were speaking the truth, and your primary reason was the need for another dose. His absurd behavior was a secondary matter. You wanted to get back to tracking the barrels as quickly as possible—sitting in your room pondering Zarys’s vial wouldn’t solve anything.You taped the stitches with a few plasters to keep your pants from loosening them completely. Walking was still a bit difficult, but not as bad as the day before. Regardless of the state of your muscles, you knew you’d throw yourself back into work as soon as the dull sting behind your eyes subsided. Whenever you descended lower into the city, it felt like night had fallen over Zaun again. The Last Drop was located deep in the Alleys, while your place was far to the north, where the terrain hadn’t yet sunk down. Crossing that boundary, where the acrid fumes replaced breathable air, you instinctively held your breath. After all these years, you should’ve gotten used to it, but the reflex remained.You usually took winding paths to ensure no one was tailing you, but with your leg, climbing rooftops and scaling buildings wasn’t an option. It felt strange using one of the elevators, waiting with other people as you descended. The murmurs of voices amplified your headache. You leaned your head against the wall, waiting for it to stop. After falling straight into the fire, your jacket was in terrible shape and couldn’t be worn without repairs—a task you didn’t have the headspace for right now. Without a hood covering your face, you felt exposed and vulnerable, as if you were parading around naked.No matter the time of day, the Alleys were always crowded. Though the district never slept, there was an odd respect for the hours when the Last Drop was open. It wasn’t that there weren’t other establishments in the area, but this one had a peculiar magnetism. You’d heard it was the same during Vander’s time. Of course, you remembered what the city was like before the barons came to power, but you couldn’t say if it was better or worse. There were definitely fewer addicts in the dark alleys back then. What distinguished the current Zaun from its recent past was the Enforcers’ growing disinterest in delving deeper into the city—they focused more on the areas around the bridges. Convenient and practical, especially for you. You didn’t even know if there was still a bounty on your head.You walked in like you owned the place. The bouncer didn’t even flinch at your presence. Perhaps they were used to your visits during off-hours, or maybe Silco had given them some sort of order. God, you didn’t want to be treated differently.The Last Drop without people brought back memories. The bad ones, where you were spitting blood and your body rebelled at the mere smell of the place. But also, unfortunately, the good ones, when it seemed like you could have genuine, normal conversations with Silco. That felt so long ago. Surprisingly, you didn’t want to wait for courage to wash over you before stepping inside. Mostly, you felt exhausted by the fact that since you’d had that spiked drink, you’d suddenly become an inseparable part of every problem—and you weren’t even getting paid for it since it wasn’t in your contract.Climbing the stairs wasn’t as hard anymore, but still far too slow for your liking. The place was eerily quiet. The staff, who usually kept the bar in decent shape, were nowhere to be found. You hesitated halfway up the stairs, unsure if you wanted to subject yourself to another argument when no one else was around. Shaking off the paranoia, you refocused on your thoughts.This newfound sense of hearing was useful; you didn’t need to press your ear to the door to make sure he wasn’t with anyone else. As usual, you knocked but didn’t wait for his response before stepping in and quietly closing the door behind you. You were ready for a snide remark, but oddly, he wasn’t there. The sight threw you off so much that you forgot everything you had planned to say. If he wasn’t here, then where? Had he disappeared again to avoid a conversation? The problem was, this time, he hadn’t given Sevika the shimmer for you.Well, not that you were opposed to rummaging through his drawers if it came to that, but you doubted it would go unnoticed. Without his imposing presence, you finally had the chance to look around the room. His desk dominated the space, and only now did you notice strange drawings etched along its edges. Could it be that Silco had some hidden artistic talent, expressed through doodling on his furniture? The sketches were somewhat angular, but hey, genius doesn’t happen overnight. You stared at the depiction of a crooked monkey, so engrossed you didn’t hear the approaching footsteps outside.When the door opened, you jumped slightly in surprise.But he seemed even more startled.He held a glass of his usual drink, and it was clear he had been lost in thought on his way back to the office. He looked like someone who had dropped a meticulously arranged stack of ideas and now had to piece them back together. Finally, he closed the door behind him and passed you without a word, sinking heavily into his chair without sparing you a glance. As if you weren’t already used to it.“You’re early.”“Am I? It’s ten o’clock.”The words slipped out naturally, almost carelessly, even though you hadn’t intended to sound so nonchalant. He gave you a tired look, one that practically begged you to spare him any cheap humor.“I wasn’t expecting you today. What do you want?”You had half a mind to crack your knuckles, ready for a verbal duel, but you restrained yourself. Instead, you perched on the edge of the desk, maintaining a deliberate distance, as if that would help you stay calm.“Has it ever occurred to you to think before you act?”“Has it occurred to you?”“Don’t twist my words. Why did you do it?”You expected his patience to wear thin quickly, especially given your bold tone. Yet instead of snapping, he settled deeper into his chair, lacing his fingers and resting them beneath his chin.“Oh, what a refreshing change. Please, enlighten me—what exactly did I do?”He looked as if he viewed this conversation as a game—one where the winner would be whoever could unnerve the other first. Usually, you lost, but this time, you were determined to hold your ground.“What possessed you to fire Monty?”“Who?”You were stunned. You thought he’d respond sarcastically, but he genuinely seemed confused.“I don’t believe this...” you muttered in disbelief. “Are we just numbers on a list to you? Did you randomly pick someone, and it just happened to be him?”Silco squinted his eyes.“I don’t recall personnel decisions being part of your responsibilities. If you’re here to lecture me, you can just leave.”You shot to your feet, ignoring the protest of your muscles. Clenching your teeth, you pushed past the pain.“Do you seriously not know who Monty is, or are you pretending just to piss me off?”“So far, you’re doing an excellent job of that without my help. Please, enlighten me—who is this man?”His brazenness floored you. Your hands curled into fists, ready for a fight, even though you knew it was futile.“Don’t tell me you don’t know. He’s the same Monty who broke into my room.”Silco raised an eyebrow.“And you think that has something to do with you?”You faltered, hesitation creeping in, but it was quickly replaced by anger.“I pointed out that you don’t control your people, and a day later, Sevika gets an order to fire him. Don’t tell me that’s a coincidence.”Silco sighed as if the whole thing bored him. He pulled a folder out of a drawer and slid it across the desk toward you. Hesitantly, you opened it.“That’s him. And so what?”“Read it. If you’d taken a moment, you’d see this man had a history of misconduct. Your report simply gave me the pretext to remove him. And no, I didn’t know it was the same person until you mentioned it.”You flipped through Monty’s file, seeing reports of aggressive behavior, threats, and various incidents. It all added up, yet you couldn’t shake the sting of shame over your hasty accusations.“You could have told me.”“I didn’t see the need.”“But you only acted after I brought it up. Strange, don’t you think?”“Don’t make yourself the center of the universe. You wanted me to address it—I did. What else do you want?”You opened your mouth to respond, but his calm demeanor was unnerving. Taking a deep breath, you forced yourself not to back down. For the first time, though, you began to wonder if you had overstepped.“You’re not telling me everything.”His face hardened, a rare crack in his usual composure.“Don’t forget that I’m still your employer and can terminate you at any moment.”You lifted your head defiantly.“Then do it. Fire me. Right now.”For a moment, Silco was silent, clearly taken aback by your reaction.“Say the word, and you’ll have a termination notice on your desk. But I don’t think that’s what you want.”“Oh, really? Then what do I want?”“Revenge.”You froze. He said it so calmly, like stating a fact. Worse, he was right. You wanted to deny it, but something in his gaze stopped you.“Revenge? Seriously? That’s absurd.”“You can deny it all you want, but you won’t fool me. You’re acting out of emotion, and I won’t let it ruin my plans.”Your frustration boiled over. Maybe he was right, or maybe he just wanted you gone. Either way, this conversation left you feeling shattered—and furious."I know that look on your face. You get it every time Zarysis is mentioned. You think he's the source of all your problems. You approach tasks too emotionally, and because of that, you always end up with some broken bone or wound. You can’t pull back to consider your next move—you just charge after him, trying to take out all your grievances on him. I didn’t order you to spy on him. You did that on your own, and once again, someone had to clean up your mess. And I don’t just mean the blood on my couch."You involuntarily stepped back a pace. Each word hit its mark, stinging more than any wound you’d ever suffered."I had a chance to find out who’s behind this! Don’t you think that’s important?""Absolutely. But that wasn’t your assignment. You were supposed to keep an eye on the shipment, which might now be long gone. You’re incapable of following orders. Be grateful I haven’t taken you off the case altogether."That was the trigger. Your mind flashed back to a conversation where you begged him not to remove you from the problem. Now he was threatening to do just that, all because you had the audacity to have your own opinion. You didn’t know how to respond. In just a few minutes, he had displayed more professionalism and composure than you had in weeks. He took a calm sip from his glass, watching as you wrestled with your thoughts. He probably expected you to storm out of the bar in a rage as usual. The problem was, you didn’t have anywhere to go."Then why am I still here, huh? If I’m such a problem, why the hell are you keeping me around?"He shrugged slightly. This wasn’t how the conversation was supposed to go. It wasn’t why you had come here, but you felt that sooner or later, one of you would snap and the words would start flying. Too bad it was always you who lost your temper first."I’m not firing you because you have skills that might be useful to me. And I know you won’t leave. I’m your only shot at getting to him.""You forget that I know where they keep the shipment. I can get to them without you."He closed his eyes, covering them with his hand as if searching for patience. Honestly, you weren’t even sure what you were trying to achieve. You didn’t like how he treated you, but even the thought of telling him that felt oddly childish.Maybe Sevika was right—it was time to lay it all out clearly. Why the hell did you keep coming back? Sure, you were dependent on him because he controlled the shimmer. But you had the option to work elsewhere and never see him again. So what kept pulling you back to him? Some twisted, masochistic hope that maybe this time would be different. You really should get yourself checked.Silco returned to his default state—calm and perpetually weary. He observed you, as if assessing what you might be capable of in this state. Or perhaps, like you, he just wanted to get something off his chest."You don’t trust me," he began quietly. "You don’t believe I know what I’m doing. And you’d probably rather burn everything to the ground just to vent your anger at something."Well, it seemed like the time for honesty. You needed this, but you knew it would hurt. You started rubbing your hands together. You weren’t as angry now as you had been when you arrived. No, you were tired—tired of always expecting something from him."I try to trust you. I do, but it’s not easy. You keep so many things hidden and don’t bother sharing, even though we’re in this together," you said, meeting his gaze firmly. "I think you’re too cautious in your actions and take too long to make decisive moves."He nodded, acknowledging your words, but you were sure they didn’t leave much of an impression."So what do you think I should do? Should I throw all my people into a fight? Order them to search for something I can’t even describe to them? Do you think they’d follow me into the fire if I commanded it? Don’t be naive."You sighed heavily, feeling a strange sense of disappointment. Why did he even ask for your opinion if he wasn’t going to consider it? Probably just to mock you later."But I’m different, right? You can order me around all you like?"Silco slammed his glass down loudly. He seemed to be losing his patience. Good—maybe now he’d say something more substantial."I never said the assignments were mandatory. You do this because you wanted to. You practically begged Sevika for a task. And now suddenly you have a problem with me giving you work?""Oh, sure! Like I’d believe that!" you sneered. "I don’t see anyone else jumping at the chance to work on this. Don’t try to tell me you’d accept my refusal."He stood, clearly irritated, and leaned his hands on the desk. You’d managed to push him to the edge, but at what cost? To think you’d once believed there might be something more between you. You were paying for your foolishness now."You can think of me as a monster, but I wouldn’t force you to do something you didn’t want to. Maybe I was wrong about you. Maybe you’re not as smart as I thought. So for the sake of clarity, let me say this one more time: No one is forcing you to be here. If you don’t like it, the door is always open."You clenched your hands so tightly your nails dug painfully into your skin. Despite the hunger gnawing at you, your mind was unusually clear. You wondered how long it would take Sevika to find you if you decided to beat him senseless. Silco shook his head in exasperation and reached for another drink but ultimately refrained, returning to his seat. For a moment, neither of you spoke. Silco started flipping through some documents but soon set them aside, still irritated."It’s convenient to offer someone freedom when you know they have no choice," you muttered, slumping onto a table.You raised your hands to your temples, trying to fight off an impending headache. Silco chuckled dryly, though you could hear the anger in his voice."You made it very clear recently that you do have a choice. What was it you said? 'Leave, die... right now, it’s all the same.’""What’s your point? You’re clinging to those words like I’m about to walk out and throw myself off the nearest building."He sighed, closed his eyes, and muttered a curse under his breath before pulling a cigar from a box."No, it’s you who’s clinging to thoughts of death as if it’s the only option. How can I trust you to be committed to the work when you’re looking for death around every corner?"You wanted to say it was the only option, but then you remembered what you kept under your bed. No, you couldn’t tell him about that. Not now."I’m not looking for it, and I didn’t ask for this life. But I’m not just sitting around waiting for someone to solve everything for me. Do you think all these accidents were my fault? Let me enlighten you: not one of them was caused by me. Everything just sticks to me as if I’ve got a target painted on my forehead. I’m trying to live with it. You have no idea what it’s like to feel your body falling apart from the inside every week,  and survive depends on a man who treats you as a carrier, for a mutation that can be useful, not a human being."You suddenly straightened, feeling terror tighten around your throat. You bit your lip to keep from saying anything more. You hadn’t meant to be this honest. Curling in on yourself, you felt you’d revealed more than you intended.You came to tell him that firing that man would complicate many things, so how did you suddenly end up confessing that those words still hurt you? You should have left. Cut yourself off from this. But the pain behind your eyes wouldn't stop. You needed another dose.You lifted your gaze. Silco sat, staring intently at one spot. The smoke from his cigar rose and dissipated among the beams near the ceiling. You watched it for a moment, knowing that yet another line had been crossed—a line that defined your life in this community. You didn’t want to get closer to him, not anymore. The fascination you felt every time he entered the room had faded when you realized you didn’t matter to him. He saw you as a tool to be used to achieve his goals. You should have seen it coming, but something in you wanted to believe Silco had feelings. Well, that was naive.You stood, knowing it was high time to leave this place. Maybe Sevika could be persuaded to bring you another dose. Asking about it now was pathetic.“Two left.”You stopped and glanced at him over your shoulder.“What?”He pulled a familiar little box out of a drawer. He buried his face in his hands. He ruined his hair, but for once, he didn’t try to fix it right away.“I know you came for another dose.”“Do you keep a calendar or something?” you laughed, surprised by the pain in his tone.“Yes. I know exactly when you start feeling the effects. I figured you’d come for more today or tomorrow.”You peeked inside and, indeed, there were only two vials left. That meant you had about two weeks of life remaining. Suddenly, Zarys’s gift didn’t seem so terrifying. You touched one of the vials delicately, realizing the gravity of the situation. You knew this was the best moment to tell Silco what had really happened in the factory. Yet the words wouldn’t come. You were afraid he’d take even this away.He leaned his head against the backrest of his chair and closed his eyes. He seemed utterly exhausted, as if the weight of the world’s responsibilities had just fallen on him. When he looked like that, it was hard for you to lash out at him, but you had no idea when your conversation shifted from firing someone to the shortage of the drug.“Well, I guess we’ll need to hurry and wrap this up before the shimmer runs out,” you replied lightly.Silco growled suddenly and leapt from his chair, nearly toppling it. He turned toward the window, one hand on his hip, the other massaging his forehead.“How can you talk about your own death so calmly?!”You felt like hitting him. What did he know about it? He had no idea how long it had taken you to come to terms with the fact that death was staring you in the face. The only thing keeping you alive was the hope that you could stop those responsible for the new drug.“What else am I supposed to do? Cry? It took a while, but I’ve accepted that any day could be my last.”He pivoted sharply. He grabbed the backrest of the chair, his hands gripping it tightly. His eyes were shadowed as if he hadn’t slept in days. You saw a strange pain in his eyes, but you couldn’t discern its cause. You stepped back, feeling a tense energy in the air.“I’m bending over backward trying to find more so you won’t die. It’d be easier if you’d start valuing your own life instead of resigning yourself to death.”His outburst was different from what you’d seen before. It was genuine. Without a trace of malice. For a moment, something from that night resurfaced, but it faded quickly. Too fleeting to hold onto.“You’re…doing what?”“You think I disappear on a whim? Do you know how hard it is to find this stuff? Let me give you a hint: it’s impossible because only one person knows how to make it, and they’re a ghost!”He was furious, to the limit. But this time, his anger wasn’t directed at you. He must have been holding it in for a while for it to burst out like this. But why did he care so much about keeping you alive? You wanted desperately to believe it wasn’t just about the mutation, but Silco wasn’t one to pour his heart out. All you wanted to hear from him was that he saw a person in you.He paced the room. Something was happening that you didn’t understand. Such events had been happening more often lately. As if the world had suddenly decided to ramp up the difficulty level of the game without warning. You were missing a piece of the puzzle to understand where his anger came from.“Silco, what are you…”“I told you I wouldn’t let you die. I’m trying, but you make it harder every day,” he said, struggling to maintain his composure. “Take this and go home. I trust you’ll wait until you’re back before using it. Tonight, you’re back on transport surveillance. Just go, please.”He dismissed you so quickly and dispassionately that you began to doubt the emotions behind his words. Somewhat offended, but mostly shaken to the core, you tucked the vial into your pocket and left before he could say anything else. *** It was ironic that more than anything else, you wanted to be free of Silco forever, and yet your actions condemned you to return to him. Over and over again.Anger and confusion carried you home faster than you expected. You locked yourself in your room, wanting to smash the vial against the wall, but you knew you’d end up licking the shimmer off the floor before you could maintain your resolve. You drank it all in one large gulp and tucked the bottle into your wardrobe.He had muddled your mind, leaving your thoughts in shreds. Even shimmer couldn’t dull the chaos in your heart. When it finally hit you what his words meant, you had to sit down and bury your head between your knees. Everything he said made it clear that Silco was doing everything he could to keep you alive. Oh, that could have been so sweet if not for the fact that he never let you feel like he saw a human being in you.It disgusted you and discouraged you to the core. You were useful. That was all you could hope for. In truth, it made you want to cry in frustration. You didn’t know why you couldn’t tell him outright that his words were cruel and that if he hurt you again, he’d never see you again. That was exactly what you should have done. Even Sevika made that clear to you. You allowed him to trample all over you, even though it made no sense.Somewhere deep in your heart lay the answer, but you were afraid to reach for it because you knew those words would be worse than a death sentence. They would starkly remind you of how pathetic your position was if a single word from him could make you abandon all that anger. That’s why you wanted to withdraw as much as possible, but you kept coming back.Like a pitiful, loyal dog waiting for scraps, no matter how many times it was kicked.You were supposed to go back to work. That’s what you were good at. You couldn’t care less about his talk of working on your own. He said he wouldn’t fire you, and you didn’t want to leave before solving the case. Now you had the motivation to finish it as quickly as possible. Unless you stole one of the barrels for yourself, you might as well dig your grave next week.As you suspected, the shimmer had regenerated your muscles to their pre-accident state. Rather crudely and barbarically, you removed your stitches using simple scissors, but they were no longer needed. You were curious about what the drug had altered in you this time. Hopefully, nothing physical. You still hadn't deciphered your spontaneous reactions to threats, but you weren’t keen on diving into trouble just to test them.It was ironic that he accused you of acting on emotions and then sent you on a mission right after your conversation. As if a few hours were enough to digest his remarks. It felt intentional, like he was testing whether you’d mess up again.Kicking pebbles angrily, you crossed the bridge. You chose a different route to avoid running into guards. If they were assigned to specific posts, there was a chance the new ones wouldn’t recognize your face among others. Surely, they wouldn’t expect you to stroll around the upper city after everything that had happened. Hiding in plain sight, right?Focusing on the path ahead was the perfect way to distract yourself from replaying the conversation with Silco. The plan was straightforward: return to the sewers and try to access the level below through a floor hatch. You suspected this was how Zarys had moved up earlier. His odd escapade suddenly took on new significance after your discussion. No, you still didn’t trust him, but he must have had his reasons for running as if the devil himself was after him.Standing before the metal gate, you paused to watch the last rays of sunlight squeezing between the buildings. You wondered if you’d have enough time to climb higher and see what Piltover looked like from above. Unfortunately, the familiar clinking of metal from afar forced you to retreat into the shadowed stairs. Another patrol. You weren’t sure if this was routine or an extra precaution. Such measures weren’t taken in Zaun.You waited for them to pass the sewer entrance, not wanting their attention drawn by the sound of footsteps. As a precaution, you pulled your scarf over your face. It would have to suffice, as your coat was still hanging on a chair, waiting for you to patch it up. Shaking your head, you pinched your cheeks. You couldn’t afford distractions. You remembered the path to the ladder well enough, but a moment of carelessness could land you in a forgotten tunnel, making it hard to find your way back. Reaching into your backpack, you pulled out the map you’d drawn while searching for that one branch. There was no room for even a small mistake. You were heading into the enemy’s storage area, with no guarantee you’d leave the same way.Adrenaline mixed with stress, a perfect blend to keep your focus sharp without muddling your steps. You hesitated briefly before reaching for the hatch. His words echoed in your ears, accusing you of always doing more than the mission required. He could shove that order in his boots to make himself taller. You pried the plate open with your knife, silently praying it wouldn’t snap. As before, a faint beam of light immediately became visible. This was it.You couldn’t hear anything alarming—no voices or footsteps. You hadn’t tested if you could hear someone breathing from afar, but there wasn’t time. You slid the plate aside, letting light spill into the tunnel. The passage was narrow. You wouldn’t fit with your backpack. Peering down, you estimated the floor was about three meters below. You could see parts of walls, suggesting the entrance might be in an alcove or room. Whatever it was, there was a chance you wouldn’t land in the middle of a warehouse.Here goes nothing.You pulled out a mirror from your bag to scope out the area. As you suspected, it was a room—more of a cell, really. Three stone walls and a grated doorway reminiscent of a prison cell. Nothing your lockpicks couldn’t handle. On the floor were some sacks, a crate full of torn rags, and a water barrel. Taking a deep breath, you tossed your backpack into the crate. It landed quietly, completely concealed. The silence below persisted. Grabbing the edge, you lowered your legs and hung on briefly. Closing the hatch behind you was impossible now, but it was too late to worry about that. You dropped down and immediately took cover in the shadow of the barrel.From your hiding spot, you could see only a section of the corridor. Moving stealthily, you approached the door. Using the mirror again, you checked the surroundings, finding no one in sight. You doubted they posted guards at every corridor. Their leader seemed confident enough to allow such carelessness. Then again, it was unlikely anyone would stumble upon this place while wandering through the sewers. Lucky for you, their oversight meant you could quietly unlock the door. Whatever lay at the ends of the corridors would have to wait until you were out of the cell.From here, you heard voices. Women, perhaps, passing by or stopping here for a chat. The corridor to the left ended in a wall. Sticking to the shadows, you crept toward the turn. You passed more cells, wondering if this had been a private prison or just storage for junk.Of course, you couldn’t tell from the conversation which direction they had taken. You trusted your instincts and turned right. There was an old rule: always turn the same direction, so it’s easier to retrace your steps. What troubled you was the absence of people. You feared they might have taken the goods and left before you could figure out where. Returning to Silco with nothing but vague suspicions would be humiliating.But before you declared the mission a total failure, you had to explore further. The area wasn’t much different from the upper sewers—drained, but the walls were still scarred with holes. Makeshift lamps were installed, their cables running along the walls and ceiling, all leading in one direction. A clue, at least. Following the wires, you navigated the corridors, unsure of what or who you might encounter. Was the overheard conversation important enough to warrant traveling this far? Was there something valuable in the cells that had already been taken?Raised voices echoed from the left, pulling you forward. Quickening your pace, you soon arrived at an open area. You crouched, cursing the light. There was nowhere to hide. Ahead, you saw a small drop leading lower. For safety, a simple chain was strung between crude posts—not much protection against a fall, more of a warning. Glancing around to ensure the coast was clear, you lay flat on the ground, reducing your visibility. Something was happening below.“Put that down before you spill something!” barked a man.They looked like they were from Zaun. Familiar rough features that spoke of a lack of perfumed soap and soft towels. Tattoos and weapons at their belts completed the picture. You counted four of them, apart from the one who had spoken. The speaker stood out—more serious, though no robe could hide his vile nature. You could see it in his eyes.“For fuck’s sake, they keep changing their minds. When are we supposed to move this stuff?” one of them grumbled.“When the time comes,” the first man snapped.“I’m not lugging these damn barrels around because they can’t make up their minds. We’re doing it tonight. End of discussion.”The man grabbed a barrel, prompting the first to draw his weapon, ready to attack. Bold move, but three guns quickly pointed at him in response. Three against one—the poor guy didn’t stand a chance. Yet he seemed unwilling to back down, cocking his gun as he waited for his opponent to let go of the goods."Do it again, and besides your paycheck, you'll also lose your hands," he snarled. "Get out of here before I lose my patience."The man quickly stepped back, raising his hands in the air. Bornie's guns returned to their holsters, but the tension remained. What an interesting event."Alright, alright, don't get so worked up or you'll burst a vein," he chuckled disgustingly. "We'll work something out, just tell me when we should move it."The man sighed and rubbed his forehead. Something was wrong with their plans. Did that woman convince the other to wait a week?"Everything is planned for the Chancellor's birthday. The night before, you'll take the barrels and move them to the main hub. That's all I can reveal."The man whistled for his companions and signaled for them to leave with a nod. As they passed by the one giving orders, he nudged him with his shoulder, putting a little more force into it than necessary. Cursing under his breath, the man approached the barrel he had been checking to inspect any possible damage before he too exited through the same entrance.You didn't dare to move for a few more minutes. You watched them from above. The room was high, shaped like a small dome. You counted about fifty barrels placed in the center. The sight of that much shimmer made your head spin. You didn't know how they were transporting it, but that didn't matter now. The room had two exits opposite each other. There were no doors or bars. The descent from your position didn't seem possible. You could search the place for hours, but you had what you wanted. You found the transfer date. They didn't specify which Chancellor it was about, but they probably wouldn't wait months, so it was safe to assume it was the nearest one. Whatever the main hub was, you'd have to wait until three heads, not one, figured it out.You were tempted to try your luck and check the rest of the corridors, but you didn’t know what you'd encounter. You were walking straight into danger, just as Silco had warned. Part of you wanted to defy him and search further, but if you were spotted, they could catch you quickly. You weren't in Zaun, where you could simply climb a building to disappear. You didn’t know where the other exits were, and the trapdoor was far away, though you might be able to jump to it.You had to go back and report what you overheard. That was more important than any unresolved issues between you and Silco. He wanted professionalism, and that's exactly what he would get—enough to ring in his ears.You continued on shaky legs, walking deeper into the tunnels. When you were sure your footsteps wouldn't be heard from below, you sprinted, unwilling to waste a second. Just crossing the upper city at night was risky. This time, the patrols wouldn't let you off so easily.You locked the cell behind you with a set of picks, erasing all traces. You probably knew how Zarys made it to the upper city, but that still didn’t explain what he was doing here. The barrel was heavy, too heavy to tip over. It stank of dirty water, but it was high enough that you could reach the hole in the ceiling. First, you threw your backpack in, then, balancing on the edge, tried to grab the edge. You had to jump a little to catch it. The barrel swayed, but apart from getting your boots splashed, it went well. The uneven edge pressed into your hands, almost cutting them to the bone. Good thing you had fresh shimmer in your veins. Without it, you wouldn't have been able to pull yourself up that high.You gave yourself a moment to catch your breath before sliding the plate back into place. Maybe it was luck that no one was guarding this part of the sewers. Maybe they were too busy with the move or too confident in their power to watch every part of the tunnels. It worked to your advantage. You wanted to get back to Zaun as quickly as possible, but you had to cross the bridge first. You reached the stairs, crouched at the top to assess the danger. You didn't hear any footsteps, so there was hope you could sneak by unnoticed.For safety, you chose another route, trying to use the shadows whenever possible. You looked into the windows of the houses, wondering how strange it was that danger grew beneath their feet. You hadn’t entered Zaun from this side before. You’d walked almost the entire upper city, losing more than two hours and it would take almost the same to travel to Last Drop. If you managed to catch Silco before sunrise, it would be a miracle. Of course, you were panicking, and paranoia had you taking excessive precautions, but that night, they wouldn't be moving barrels. And the more time you spent away from Silco, the better.The post near the bridge loomed with dark windows. Either they burned it down, or they left it to the mercy of fate. Or maybe they were short on people? Speculating about it wouldn’t get you to the other side of the river, so you quickly ran up the bridge, wanting to cover as much distance as possible before you ran out of breath.You didn’t recognize the area. You didn’t often venture this far north. The facility where you lived was nearby, but you always approached it from the center, never from the Piltover side. For peace of mind, you decided to head towards the road you knew, closer to the middle bridge, and start from there.You never paid attention to the advice, so you had no idea which Chancellor had a birthday and when it was. Silco would take care of that once you delivered the information. What worried you more was the amount of drugs stored in the sewers. It was enough to kill half the city, and someone wanted to use it for their own purposes. It had to be stopped at all costs. Too bad it was tied to saving Piltover.Walking quickly through the streets, you replayed the argument between the men in your mind. You were sure they were hired thugs from Zaun, guarding the goods. No one from the upper city would agree to this, and they’d report it to the guards before accepting money. Or maybe it was better to just blow the whole thing up?Blow it up…You jerked your head as something unlocked in your memory, but you didn’t know what exactly. For a moment, the light of a vehicle blinded you. You jumped aside, bumping into a woman with a child. The little one cried, and the woman picked him up, yelling at you as she quickly walked away. You didn’t listen to her because something about the poorly drawn loaf of bread caught your attention. It reminded you of something. It wasn’t the place, but you knew it connected to something important. Something you were supposed to remember but had forgotten in the midst of other things.Camille!Oh shit. You sprang into action, feeling a flood of memories and plans rush through your mind. If you were right, you might have just found the solution to one of the problems. Depending on how much they valued your usefulness, they might protect you or hand you over to him.Ignoring the strange looks, you pushed through the crowd in Last Drop. Leaping up every two steps, you reached the top in seconds. You heard a conversation in the office but couldn’t stop your hands from going for the door. You burst in, interrupting Silco and Sevice. They looked at you in shock. You seized the moment, words spilling out with your breath."It's Finn!"

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Their conversation seemed to concern something important. At first, their expressions suggested they were on the verge of rudely kicking you out, but when they saw who had interrupted them, irritation gave way to shock.
Silco sat in his chair, leaning slightly toward Sevika, his elbow resting on the desk. She, on the other hand, was perched on the edge of a low table, also leaning forward, her brows furrowed as if she had just learned something critical and dangerous.
You burst into the office, tearing through the tense atmosphere with your sudden declaration, leaving them far behind in the conversation.
“What?” they both asked in unison.
Leaning on your thighs, you caught your breath before speaking.
“It’s Finn… it’s him…”
“How do you know?” Sevika demanded sharply, her tone slicing through the air.
You heard her stand up, her heavy boots taking a step toward you.
“I remembered,” you panted, clutching your side.
“You mean I’ve been running all over Zaun looking for answers while you already knew?!”
“Sevika, calm down,” Silco interrupted, raising his hand slightly in a futile attempt to diffuse the situation.
You took a step back, startled.
“I’m sorry! I forgot! I was supposed to tell you!”
Sevika grabbed the front of your shirt, her fists tightening around the fabric.
“You’ve got to be kidding me right now!”
You had expected her to be irritated about your failure to relay Camille’s warning right away, but her fury went beyond what you anticipated. Then again, she was carrying the workload of four people…
“I’m telling the truth! Camille—”
“Who the hell is Camille?”
“She’s the one who told me Finn is still looking for me!”
Her grip on your shirt loosened, but the confusion in her expression deepened.
“What are you saying? Did they see you?”
“I think so. Otherwise, why would they have sent out patrols?”
“So there’s another patrol following you now? Can you stop leading them straight to us for once?”
“What do you mean, ‘another patrol’?”
A loud, sharp sound broke through your escalating argument, silencing you both.
“Calm down, or I’ll throw you both out!”
You and Sevika turned toward Silco, glaring at him for interrupting. Finally, Sevika released you, though she was still breathing heavily. Silco pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers, closing his eyes as if summoning patience from somewhere deep within.
“What are you doing here? You were supposed to be keeping an eye on the shipment.”
Oxygen was finally flowing freely to your brain again, allowing you to focus on something other than sheer survival. It felt strange to return so soon after your earlier conversation with Silco. You hadn’t sorted out your feelings yet, and seeing him now—his brooding face contrasting sharply with the pain you’d seen on it only hours ago—didn’t make it any easier.
“Yes, I was watching the shipment. I found something important, so I came back.”
You infused your response with as much calm as you could muster, though irritation simmered beneath the surface. He might still see you as nothing more than a defiant tool, but you refused to bend. There hadn’t been time to confirm anything else, and you knew the weight of the information you carried.
Silco seemed to understand your resolve immediately. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips—barely perceptible, but it was enough to make something inside you ache. You pushed the feeling aside, knowing you couldn’t afford distractions. Sevika glanced between the two of you, clearly trying to figure out what was going on.
“So? Will you share this crucial information, or are you planning to make us beg for it?”
“Which of the councilors has a birthday coming up soon?”
“And what does that have to do with anything?” Sevika’s impatience was palpable; her leg was bouncing restlessly.
“Salo. In two weeks. He’s throwing a grand party for the whole city. The Upper City, of course. Why are you asking?”
Gods, you were basking in your own cleverness like an actor playing the role of a lifetime on stage. You wanted to drag this moment out, to hold their attention fully. Maybe even wait until they started begging for your revelation. You fought hard to keep a smirk from forming on your lips.
Leisurely, you sat down on the couch, stretching your legs out in front of you. Silco remained unfazed by your theatrics. He knew you were wringing every drop of satisfaction from the moment. Besides, he wasn’t the type to lower himself to pleading for information. That certainty irritated you because you both knew you’d share it anyway. Sevika, on the other hand, was practically bursting with frustration. She threw her arms out dramatically, huffing in disbelief as you brushed past her without a word and settled comfortably on the couch. You’d pay for this later when it came time to train with her.
But for now, it was worth it.
“Well, I didn’t find out who’s behind it,” you said, casting a pointed glance at Silco, “but I know the main event is likely planned for the night before that guy’s birthday.”
Your words unleashed a small storm. Sevika looked like something had caught in her throat. She probably wanted to resolve everything right then and there but had no idea how. Instead, she took a few erratic steps toward the door before halting abruptly.
You stifled a laugh, turning your attention to Silco. He was watching you, as if trying to discern whether you were telling the truth. In the dim light, everything felt different, but you desperately wanted to believe the look in his eyes held a hint of pride.
“What exactly did you hear? Don’t leave out a single word,” he demanded seriously.
Straightening your posture, you began recounting everything. With each word, Sevika grew more visibly frustrated, while Silco sank deeper into thought. By the end, you weren’t even sure if he was still listening.
It was easy to lose track of his words when work became your focus. That’s how it should have been from the start. It was fascinating how quickly you had risen from being an anonymous thief working odd jobs for Silco to being the second person—after Sevika—trusted with dangerous disputes.
Your life had never been boring, but this exceeded all expectations. The words flowed out of your mouth effortlessly, but your thoughts wandered. You avoided staring at Silco for too long, but your gaze kept drifting back to him.
You had told him earlier that you intended to leave after this mission—whether voluntarily or not. The problem was, you didn’t know how you’d forget everything that had happened between you. Could you ever let go of the grievances? The worst part was, deep down, you didn’t think you wanted to leave.
You liked the adrenaline, the danger. You knew perfectly well that working for him meant walking the path of a criminal, but you had lived like that for years already. What difference did it make?
No, you didn’t want to leave him. And that terrified you most of all.
“I just don’t know what ‘main node’ could mean,” you concluded.
“It could mean everything or nothing. We have no idea whether it’s a real name or a codename,” Silco replied, his tone contemplative.
As you spoke, Sevika had taken a seat in the chair near the desk, crossing one leg over the other and resting her ankle on her knee.
“I ended up there because of information about Piltover's waterworks. Could that still be what this is about?” you asked.
Silco remained silent, turning his head toward the window, leaving you to observe his scarred profile. You still didn’t find anything repulsive about it. It was different, but not ugly or strange. You’d grown used to it, and now you couldn’t imagine him without the long scars cutting across his face and the red eye.
You suddenly jolted, remembering his earlier words about searching for the drug. You gritted your teeth, knowing this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. He interrupted your thoughts by pulling a map from one of the shelves. It was a plan of the upper city. He stood and leaned over it.
“Where is their warehouse?” he asked.
You stood up and approached the map, taking a moment to orient yourself. You pointed to the location of the canal entrance. Sliding your finger further, you tried to estimate how far you had strayed from the reservoir.
“Somewhere here. I can’t say exactly.”
You lifted your head at the same time he did. Your gazes locked. He was far too close; only the desk separated you. You took a step back.
“Following your train of thought, the main node would be here,” he indicated a spot on the map. “This is where the main canals draw water from sources outside the city. It’s also the perfect exit from Piltover. No one monitors what happens there because the current is too strong and dangerous.”
“So what? They want to use the chaos from Salo’s birthday to move it out of the city?”
“Possibly. I’ll admit it’s a decent plan, but I wouldn’t risk it in their shoes. There are too many unknowns—unless they know something we don’t,” he finished, whispering as he delved into thought.
“We need to deploy people,” Sevika slammed her hand on the desk, trying to grab his attention. “If we stake out the main node, we can stop them before they make a move.”
She was right. They might not know their plan had been uncovered, and they’d be careless. If you struck quickly, you’d have the upper hand.
“No,” Silco dismissed quickly.
Sevika growled in frustration.
“This has gone on long enough, don’t you see that?”
“I see it perfectly,” he replied coolly. “But we have no confirmation of how they plan to transport fifty barrels through a water-filled canal. We don’t even know if our theory is correct. Unless your plan involves diving and pulling up one barrel at a time.”
“Sevika’s right,” you interjected. “We can’t handle this with the way we’re operating now.”
“I’m fully aware. But you’re all forgetting one thing,” he said, pausing as if weighing his words—or perhaps just for dramatic effect. “You’re rushing into a fight on unknown ground when there’s a simpler solution.”
You and Sevika exchanged baffled looks before turning back to Silco. If he was waiting for you to guess, he might as well have stood there all night.
“Care to enlighten us?” you asked.
“Just take over the warehouse where the supply is currently stored.”
“How simple!” you laughed, a bit irritated. “Why didn’t anyone think of that earlier?”
Silco raised an eyebrow, casting you a disapproving look, but you didn’t care about his silent scolding.
“That’s what I meant. You’re approaching this too emotionally.”
“Then why did I even go back there today if you were going to handle it at that location anyway?”
“We didn’t know if the goods were still there. Now that we have information about the timeline, we can plan accordingly.”
Your irritation vanished in an instant as the gravity of the situation settled in. Things were about to get serious and dangerous. It was easy to forget the scale of the drug production when you were just listening and observing. You hadn’t fully believed Silco would actually do something about it. Now that he admitted it was time to bring more people into the fold, you realized a resolution might be closer than you thought.
“I’ll gather people. We’ll be ready within a day,” Sevika adjusted her cloak and stepped toward the door.
“Not so fast,” Silco stopped her. “I didn’t say we’d move tomorrow.”
“Then when? How much longer do you want to wait?” you asked.
“They’ve scheduled the move for Salo’s birthday. The Enforcers will be busy securing the party. No one will expect an attack. Chaos will reign above, making it easier to cover any sounds of a fight.”
A fight. The word alone dried your throat. No more sneaking around. It was a solid plan. Silco either thought incredibly fast or had some pieces already in his head, arranging them this evening. He knew exactly what he was doing. He wasn’t reckless or overly cautious. He accounted for all possibilities and outlined a plan only when he was sure of a chance to win.
“Two weeks, then. Got it,” Sevika crossed her arms. “What do I tell the people? The truth is off the table, I assume.”
“No,” he shook his head. “Officially, some shimmer has been stolen from one of the factories. Stage a fire in a few days. Let the rumor spread. People only need to know it’s about recovering stolen goods.”
“You want to blow up your own factory?” you asked, horrified. “What about the workers?”
Silco turned his gaze to you, cold and composed. He probably wasn’t planning to—
“I’m not killing them if that’s what you’re worried about. The fire is meant to scare them into fleeing. They need to believe it’s an external attack. Of course, if some fool decides to play hero and stays to fight the fire, that’s their problem.”
It all made sense. You should have been relieved that his workers weren’t completely disposable to him, but the way he spoke about the operation with such calm unnerved you. So many things could go wrong. Panic could bring out the worst in people. In the chaos of escape, someone might get injured—or worse. They didn’t seem to care, as if potential casualties were just an acceptable price.
“Which one? The southern district?”
“No, the one in the eastern district. It’s the smallest, with the fewest workers.”
You were beginning to understand why the underworld feared them more than the worst of evils. They were unpredictable and willing to go to extremes to achieve their goals. You glanced between them, searching their faces for something to shatter this grim image. Silco looked at you and sighed.
“Don’t look at us like it’s your first time encountering cruelty in Zaun. I chose that location because there’s the least chance of casualties. People die in Zaun all the time, and believe me, it’s rarely my fault. Workers know what they’re getting into when they take these jobs. Do you think fires are such a rare occurrence here?”
"Not exactly," you whispered, quickly steadying your voice. "I understand why you're doing this, but everything is just too real now."
"Are you in or not?" he asked sharply. "I don’t need weak people right now."
You clenched your fists and lifted your head resolutely.
"I'm in."
You were surprised at yourself—when had you started caring about other people? Maybe it was the scale of the operation being planned that shocked you. It finally hit you who Silco and Sevika truly were. He held almost the entire Undercity in his grasp. People feared him, and Sevika, his right hand, had openly told you she'd silenced inconvenient witnesses before. Now, you were voluntarily stepping into their world. One small move wouldn't absolve you of your involvement.
Silco gave a small nod. You waited for a signal to dismiss yourself or something, but then you remembered your earlier heated exchange.
"What did you mean about Finn?"
Sevika glanced at Silco for permission to rejoin the conversation. He merely shrugged and returned to studying the map.
"I managed to track down who the people from the factory worked for. They’re Finn's men."
"The same Finn who was pissed off at me for blowing up that house?" You needed confirmation, though you already knew the answer.
"Do you know any other Finns?"
You could understand his grudge. A petty thief had outsmarted him, and his pride was wounded. But why would he collaborate with the head of Zarysa?
"Wait, are you telling me that..."
"Finn is working with the man behind the production of that shimmer variant."
The revelation left you so stunned you sat down on the nearest table. When big names were involved, things always got complicated. Were they partners? Why was Finn so interested in Zaun?
"I’m losing track," you whispered, burying your face in your hands.
"I can see that," Sevika scoffed. "But this isn’t a daycare. No one’s holding your hand here."
"Bite me," you shot back.
"Once you’re done exchanging pleasantries," Silco interrupted, pointing a pen at you, "I’m still waiting for an explanation about Finn. Why would he still be after you?"
You resisted the urge to stick your tongue out at him, knowing Sevika would sooner cut it off than let you. With a sigh, you forced your mind back to your encounter with Camille in the bakery.
"After everything supposedly calmed down, and I was presumed dead on that ship, I ran into Camille on the street."
"Who?"
"Don’t interrupt, and you’ll find out," you snapped. "Camille was someone I knew before I started working for you. She accused me of James’ death..."
"That coward from the hospital?"
You balled your fist and raised it slightly.
"Can you not?" you growled. "Anyway, she tried to attack me, claiming Finn’s people were looking for me and that there’s a bounty on my head. That’s why I was surprised when Sevika jumped down my throat. I thought Finn’s issue was just that."
"Next time, be clear about what you mean instead of stopping every other word. How was I supposed to know?"
"Because you always interrupt and don’t let me finish!"
You started to rise, ready to argue again, but Silco, now visibly more annoyed, cut you off.
"If you two don’t stop acting like a pair of stray cats, I’ll treat you like them and toss you both out the door. You can claw each other to pieces out there. Do we understand each other?" He paused, waiting for an answer, though silence seemed to suffice. "Finn has always had bigger ambitions than he could handle. I’m not surprised he’s grasping at straws wherever he can. Well, there’s nothing left to do but pay him a visit."
"You want to talk to him?" you asked, genuinely shocked.
"I won’t send people to Piltover without knowing who’s behind this. Finn should understand the risks of working with the topside."
"Wouldn’t it be better to invite him here?" Sevika suggested. "He’ll feel more vulnerable on our turf."
"No. I need to catch him off guard. That way, he might say more than he intends."
"You’re planning to go there yourself?"
It sounded absurd. He’d be stepping onto enemy ground, where a stray bullet could end everything in an instant. But it became truly dangerous when he smiled faintly and pointed to you.
"Yes. And you’re coming with me."
You instinctively stepped back, calculating how quickly you could run. Shimmer still hummed in your veins, but Sevika was keeping a close eye on you. What was faster—her arm or your legs?
"You can’t be serious."
"I’m entirely serious. Finn may rule his little domain, but he loses his sharp tongue when I’m around."
"You want me to go with you to someone who’s actively hunting me? You might as well hand me over to the Enforcers."
Sevika leaned back in her chair, lit a cigarette, and watched like she was at the theater, thoroughly entertained. Silco, leaning back comfortably, turned serious again.
"You have my word. I won’t force you to go if you don’t want to. Finn is foolish and reckless. My presence might scare him, but yours will unsettle him. He doesn’t know you’re working for me, and he’ll realize you’re under my protection. He knows better than to cross me. I need you there."
You hesitated, and the fleeting moment you had to bolt passed. Silco always gave you a choice, just as he was doing now. You could walk away. You could refuse. But somehow, he knew this part of you, the part that would eventually come to the same conclusion as him.
Closing your eyes, you turned your head away. He knew exactly what he was doing with his words. It was the first time he’d framed a request like this. You wanted to believe your honesty had reached him and that he understood the deep wound he’d inflicted, hidden beneath your anger.
You feared this moment—the moment he began targeting your emotions rather than your ambitions.
Regardless of how you interpreted his words—and you knew you’d overanalyze them for days—this was your chance to end the chase once and for all. Yet something told you it wasn’t just about your presence.
"There’s more to this, isn’t there?"
"There is," he admitted calmly. "I’ll need your ears."
You snorted briefly, feeling both slightly disappointed and slightly saddened. Well, it was nice for a moment when he spoke so sweetly about you, but in the end, he returned to the topic of your usefulness.
"Of course, mutations," you hissed through your teeth, shaking your head.
Sevika shifted uneasily, as if this conversation shouldn't have taken place in her presence.
"Maybe I should…" she began, but you cut her off with a wave of your hand.
"Silco’s right. My hearing might be useful. After all, it’s all about utility, isn’t it?" you asked coldly, looking at him. "When and where?"
Silco was silent for a moment. His expression shifted slightly, almost imperceptibly. But you noticed the stiffness in his posture and how he gripped the pen he had been using to make notes. What he did now somehow felt worse than his previous manipulations. As if he understood you were foolishly waiting for some affectionate words, only to exploit that for his plan. A shadow of hesitation crossed his face.
"Tomorrow evening. You’ll get the address later," he said finally.
You nodded, feeling a strange tightness in your throat. You didn’t trust your voice in that moment.
"Is that all, or can I leave now?"
He looked as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he simply averted his gaze. You took that as your cue to leave. It was hard to resist the urge to slam the door on your way out. You didn’t want to stay there a second longer than necessary. You needed to rest before the next mission.
You had just made it past the Last Drop when you heard someone calling your name. Turning around, you saw Sevika catching up with you quickly.
"Listen, I don’t have time for a lecture about my behavior, okay?"
"Calm down," she shot back. "I’ve got something for you."
She handed you a folded piece of paper tied with a simple string. Your name was written on top.
"What’s this?"
"After that argument back there, the first thing I did was deliver your letter. I felt bad about losing my temper, so I went there myself. The old woman nearly pissed herself when she saw me. Nice to know my reputation precedes me," she said with a smirk.
"You went to scare her? Not enough people around here already?"
"No, I gave her your letter. I was just going to leave, but she asked if I could deliver her reply to you. It’s the least I could do."
She shrugged and waved the letter at you, urging you to take it. Hesitantly, you took it, turning it over in your hands. Your thoughts were still on Silco, making it hard to focus on this new matter.
"Well… thanks, I guess," you mumbled.
You turned to leave, but Sevika wasn’t done talking yet.
"I don’t know what happened up there with him," she began, "but I do know this: Silco’s never needed anyone before. This is the first time he’s ever said something like that."
"What’s that supposed to mean?" you snapped. "If you’re trying to defend him, save your breath."
She shrugged again.
"Think whatever you want. I can see something’s bothering him, just like something’s bothering you. I won’t work with you both if you keep acting like talking is painful." She turned to leave but glanced back over her shoulder briefly. "Oh, and I didn’t tell him about the letters."
 
***

"I remember you. Your letter brought back many memories, as well as dreams. Would you like to meet me one morning, before the shop opens? I think we have much to discuss. I’ll wait for you every day for a week."

You had plenty of time before the meeting with Finn. In the daylight, you felt disgusted with yourself for agreeing to Silco’s plan, knowing he only cared about your abilities, nothing more. You knew he wouldn’t have suggested this if not for your mutations.
Well, enough of that.
You received the address for your meeting. Whether it was the main objective or just a waypoint, you weren’t sure. One thing was certain: you had taken Sevika’s words seriously and decided that day you’d finally tell Silco this unhealthy relationship had to end. You wanted to look at your reflection and know you’d retained some shred of dignity.
Back in your room, you briefly considered going to the shop in Piltover the next day, but it was already late when you went to bed. There was no way you’d wake up in time. Besides, your head was too full of your own problems, making you unfit for any kind of discussion—if that’s what you could even call it.
You would have buried your emotions, but Sevika’s words had strangely infuriated you. She’d seen how Silco behaved and still took his side. She defended him, for crying out loud!
First, she told you to set clear boundaries, then encouraged you to give him another chance, as if maybe this time would be different. It was bad enough that you were stupid enough to believe Silco saw you differently. This conversation never should have happened in front of her.
What were you thinking?
Silco was… specific, to put it mildly. Whatever you thought you saw in him was clearly a product of your imagination. You were hitting rock bottom by returning to these talks with him. But it had built up too much inside you, growing to unbearable proportions.
You wanted to feel anger toward him, but it seemed you’d run out. All that remained was exhaustion—and a strange sadness, like you’d lost something that was never truly yours. Sitting on your bed, you tried to repair your jacket, but your hands were trembling.

I need you there.

You leaned your head against the wall, wondering when everything fell apart. Was it the day the patrol caught you, and Silco decided to bail you out? You remembered the anger but still couldn’t pinpoint where it came from. That’s when everything started to crumble.
Not long ago, you’d felt such a strong connection with him. You thought you could trust him, that he wouldn’t use your fears as a weapon. But he’d already threatened to pull out of this mission once.
In a fit of frustration, you threw the jacket across the room, knowing it couldn’t be fixed. You stared at the burn mark on the sleeve, marveling that you hadn’t burned your arm. The protective patches on the shoulders and forearms were meant to guard against abrasions—not fire.
This jacket was important to you. You’d had it for years, and even though it was damaged, you couldn’t bring yourself to throw it away. Sometimes a single burnt sleeve didn’t define the whole. It had become a vessel for memories, a testament to what you’d endured.
Shaking your head, you picked it up, knowing you’d never be able to discard it no matter how badly it was damaged. You stitched the tear on the hood in a few minutes, then gladly put it back on. It smelled of dust and a stuffy room—and smoke.
That shouldn’t have been surprising, given you’d just survived a fire. But this was a different kind of smoke.

You checked the clock. There were still a few hours left until the meeting. Boredom crept in—you wanted to leave, knowing that staying in your room would only drag you deeper into your thoughts. You packed the necessary items into your backpack, slung it over your shoulder, and left.
This place wasn’t yours anymore, but no one said you couldn’t come back. This could very well be the last time you’d see it empty, the last time you’d see it at all. You wanted to imprint the image of the city beyond the heavy plumes of smoke in your memory.
You had one vial left. One week of life if you didn’t dare drink what Zarys had provided. If death awaited you anyway, sooner or later, you might as well lay everything out for Silco. Well, almost everything.
It took you about an hour to reach the tower. The meeting point was two hours west of your current location, pulling you outside the Lanes. It was puzzling what Finn might be doing so far from the center. You’d always assumed the chem-barons stayed close to the heart of operations for convenience. You’d never met Finn, but it was hard to believe he’d live so far out.
You missed this view. You missed the wind that cleared your thoughts, leaving a blissful emptiness. No, you didn’t regret handing this place over to better hands. Perhaps you should have added a clause granting you unlimited access to the rooftop, regardless of ownership. The thought of what this place might become in the future was a mystery you’d never see resolved.
There was no point in delaying any longer. Even if you arrived early, the stress drove you to action. Despite how you’d acted before, you felt a strange confidence about the upcoming conversation with him. It was easier now that there was a concrete plan in place. If something went wrong and your paths diverged forever, at least you’d have the peace of knowing they could carry on without you.
You didn’t pay much attention to your surroundings. The closer you got to the rendezvous, the more everything started to look the same. These houses were no different from the ones you’d passed on your first field mission. Only the numbers on the buildings and the faded street names assured you that you were in the right place. Honestly, it didn’t look like somewhere Finn would want as a base. This must have been just a waypoint. But why meet here? Then again, you’d long known that Silco’s decisions weren’t always the most logical.
You waited for an hour before hearing footsteps in the distance. You flipped a knife idly in your hand, testing your reflexes. Unfortunately, that instinct hadn’t resurfaced since the fight with Monty. Maybe it really had just been adrenaline, and nothing about you would ever mutate further.
You stepped out of the shadows just as Silco began scanning his surroundings. He flinched slightly when he realized you’d been there the whole time. His surprise was satisfying. After all, Silco had never seen you in action before.
"Ready?"
"Before we go, there’s one more thing."
He was uneasy. For a moment, you saw his gaze wander over your face, as if trying to read what you were about to say. Perhaps he hadn’t expected you to stop him for a talk, but he didn’t object.
"What is it?"
You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words you were about to say settle in your chest.
"Silco, I need to clear this up before things go too far. Whatever is happening between us—it has to stop."
His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he didn’t fully grasp what you’d just said. Maybe the composure in your voice had caught him off guard. Whatever it was, he tensed nervously. For the first time, you’d managed to unsettle him.
"And what exactly is happening between us?"
"I don’t have time or patience for your word games. I’m done with you treating me like a tool you can use whenever you please. I want us to go back to a strictly professional relationship."
There was a resolve in your voice you hadn’t expected from yourself. A part of you felt satisfaction in how firm you sounded. But he... he furrowed his brows as if your demand was absurd.
"I don’t understand what you’re talking about."
Anger churned in your chest, burning away what little patience you had left.
"Oh, for fuck’s sake, don’t pretend you don’t know!" you hissed through clenched teeth, losing your composure. "From the start, you’ve treated me like some walking mutation. You watch how it destroys me, and you don’t even blink. Even yesterday, when you said you needed me, it was still about my abilities. I’m done working for someone who doesn’t see me as a person."
Your fists clenched as a lump of rage and frustration rose in your throat. The illusion of control had shattered completely.
"So, does that mean you’re leaving?"
You couldn’t believe your ears. You threw your hands up in exasperation, unable to tolerate his indifference any longer.
"Sometimes I think I should. You won’t let me go, so I should do it myself."
"Then what’s stopping you?"
"I don’t know!" you shouted, your own voice echoing off the narrow walls around you.
The silence that followed your outburst was unbearable. Silco stood there, still and unmoving, as if weighing every word he was about to say. It was... unbearable. You knew you wouldn’t get the answer you were hoping for.
"Oh, never mind," you growled, turning on your heel. You’d barely taken two steps when his voice stopped you.
"I’m sorry. And I mean it."
You froze. Those weren’t the words you’d expected. You didn’t want to look him in the eye, knowing that in an instant, all your anger could vanish.
"One measly apology doesn’t erase what you’ve done," you replied sadly, not turning your head.
"I know that. I’d do a lot to fix it, but I fear I’ve already lost this game."
His voice was quiet but sincere. It was that sincerity you’d never heard from him before. You sighed, feeling your heart begin to beat slower.
"What now? With us? I don’t think I can stay in limbo like this. You’ve hurt me too deeply and too often for me to just forget."
Silco shifted his gaze to the side, as if unsure of the answer himself. He leaned against the wall of one of the buildings and lowered his head.
"I don’t expect you to accept my apology. But what I said in recent days is true. I can’t bear the thought of you dying without the drug. It drives me mad, and I... for the first time, I can’t find an answer. Maybe I’ve grown too used to your presence. When you started talking about leaving, I realized you’re too valuable to lose."
"You're always talking about me as if I have a price. I'm a person, you know?"
"I know. I never wanted you to feel otherwise. I value your skills, but I value you more as... a person. You're not a tool."
His words were simple, yet something about them touched a deep part of you. Maybe it was the one thing you needed to hear.
"Then why..."
Silco pulled a flask from his pocket and took a sip. He looked... tired, in a way he rarely did.
"Maybe I liked the fact that you kept coming back no matter what I did. But the more I hurt you, the more it started to destroy me."
You couldn't stop the bitter laugh that escaped your lips.
"I have my dignity. Otherwise, this conversation wouldn’t be happening. You’ve got one last chance to be completely honest with me. Otherwise, this is the last time you’ll see me. Even if I end up dead in some alley, you won’t see me again."
"I haven’t lied. We need you. I need you."
Your heart nearly stopped.
"You need... are you sure?"
He didn’t answer. Just stayed silent.
"It’s always about what you want," you whispered, more to yourself than to him. "Have you ever thought about what I want?"
"Maybe you can tell me now?"
You stared at him, trying to find an answer that would bring closure to everything. But nothing came to mind.
"I want you to be honest with me. To stop hiding your real thoughts behind empty words."
Silco tilted his head back, closing his eyes for a moment. He looked like he was weighing every word he was about to say, as if what he said next could change everything.
"I’m not good at honesty," he opened his eyes and looked at you, and there was something in his gaze that made your heart ache. "I want you here. Not because you have to be, but because... I’d like you to stay."
Those words hung in the air, heavy with meaning.
"You’d like me to?" you repeated, trying to mask how much his confession had affected you.
"Yes. I want you to be part of all this—not because you're needed. Because you’re... you. I don’t know how else to say it."
You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. You studied his face, searching for any hint of deception, but found none.
"Then why did you always push me away? Why did you do everything to make me feel like I was nothing?" you asked, not bothering to hide your bitterness.
"You’re here because I want you to be. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have asked you to come to this meeting with me. I’ll try not to lie anymore. Not to you, and not to myself."
There was no hesitation in his voice. Maybe for the first time in a long while, you saw someone speaking without a mask. You felt your anger begin to fade, but the scars from his past words still burned.
"That’s not enough, Silco."
He nodded, as if he had expected that.
"I don’t expect forgiveness. But if you give me a chance, I’ll try to make it right. Not with words. With actions."
You stood there for a moment, trying to decide what to do. You knew it was impossible to make a decision here and now.
"Don’t promise me things you can’t keep," you finally said, turning away from him. You took a few steps, but stopped and glanced back over your shoulder. "If you truly care, prove it. Otherwise... don’t come back to this conversation."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

I was asked to add it again so here it is: the playlist for this story
Crawlin' back to you
*** If you were smarter, you’d have accepted such a resolution.You got what you wanted. Silco acted like an adult and took your words seriously. What you’d hoped for happened—a genuine apology and reassurance that your fears were unfounded. Exactly what you wanted. And yet, as you followed him to the meeting, you couldn’t shake the feeling that the conversation wasn’t over. You watched his straight back and wondered if his words might have had another meaning.If you were smarter, you wouldn’t be searching for one.Actions, not words. You’d forced this on him without knowing for sure that he’d keep his promise. You wanted to trust him, but in a crucial moment, when faced with a choice, you knew he’d prioritize resolving the issue over you. You didn’t want to blame him for it, but you knew you would. You dreaded this meeting terribly. If Finn demanded your head in exchange for information, would Silco refuse?You clenched your teeth. The feelings you’d buried deep, locked away so you couldn’t access them, began to surface. You’d demanded distance and professionalism, and now that you finally had them, you felt an odd irritation because you knew it still wasn’t enough. But you’d be a fool to demand more and more from him when he’d already given you more than you should have gotten.Regardless of the words exchanged, your relationship would never return to normal. You regretted what you’d said. You were beginning to understand that what you felt ran deeper than you’d suspected. It seemed you were indeed acting emotionally and impulsively. Despite your feelings, you could see the logic and necessity of certain moves. He had no right to ever know what you truly kept hidden. For the sake of the entire operation, he should hand you over if necessary. Unless, of course, he had some truth serum up his sleeve to force Finn to talk.But more than anything, you wanted him to choose you.If you were smarter, you wouldn’t overthink his words; you’d simply take them as they were given.But you weren’t smart.You paid no attention to where you were going or how long you’d been walking. You cursed inwardly, knowing that finding an escape route would be difficult. He probably couldn’t climb the way you could, so if it came to a fight, your chances were slim. As you passed under an archway, Silco paused for a moment and glanced back at you."I hope you understand that no matter what we discussed, you won’t be given any special treatment. Clear?"You rolled your eyes, relieved that his slightly sarcastic tone was back."I hope so. What would people say otherwise?""Let’s hope you play your part well. Here, you might need this."Something about his words felt off—he seemed too amused for the situation. He pressed a small box into your hands. Heavy, wooden, and reeking of tobacco even from a distance."What am I supposed to do with your cigars?" you asked, slightly irritated, but he didn’t answer.You stepped out of the shadows, and before you loomed a building that, unlike most, was brightly lit. You were far from the center of the city, and you hadn’t noticed when you’d descended into one of the crevices. You didn’t know this area—you never ventured here. If there were no people, there was nothing to steal. The building partially blended into the rock, creating an interesting piece of architecture—if it weren’t for the high fence and the swarm of armed guards.Someone here clearly had an ego problem.You searched your memory for what Finn was involved in, but beyond making explosives, you couldn’t recall much. You knew he regularly tried to gain a monopoly on ammunition, but no one wanted to depend on one person. Finn would have too much power if he controlled access to weapons in Zaun. He was foolish if he thought people would trust him.You were sure Silco had some ambitious plan, likely involving sneaking in through a dark passage to catch Finn alone. Surprised and without his guards, he’d be more inclined to talk if someone pressed a blade to his throat. At least, that’s what you would do. But Silco strode through the open gate as if he owned the place. You felt exposed to hundreds of staring eyes. You wanted to run before they memorized your face, but he walked on confidently, unbothered by the surprised glances.Of course, there had never been an official conflict between him and Finn. That’s why such meetings didn’t spark aggression. Everyone in Zaun knew Silco. They parted before him, creating a path, afraid to cross him. No one even thought to stop you and ask what you were doing there. You hunched your shoulders, trying to suppress the shivers crawling up your spine. You could hear whispers among the crowd. They were wondering what this meeting could mean. Their boss hadn’t informed them, so speculation began immediately. Fortunately, you weren’t mentioned in any of their theories. Everyone was too busy watching The Eye of Zaun stride purposefully toward the main entrance.Silco treated the people in the square as if they didn’t exist. He pushed open the doors and strode inside. The heavy wings slammed against the walls, echoing loudly. He disappeared into the building as quickly as he’d appeared, leaving the crowd in even greater shock. When Silco had mentioned a meeting with Finn, you thought it was planned—not that you’d storm his headquarters unannounced. Well, here’s hoping Finn was as afraid of Silco as you suspected."What was that?" you whispered as you walked down the corridor deeper into the building. "We could have been killed!"He shrugged and slowed his pace slightly."Don’t be dramatic. Finn isn’t stupid. He probably assumes I’ve hidden people in the area. He won’t risk a fight because he knows he’ll lose.""You’re ridiculously overconfident."He glanced sideways, smiling faintly."By showing up unannounced, we’ve denied him the chance to prepare.""I shouldn’t be here. Finn will see I’m alive and know you lied.""He never believed us to begin with. Your presence won’t tell him anything he doesn’t already know. Trust me; I know what I’m doing.""Yeah, sending me to my death," you muttered grimly, but his sharp glance silenced you. "Sorry.""Instead of questioning my decisions, focus on your task.""I know what I’m supposed to do, but I still don’t like it."You sighed heavily, feeling that a stray bullet was more likely to kill you than an addiction. But this wasn’t the time for arguments. You focused, trying to pick up any familiar noises nearby, but the thick walls muffled everything. There might as well have been a concert happening next door, and you wouldn’t have heard it. Whatever Silco hoped to achieve with this meeting, it had better work—because you wouldn’t get another chance like this.Moments later, you stood before a tall door. You barely had time to consider Finn’s insecurities, reflected in his headquarters, when Silco burst inside without hesitation. His confidence would lead to disaster someday.You followed two steps behind him, knowing full well that even if a fight broke out, you wouldn’t be able to protect him, let alone stop him. Gods, Sevika would rip your head off if anything happened at this meeting.You arrived at a room that might have served as a meeting place, though it seemed Finn didn’t have many guests. The place reeked of dust and gunpowder, as if it had been neglected for a long time. This man clearly had some issues and was probably trying to project more importance than he actually possessed. You’d never seen him before, but he wasn’t what you had imagined.“Has anyone ever told you that such intrusions can end badly?”A voice came from the other side of the room. Silco stopped a few steps past the doorway. You stood in front of a long table. The position could have been embarrassing or degrading, but not for Silco. He seemed to fill the entire space, asserting dominance regardless of his location.Finn looked like the complete opposite of what you’d expected. Black hair slicked to one side. A mass of tattoos, which he flaunted by wearing only a golden jacket. But the most repulsive feature was that strange mask—like an extra jaw. And this was supposedly the man with connections in the upper city? He looked utterly ridiculous. His entourage was far more intimidating than he was: five men armed to the teeth, standing motionless but nervously gripping their rifles, as though the mere thought of using them against Silco terrified them.Finn lounged with one leg propped on the table, fiddling with a lighter. He clearly wanted to project an air of nonchalance, but he fit in this room like a square peg in a round hole. You noticed a thin layer of dust on the dark wood. Whatever this place was, it wasn’t his office. You could imagine him rushing here in a panic upon learning of your arrival, frantically trying to decide on a pose that would make him appear fearless. But his eyes betrayed him.You knew he recognized you. He tried to hide it, but his eyes widened slightly, just for a moment. The facade of bravado faltered. He shifted as if he suddenly felt out of place. You wondered what had driven the hunts for you. Was it merely wounded pride? Quickly, he swung his leg off the table and slammed his palms onto it. Your presence was clearly aggravating him. He was easy to rattle.“What the fuck is that?”“Are you talking about my company?”“Do you see anyone else here?” he snarled. “You told me the ship burned, and no one survived.”Silco shrugged, his expression unreadable.“Well, you told me you’d handle it, but I’ve since learned that the search continues. So don’t feign surprise now.”Finn had no retort. He stood abruptly, knocking his chair over. His men stirred but stopped at a sharp gesture from him. He walked toward you and perched on the edge of the table. Up close, he was even more revolting. His curious gaze bored into you as if trying to discern why Silco had kept you around. It was sickening. You knew the words you dreaded would eventually come. You didn’t want to think about what Finn would do to you.“So, you’ve come to fix your mistake? I didn’t think you had any honor.”In an instant, Silco placed himself between you and Finn. He leaned over the table, his hands pressed firmly against it. Something in his expression made Finn instinctively recoil.“Insult my honor again. I dare you.”You shivered at the sound of his voice. You had never heard him threaten someone before. It wasn’t something you ever wanted to experience firsthand. You realized you hadn’t truly known The Eye of Zaun—the man everyone in the undercity feared. He was challenging Finn, and he knew the man wasn’t stupid enough to make the same mistake twice.The soft sound of a weapon being quietly cocked caught your attention. The idiot tried to do it discreetly, but you heard the faint click he’d attempted to mask by pressing the gun against his body. Your gaze locked onto him, and you furrowed your brow. He flinched slightly under your stare, likely wondering if you’d heard him. Well, your keen hearing had its uses. You shook your head in warning, signaling that it wasn’t worth the risk.Finn laughed nervously. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket but hesitated to light it, stalling for time. Silco straightened, clearly having won this round.“Easy there. You’re awfully serious today,” Finn joked, though his voice wavered slightly. “So, what brings you here?”Silco began to pace slowly around the room. With nothing between you and Finn, you were sure he’d kill you any second. Your courage had evaporated. But trailing after Silco would be pathetic. You focused on the sounds around you, straining to catch conversations from elsewhere, but there was only an eerie silence.“I’ve been thinking about your career,” Silco said at last. “It’s impressive how quickly you climbed to the top.”Finn exhaled a puff of smoke, spreading his arms theatrically.“Am I hearing praise from The Eye of Zaun?”Silco stopped to give him a look of disdain.“Crime Lord. Brutal and ruthless—or so they say. Climbed to power over a trail of corpses. Quite the story for someone so young.”“Should I be flattered or scared that you know so much about me?”“I don’t care how you feel. It’s fascinating, almost as if… someone helped you.”You scrutinized Finn for any subtle shifts in his behavior. He didn’t take his eyes off Silco, allowing you to observe him openly. If he was hiding something, he was doing a good job of controlling his body language.“From what I know, there’s nothing wrong with accepting help. You didn’t invent the shimmer formula on your own, either.”“Oh, of course. Carefully chosen allies are the foundation of success,” Silco replied dismissively, gazing out the window.At those words, Finn’s arrogant expression faltered briefly but quickly returned. That was it. Silco had struck a nerve. Whoever Finn’s partner in the upper city was, they must have been someone of great influence, given how carefully their identity was guarded.“Get to the point, Silco,” Finn said, nearly spitting his name. “I doubt you came here to gush about my accomplishments.”“You’re right. You’re not as dim as they say.”Finn’s men shifted, stepping forward, but he waved them off impatiently. Clearly, jokes about his intelligence hit a sore spot.“Out. All of you,” he barked over his shoulder, waiting for his audience to exit the room. “Don’t push your luck. You may run things in the Lanes, but here, you’re on my turf.”Silco smiled, a self-satisfied expression that sent chills down your spine.“Are you threatening me?” he asked softly.Finn stood and moved behind his chair. You knew the distance made little difference. No matter how far away you got, it would never feel like enough. The problem was that Silco acted as if he wanted a confrontation. You couldn’t tell if it was a grudge from the past or sheer hatred for Finn.“I haven’t lost my mind yet. Look, I’m not looking for a fight with you.”"Nobody mentions it here," Silco clasped his hands behind his back and resumed his calm pacing around the room.You thought you heard voices. The two of them were absorbed in their verbal sparring and paid no attention to you. A group of men had left a door slightly ajar, and the murmur came from there. It was too faint and indistinct to make out any words. You were tempted to move closer but hesitated, unsure if it would arouse suspicion. You fixed your gaze on Silco, hoping that some telepathic miracle would make him understand your intentions. Maybe he really had some sixth sense—or perhaps you'd burned enough holes in his back with your stares that he'd learned to recognize them—because he shot you a brief glance. You discreetly shifted your eyes toward the door, and he gave a slight nod."You’re too young to remember how the Undercity came to be. Back when we were merely labor for Piltover." Silco changed the direction of his unhurried strides and took a seat on one of the chairs near Finn."Ah, yes. The grand dream of the Nation of Zaun," Finn drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm and boredom. He seemed somewhat reassured that Silco wasn’t steering the conversation toward conflict and relaxed into his chair, lighting another cigarette."It doesn’t surprise me. It’s easy to forget Piltover’s crimes when you live off their technology," Silco retorted."I don’t see the problem." Finn spread his hands theatrically. "Live in the past all you want. I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth."Silco chuckled dismissively."I don’t doubt it. I’ll keep that in mind."Finn could play the confident man as much as he wanted, but you could see that Silco’s words had struck a chord. He might despise Silco all he liked, but the need for validation from the Eye of Zaun still lingered in him. Whatever Silco meant by those words left Finn slightly unsettled."What do you mean by that?" Finn asked, his bravado faltering."Oh, don’t look so concerned. I come with an offer."Silco was seated with his back to you. You strained your ears to catch more of the murmurs from the other room, but the words remained unintelligible. Your struggle with your senses was interrupted by a sharp snap. Silco had raised his hand, snapping his fingers. Did he just snap at you like you were a dog? You stared at him, shocked. He didn’t turn, merely waiting for you to act. Panic gripped you briefly before you remembered the small box he’d given you.You retrieved it from your pocket and approached. Clever bastard. He’d given you a reason to get closer and eavesdrop without outright ordering you to play servant. Recalling Sevika’s movements, you mimicked her actions. Finn observed with mild admiration, likely wondering how Silco managed to train his people so well. Still, you couldn’t let this slide, not even as a joke. On your way back, you "accidentally" bumped him with your elbow. He nearly dropped his lit cigar but maintained his composure.Now closer to the door, you could catch snippets of the conversation, tuning out Silco and Finn’s battle of egos. Tilting your head slightly, you focused on the voices. They were muffled and distorted as if separated by another door."I’m telling you, it’s nothing. Calm down! This is the fifth time you’ve brought it up!""Nothing? Silco himself comes here, and you’re telling me to calm down?""It wasn’t me who reloaded a gun in front of him. Have you lost your mind? What if he heard?""It’s suspicious! And his speech… I’m telling you, he knows something.""You’re talking nonsense. If he knew—now with the boss…"The distance and the heated exchange between Silco and Finn made it difficult to focus."Look, I don’t like it. The boss told us… something’s off.""Are you seriously planning to run to Piltover with every little issue?""You’re calling it a little issue that Silco’s breathing down our necks? Say what you want, but I…"Your heart skipped a beat. You were so close. But they hadn’t said anything new. Frustration threatened to overwhelm you."Fine… but I’m not the one who’ll tell the boss. At least wait until they’re gone."There was a pause, as if the panicked one was searching for hidden traps in the other’s words."Fine. But… if the sheriff starts retaliating, I won’t hesitate… led us to this—""Ah, go to hell and stop bothering me!"You felt the air leave your lungs. Did you just find out who was behind it? "Sheriff" was a vague term and could very well be a codename. After all, you highly doubted it referred to Piltover’s enforcer commander. You’d heard that he was a weak man who fell apart after the death of the previous sheriff, Grayson.You wavered, overwhelmed by the flood of information and the emotions that came with it. A faint sway pulled you slightly off balance."What do you think?" Silco asked suddenly.You had no idea what he was talking about. Finn was quiet, seemingly searching for an answer, but both their eyes were on you. Blushing slightly, you realized you hadn’t been paying attention to their conversation. Silco’s face revealed nothing."I’m not sure I have an opinion," you muttered, striving for neutrality."Why am I not surprised," Silco commented, his tone laced with disappointment.Irritation flared momentarily, but the buzzing in your mind drowned it out."I’ll think about it and give you an answer," Finn said, standing, signaling that the discussion should end.You stopped listening when Silco mentioned some kind of offer. Relief washed over you as the torment seemed to conclude. You wanted to leave as quickly as possible, unable to keep your unease from showing any longer. The two shook hands, and Silco gestured for you to follow. In a different situation, you’d have called him out for it for days, but things were growing increasingly complicated."Silco…" you began in a whisper, but he shook his head."Not here," he replied softly, wiping his hands with a handkerchief. "Not yet."You searched your memory for the sheriff’s face, trying to match it to someone you’d seen at the factory, but there weren’t enough details to compare. You kept your thoughts to yourself, waiting patiently until you could speak freely.Once you passed through the gate into the dark alleyways, Silco grabbed your arm and pulled you aside. Too surprised to resist, you let him lead."Listen, I think I know—""Take the long way back to The Last Drop. Wait for me in the office."He was tense, scanning the street as if expecting something inevitable."What? No, I’m not leaving you here. Sevika will tear my head off if anything happens to you.""Go," he said firmly, giving you a light shove. "Finn won’t let this go, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he sends someone after us. Don’t worry about me; it’s you they’ll be looking for."Blood drained from your face at a dizzying pace. Was the Crime Lord so desperate to mend his ego? Or had he noticed your devotion and wanted to use it to slight Silco? But Silco had been too serious, too concerned when he told you about it. You had no reason to doubt him. You nodded and pulled your scarf up over your face. They probably wouldn’t look for you at such heights. Let’s just hope Sevika understood his approach; otherwise, he’d have to protect you not only from Finn. *** After parting ways with Silco, you lingered for a moment, observing the valley’s exit, but they could have taken another path just as well. You didn’t want to run into a group of Finn’s armed men, so you quickly left the area, moving across rooftops as high as you could.You felt like you were sinking even deeper into this mess. Previously, as an anonymous thief, you had a good chance of wriggling out of situations by playing dumb. But now, one of the barons had taken a dangerous interest in you, and only Silco stood between you and him. Ironically, that stupid job Leon had sent you on might have saved your life. It felt like the universe was trying to tell you that leaving Silco was a terrible idea. Maybe if you’d fled far enough, the danger would have passed. If only you could meet Zarys again and squeeze out the truth about the concoction he’d given you…You wandered the area for another two hours. Silco had probably returned directly to The Last Drop—no one would dare bother him. You envied that, though you wouldn’t want to live under such constant stress. Unfortunately, your days of anonymity were over for good. At times like this, it was easy to forget that even without Finn, death loomed over you. You knew you should tell Silco about that vial, but you didn’t want to give yourself false hope of surviving longer than a week. Nor did you want to see hope flicker in his eyes, only to have it crushed if Zarys turned out to be lying. Silco already reacted so strongly to the thought of your death; you couldn’t be that cruel.You arrived at The Last Drop well after midnight. Inside, the revelry hadn’t stopped. After all that had happened, you craved nothing more than peace and rest, but the problem couldn’t wait. If you delayed too long, memory would start to fade and twist the words you’d overheard. You’d grown used to people constantly bumping into you, so instead of moving with the crowd, you elbowed your way through. If that’s the only language they understand…You entered the office without knocking. Silco was studying a map of the city, likely mulling over a plan he’d already begun formulating. He raised his head at the sound of your footsteps, and his worried expression softened briefly.“Were you followed?”“I don’t think so. And if I was, they probably got bored halfway,” you yawned and collapsed onto the couch.It was too comfortable. You felt yourself sinking into it. All it would take was tilting your head back and letting your muscles relax. But the sense of duty jabbed at you, keeping you awake.“Apologies for my behavior earlier. I hope you understand it was necessary?”His words surprised you. He seemed genuinely intent on fixing his mistakes. That was… unexpected. Feeling slightly embarrassed, you shifted in place, unsure what to do with your hands. When you were arguing, it was easier to handle, fueled by anger. But now, faced with this fragile sliver of sincerity, you didn’t know how to respond.“I understand. But considering what I know, I wouldn’t have the energy to argue anyway,” you sighed. “Listen, what I’m about to tell you is just fragments of what I overheard. The conversation was disjointed; I might be wrong about some of it.”Silco focused entirely on you, waiting for you to continue, but at that moment, the door swung open, and Sevika entered. She held a bottle and wore a grim expression.“It’s the first time I’ve seen so many of Finn’s men hanging around the bar. Guessing that’s your doing?”“We’ll discuss that later,” Silco replied calmly. “What do you know?”You took a deep breath, knowing your next words would permanently alter how you both viewed the problem. If the sheriff really was involved, things were about to get even more complicated.“I suspect the person Finn’s men were talking about is a sheriff. I don’t know exactly who—they didn’t mention any names. Could it be this sheriff?”“Marcus?” Sevika asked.Silco straightened and reached into a drawer, pulling out a slip of paper and handing it to her. When she read it aloud, you too realized it could very well be him.“‘M. I’ve got what you wanted. Meet me at the docks. —Z.’”“Z as in Zarys, so M must be… Marcus?” you thought aloud.“That bastard,” Sevika growled through gritted teeth.Without a word, she stood and vented her anger on a chair, smashing it against the wall, splintering it into pieces. Silco slowly stepped back from his desk. He said nothing to Sevika, his gaze fixed in a furious glare on a single point. For the first time, you saw true rage in him. What you had previously taken for anger had merely been irritation.“This doesn’t make sense,” you blurted, sensing they knew more than you. “Why would the sheriff of the Enforcers plan something like this?”“That remains to be seen. But now, our plan becomes even more dangerous,” he noted quietly.Something was still missing from this puzzle. Every time you thought you were close to a solution, new facts emerged, muddying the waters even more. Silco was far too composed for such a situation. You could only guess at the battle raging in his mind. He was trying not to lash out, but you could see he was seconds away from exploding. In fact, his forced calm was scarier than outright fury.“Marcus, sheriff of the Enforcers, not only creating a dangerously potent drug based on shimmer but also having a partner in the Undercity?”“And to think it’s thanks to Silco that bastard became sheriff,” Sevika sneered.“What? What do you mean?”She took a large swig from the bottle before setting it on a cabinet and wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.“Finn isn’t the first person Marcus has worked with,” Silco answered for her. “Because of our arrangement, there are no Enforcers in Zaun. Clearly, he got bored and decided to play both sides.”“Wait, what now?!”Sevika chuckled at the look on your face.“Honestly, I’ll never get tired of watching your reactions. Your naïveté is truly entertaining.”“Enough,” Silco interrupted irritably. “If you’ve got time for sniping at each other, you’ve got time to think about what comes next.”Well, you hadn’t signed up for that. Beside you stood an incredibly intelligent man who had proven time and again that he could plan twenty steps ahead, so you might as well leave the thinking to him. Besides, you wouldn’t know what to do anyway. The opponents were too powerful for you to want any part in this. But Silco wouldn’t accept that, and you weren’t one to do things halfway.Marcus could lead you to Zarys. Right now, that mattered to you more than getting rid of the stockpile. Still, you kept your mouth shut—otherwise, they’d accuse you of acting too emotionally again. The closer you got to needing your next dose, the more tempting it became to risk taking that mixture. You owed Silco honesty. He could help you understand the composition of this variant; he had people for that and would probably welcome the relief of no longer needing to hunt for a precursor.The problem wasn’t that you wanted to keep the sample for yourself. Your defense mechanism had always been escape. You had given up the tower because you were convinced you wouldn’t live to see the matter resolved, and that vial had fallen into your lap as if by divine intervention—or rather, you’d fallen onto it. You couldn’t handle the chaos growing in your heart with every passing minute. If it rose higher and overtook your mind, you knew you’d find the lure of running away stronger than ever.Now that you were tied to Silco by your addiction, you were compelled to return to him. You feared that if you took the drug and it actually stabilized your addiction, you’d realize that what you felt for Silco was nothing more than another form of dependency. If it turned out that your feelings weren’t genuine but merely dictated by your addiction, everything you had built together would vanish. You wanted to stay out of your own free will, not because shimmer dictated your choices.You didn’t want to lose this.Even if it meant staying addicted for the rest of your already short life.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It turned out Piltover was just as corrupt as you had thought.Admittedly, it was a radical perspective—to judge an entire city by the actions of one individual—but the upper city did exactly the same to you. After the meeting at the Last Drop, when your head was nodding from exhaustion, you dreaded the idea of postponing your trip to the upper city once again. Funny, you hadn’t thought that in just a month, you’d find yourself there more often than in your entire life before.For hours, you couldn’t quite believe it: Marcus, the mysterious figure from the warehouse, was behind the production of a new shimmer variant. Wasn’t he the one leading the investigation into Silco? The man was slippery and suspicious. Of course, you had no idea what he looked like; it had never occurred to you to seek him out—why bother? His enforcers were the ones regularly throwing people into Stillwater for the smallest infractions. You’d heard that years ago, after the explosion in the upper city, only Grayson had been able to rein him in; Marcus had wanted to lock all of Zaun in prison.Those events had cast a shadow over the city, but at the time, you had been too focused on getting back on your feet after your father’s death to care about who the Enforcers were targeting next. Maybe if you’d paid more attention to what was happening right under your nose, you’d have realized sooner why there were fewer guards on the streets or why shimmer production operated so openly.Well, no point dwelling on the past unless it directly affected you. The most pressing question was: why was Marcus doing this? Why go to such lengths to create something new if it never even reached the market?Sevika had been a little outraged when she found out Silco had suggested future collaboration with Finn to buy time. You couldn’t blame her; it wasn’t like Silco to do such a thing. Then again, Finn’s ego would now soar, and maybe he’d spill more information in hopes of gaining some privilege. More likely, though, Silco would kill him personally once there was enough evidence of his involvement in the production of the variant.For now, beyond knowing he had ties to Marcus and oversaw meetings in Zaun, you didn’t have much. There wasn’t enough evidence to accuse him of stealing shimmer from the factories or manufacturing it himself.Your head throbbed from the overload of information, and there was less time left until the meeting in Piltover than you’d thought. Delaying further was pointless. Silco would come up with another ridiculous plan requiring your involvement, and the meeting deadline would pass. It was hard to manage personal matters when your boss didn’t know the meaning of rest. Still, you knew what you’d signed up for, and complaining wasn’t your style. Maybe that’s why Sevika had told you to sever all ties and wrap up your affairs—she knew you wouldn’t have time for them.The lack of sleep was the least of your problems. If Finn was working with Marcus, he was probably also behind your arrest. Maybe Marcus had promised him something, or Finn thought your capture would pay for his help. Either way, the Enforcers had your information, and you could be arrested at any moment. Silco was right—as usual, damn him—and his advice to avoid bridges was rational. But it was advice, not an order. By now, he must have realized you ignored orders you deemed senseless. Honestly, how he still had the patience for you was a mystery.Unfortunately, you had to disregard this particular suggestion. You were taking another risk, but the property issue needed to be resolved. Silco’s last dose was waiting for you, and if you weren’t planning to use Zarys’s concoction, you had to act quickly. You were practically inviting another arrest with your behavior. But after spending your whole life in the heights, you weren’t about to get caught on the streets.You understood the logic of avoiding Piltover. If Finn’s man had indeed reported to Marcus, the sheriff might be on high alert. But Silco was careful not to reveal that he knew about the production. From the outside, the meeting had seemed strictly business, even if you hadn’t been invited.At best, Marcus would dismiss the warning. If the rumors about him were true, that was likely. After all, the darkest place is right under the lamp. No one expected you to waltz into Piltover the very next day as if you owned the place.And yet, there you were on the bridge before sunrise. Others might call it arrogance, but you knew they wouldn’t even notice you slipping through. All it took was climbing the nearest building and vanishing from their sight. You needed to be in the upper city before dawn.You crossed the bridge during the guard shift change. Some guards were asleep, others heading back to wake the rest. For the first time, you felt a twinge of fear toward the Enforcers. Or rather, a fear of being caught.Luckily for you, it started to rain halfway across. The drumming sound masked your footsteps. As the rain turned into a downpour, the curtain of water made it easier to stay hidden. Hopefully, shimmer boosted your immunity because you’d be welcoming a cold after this excursion.Your soaked clothes clung to your skin, and Piltover’s straight, well-kept walls were nothing like Zaun’s crooked, decayed structures. Climbing to any roof was impossible. Worst case, you’d break into a shop and wait inside. Hopefully, she’d understand... hopefully.Despite your worries, you reached her shop within minutes, just as the sun began to peek between the buildings. You cursed under your breath. Now it would be harder to pick the lock, and the risk of being spotted was higher. The main door was locked, and you didn’t want anyone catching you fiddling with it. Sticking to the shadows, you circled the building and found a side door, likely the back entrance.Shaking your head, you pressed the handle, and the door opened quietly. That wouldn’t fly in the lower city. You slipped inside, knowing full well the owner had every right to call the guards. Still, you hoped for understanding.You were soaked to the bone, and the constant lack of proper sleep was taking its toll. You were doing this to yourself. You could be lying under a blanket, waiting for the next task to come your way, but no—you just had to come today.The shop looked the same as last time: full of dusty books, smelling of wood and paper. Pleasant, but it quickly irritated your throat. Lacking other options, you walked to the front door and struck the bell above it.Less than five minutes later, you heard quick footsteps descending. The woman peeked through a beaded curtain and sighed with relief. She was wearing a thick robe—apparently, you’d dragged her out of bed. Well, that wasn’t the first thing you’d have to apologize for.“I thought I locked those doors,” she murmured as she moved quickly through the shop.She went to the door and tugged at the handle, surprised to find it securely locked.“I came in through the back,” you said, gesturing with your thumb toward the corridor behind you. She glanced in that direction and waved dismissively."I didn’t expect you this early," she yawned and rubbed her eyes. At the sight of your soaked clothes, she raised an eyebrow. "I know my letter was sudden, but you didn’t have to rush here in this weather."You chuckled softly."I'm afraid I wouldn’t have time in a few days. You wanted to talk about the property, right?""Rosalie. But call me Rosie."She wrapped her robe tighter around herself and started walking towards the back, dragging her feet slightly. She waved a hand for you to follow. Shrugging, you went after her. You had been curious about what was behind the beaded curtain, but with mild disappointment, you saw only a narrow spiral staircase leading upward.For her age — though you didn’t actually know how old she was — she moved quite quickly. She left you at the top of the stairs and disappeared into one of the rooms. You realized you were in her apartment. The air was filled with a sweet scent that made your stomach growl loudly. To think all of this was just for her. You had always made do with a tiny room where fitting everything was almost impossible.As you walked slowly down the hallway, you glimpsed her bedroom through a slightly open door and felt a twinge of envy at the sight of the spacious bed."Are you hungry?" her voice came from another room, and before you could answer, she added, "Why am I even asking? Of course, you are."She emerged from what was likely the kitchen, carrying a small tray with a pitcher and plates. She looked at you expectantly, and you understood that you were meant to join her.You hadn’t known what to expect from the mysterious library owner, but it certainly wasn’t an energetic woman with a rather intense gaze. With that kind of determination, she could have handled herself easily in Zaun, so why had she left?You entered a cozy living room. Rosie was setting cups on a round table, humming under her breath. Since you’d arrived, something about this place had unsettled you, and finally, it dawned on you: there were people who lived without the constant threat of death hanging over them. Must be nice.You sat in an empty chair, feeling exhaustion spread through your body. It was warm, and the tea smelled fruity. Whatever she intended to serve would surely taste wonderful. She sat opposite you with a heavy sigh and reached for the pitcher."You wanted to talk about the property, right?"You took a sip of the tea, knowing you’d remember its flavor for days. Nodding, you reached behind you and placed the deed on the table."I don’t understand why you did it."For a moment, you thought your gesture had been taken the wrong way, but her face showed pure curiosity. It had been easier to explain this to Sevika. You pushed your cup aside, choosing your words carefully."I got this deed… don’t ask how. I don’t entirely understand it myself. It was, in a way, a gift. I used to visit this place when it was abandoned, imagining it might someday be mine. But when it was, I didn’t know what to do with it. So, I decided to give it to someone who had once owned it."As you spoke, your thoughts began to align. Any lingering doubts started to fade. You felt certain this was the right decision."But… why? Maybe it’s not safe in the undercity, and there’s always the risk of theft, but why give it away? Why not sell it?"What could you say to that? You studied her face, weighing how much of the truth you could reveal. Nothing you said would be tied to Marcus or that whole filthy mess. Wasn’t it easier to confess some things to strangers?"Everyone talks about money," you replied with a crooked smile. "I used to think that way too, but… I’m dying. And I’m not sure there’s any way out of it. So what use do I have for this?"Rosie’s eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth. A strange chill began to creep through your body, and it wasn’t from your wet clothes. It was something else."Oh, my dear…"Seeing her genuine shock and concern made your situation fully hit you. You could joke about it with Silco, but only now, witnessing the sadness in her eyes, could you truly understand his perspective. You were dying. Every day, a little more. And the one thing keeping you alive was slipping away. It was overwhelming. You shook your head, searching for a joke, but you couldn’t treat it lightly anymore."Don’t look at me like that. I’ve already come to terms with it.""There must be something that can be done!" she began to panic, despite barely knowing you. "There are doctors who—""Rosie, don’t," you replied softly. "What other questions do you have?"She was so shocked that it took her a moment to process your words. Well, it wasn’t every day someone handed you a building as a gift while revealing they were dying. Was it easier with Silco because you didn’t believe he could genuinely care? She fidgeted nervously, picking at the edge of a slice of plum cake on a plate."You wrote… you wrote that children in Zaun don’t have a proper school. Am I correct in assuming you’d want one there?""No," you shook your head. "Not necessarily. I never had access to knowledge myself, but if there’s a chance that it could help narrow the gap between the undercity and Piltover, then I think it’s worth considering. Even if it’s just books for them."Rosie pulled out a notebook and started jotting down details. For a while, she tapped her pen on the paper, leaving small dots next to her words. You didn’t want her to see how deeply your own words had affected you, but before you got lost in thought, you needed to see this through."Listen, don’t give it back to me. Stay the owner, and I’ll handle the rest. You shouldn’t be left with nothing.""Rosie, I’ve never owned anything, so I won’t exactly miss it," you laughed. "Please don’t look so serious, or you’ll make my hair stand on end."She sighed heavily but relented. Pouring herself more tea, she stared at the rain outside the window.You felt the weight of guilt looming around the corner, regret for the way you’d brushed off Silco’s genuine concern. Him, who rarely showed emotion. Now you understood why he reacted so angrily to your jokes. Would you ever stop owing him?"Your letter will suffice to complete the transfer of ownership; don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of everything. When I invited you here, I didn’t expect it to turn into something so heavy, but… You said it was a gift. May I ask how that came about?""Hm," you murmured, thinking of how to tell her without revealing it involved Silco. "I saved someone’s life. Someone influential, and this was how they showed their gratitude."It was the driest, most evasive answer you could give, but you couldn’t tell her the truth."You're probably the most laconic person I know," she snorted. "But I get it; sometimes it's better not to ask too many questions about acquaintances. I don’t know who this friend of yours is, but they must value you greatly to make such a gesture.""Or they just don't know how to say thank you," you muttered."I’ve never met anyone from Zaun who’d give something like that without expecting something in return. You're holding a place worth a small fortune. Are you sure you won't get into trouble for handing it over to me?""If you're worried about having someone dangerous breathing down your neck, you can relax. I know what I'm doing. He said I could do whatever I wanted with it."Rosie no longer looked concerned about your condition but rather worried about the trouble she might be walking into by accepting the property. Honestly, you wouldn’t blame her if she refused."Well, it seems you're important to him."You lifted your head from your cup to look at her, questioning. There was something strange in her tone, but in your tired state, you couldn’t quite grasp what she might mean. Glancing at your watch, you were surprised to see you'd been at her place for two hours. If Sevika found out you’d come here, she wouldn’t let you hear the end of it. Still, unless she’d been tailing you from the moment you left your room, there was no way she could know."I have to go," you said abruptly, standing up quickly to avoid dwelling on Rosie’s words any longer. "Really, the place is entirely yours."You ran down the stairs, her words echoing in the emptiness of your mind. Guilt clawed at you, demanding attention. You felt genuinely ashamed for never reflecting on Silco’s behavior toward you. You were always taking and demanding from him, thinking he owed you something because his actions had hurt you. But it never crossed your mind that change doesn’t happen overnight. You expected him to turn everything upside down for you and hand you the solution on a silver platter. Yes, he cared about your health. For heaven’s sake, he scoured every corner for a cure. He wanted you to stay willingly, not out of obligation. You wanted that too, but you knew you still had a long way to go.It was as if the universe was screaming at you to run from him at all costs. Yet, instead of listening, you fought that idea with all your might. You could have sold the building, secured money for your escape, and yet you gave it to Rosie, fully aware you were cutting yourself off from those means and resigning yourself to going back to him. Just when you'd accepted the idea of leaving this world, Zarys unexpectedly offered a potential solution. It all hinged on whether you’d choose to trust him.Even so, you hesitated to take the drug. Ironically, it could grant you the life you wanted, yet the very thought of it filled you with resistance. You kept telling yourself you were ready to die, but it became increasingly clear that wasn’t true—not if it meant being apart from Silco. Funny how your actions contradicted your declarations of indifference toward death. Chaotic thoughts swirled in your head, refusing to align with logic or order.Deep down, you knew you didn’t truly want to leave him. On the contrary, you searched for every excuse to justify staying by his side. And yet the unease lingered. Was it really you who felt something for Silco, or was shimmer manipulating your emotions, painting him in a false light? The answer was within reach—take the new version of the drug and confirm if your thoughts were truly your own. But it was easier to blame shimmer. The truth was more frightening: admitting to yourself that you genuinely felt something for Silco would bind you to him forever, no matter the circumstances. Even if you were healthy, you knew you wouldn’t leave him for anything.It was strange—you could be honest with yourself, but not with him. In your thoughts, you could acknowledge the truth, push it aside, bury it deep in your consciousness, and pretend it didn’t exist. But if you spoke those words aloud, letting them hang in the air, everything would change. You’d have to watch his face shift with every word you said. You knew that if you were wrong—if you misjudged your feelings or his reaction—nothing would ever return to normal. You’d be forced to leave, knowing you’d suffer without being able to come back.It happened faster than you expected. Lost in thought, you failed to pay attention to where you were going. You slipped into the crowd crossing the bridge, hoping that by hunching your shoulders, you wouldn’t attract the guards' attention. You couldn’t focus on your surroundings as his words came rushing back to you—the ones he said before meeting Finn. He wasn’t good at honesty, but for you, he’d tried. Damn it, why did conversations grow harder with each passing day?Somehow, you managed to cross the bridge. You hid behind a small cart with empty crates, careful not to move too quickly. Once you were sure you wouldn’t get caught even if you broke into a run, you picked up your pace and pulled your hood tighter over your head. The rain had stopped, but the weather remained cold and gray. No one wanted to work on such a day, especially outside. You immediately turned toward home, unconcerned if anyone was following you. You needed rest before your exhausted mind decided that panic was an interesting flavor to savor for days on end.You threw your backpack somewhere on the floor, ready to collapse fully clothed, but you didn’t want to risk catching a cold. You were halfway through pulling off your damp shirt when someone suddenly barged into your room. In an instant, a knife was in your hand, and before you even thought, you flung it toward the door.Sevika stood frozen in the doorway, staring at the knife swaying menacingly just inches from her head. Damn it, you’d reacted with that speed again. It was both fascinating and terrifying. Damn it, you could have killed someone!"What the hell was that?!" she snarled, slamming the door behind her."I told you this was another mutation, but you didn’t believe me," you snapped back. "By the way, maybe you could finally learn to knock, huh?""I’ll do that when you realize your behavior could cause more problems than you think! What were you thinking?""What are you talking about?"Sevika looked at you, both surprised and irritated."Why the hell did you go there, huh? Couldn’t you wait until things calmed down?"You froze, probably even paled slightly. Had she been following you? No, that wasn’t possible..."How do you know?" you asked, immediately biting your tongue because that question was as good as admitting guilt."Because, like an idiot, you left a letter out in the open! I came to tell you about an assignment tonight, and I found this!"She yelled, pointing to the note from Rosie. Damn it, you hadn’t thought anyone would come looking for you. Then again, only Sevika felt bold enough to barge into your room uninvited. After Monty finally left the place—hopefully not for the other side—a few people thanked you for contributing to his release. You were sure no one else would dare snoop around your room."Yes, I went. I had to finalize that matter.""And it had to be today? Marcus could be planning his next move, and you waltz into the snake pit without telling anyone!""You wanted me to tell you I was going there?"Sevika paced nervously, making the small room feel even smaller."I don’t care what you do with that building, but if you’re going to the Upper City, you could’ve told me, don’t you think? Silco trusts you, and I’m trying to as well, but why do you always have to go off script with these stunts?""I guess I don’t understand you. You’re not mad I went?""I’m trying not to be. I’m used to you doing whatever you want. I don’t care what you do as long as it doesn’t harm us. Maybe I’m not your direct superior anymore, but if you don’t want to tell Silco about this, you can tell me."You stared at her blankly, trying to process her words, but something about her behavior felt off. You were convinced she saw Silco’s words as orders, and your escapade would be another mark of insubordination. You were probably causing her plenty of trouble with your secrets. She helped you, even though she didn’t have to. She voluntarily kept the letters to herself. You sat on the bed, burying your face in your hands. She trusted you based on Silco’s judgment. She trusted his opinion so much that she didn’t hesitate to believe you were trustworthy too."I’m sorry. I made a mistake. You’re right; I should’ve told you. I’m sorry."Sevika stopped in her tracks, slightly thrown off by your sudden apology. She sighed heavily, rubbing the back of her neck as if she hadn’t slept in days either."We’re good, don’t worry. Just don’t do it again. Did you get it done?""I think so. I guess it’s finally over.""Good," she nodded, reaching for the doorknob but hesitating for a moment. "You look like crap. Get some sleep; Silco wants to see you tonight."The mention of his name made your stomach twist."Another assignment, huh?" you stopped her with your question halfway through opening the door."Yes," she replied, not turning back as she added, "Silco trusts you more than I thought. Don’t screw it up."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Waking up with the feeling that the inevitable was approaching was worse than several sleepless nights in a row. Your head felt heavy, not just from restless thoughts. You woke up with a wet cheek and a faint sting behind your eyes. Outside, the evening was slowly setting in. You felt the remnants of the panic that had ripped you from your sleep. For a moment, you couldn’t figure out what was happening, but then you remembered—you had a task waiting for you.You’d be happier about it if not for the gnawing hunger in your stomach and your body’s desperate craving for the drug. You knew that in two or three days, the pain would become unbearable, and Silco had the last dose. Whatever he had in mind when he said to meet him in the evening—seriously, why did he always summon you in the evening?—you still had a little time.You pulled the vial from under your bed, studying it. You turned it over in your hands and only now noticed faint markings on the glass. Almost rubbed away, but the scratches were still visible—something like a sequence of numbers and letters. Probably how Zarys marked his vials. You held a solution to your problems in your hands, yet you didn’t want to use it unless you had to. If only you could find Zarys and force him to talk...Well, either way, Silco needed to know. Even if he was against taking an unverified product, you could ask him to have someone analyze it. If he had anyone he trusted enough for such a task. You sighed, standing up, your limbs feeling numb. It was yet another burden you had to bear. The person analyzing it would need to be trustworthy—not someone who’d steal the formula for themselves. You felt painfully responsible, knowing that if the vial fell into the wrong hands, you’d end up with another Marcus. And the new producer might not be as discreet, flooding Zaun with the stuff. By telling Silco, you’d spare him a lot of headaches and sleepless nights.You felt terrible for downplaying his concern. He definitely deserved more than just your gratitude after everything he’d done for you. But the mere thought of raising his hopes, only for the vial to turn out to contain nothing more than colored water, was unbearable. You’d probably take it yourself without hesitation; you didn’t believe in its authenticity anyway. But you couldn’t do that to Silco. The pain in his voice when he’d told you how little of the drug remained haunted you.Yet the longer you delayed, the more anger you risked facing. No, anger you could handle. Disappointment in you would be far worse. Silco trusted you; you shouldn’t and didn’t want to break that. But this solution was too uncertain to voice aloud. No, you needed more evidence before you brought it up.Dwelling on it wouldn’t help and would only complicate things further. There was no point in waiting any longer. You swiped an appetizing-looking sandwich from the kitchen, hoping they weren’t counted, and stepped outside. You pulled up the collar of your jacket, glad you’d kept it despite its sorry state. The air was still cold, but at least you didn’t feel rain on your face. For the first time in months, you felt like the air was cleaner while standing firmly on the ground.The path to the Last Drop was, as usual, different this time. It was a habit now, one that let you sleep peacefully at night. You were tangled up in a conflict between truly dangerous people, and you didn’t want to make things worse for yourself. Maybe you really were acting too impulsively. You hoped Rosie wouldn’t take your sudden disappearance personally, but her words had brought certain thoughts to the surface too quickly. Would talking to him be harder now that your thoughts were starting to drift toward certain feelings? Would you be able to look him in the eye and think clearly?Of course not, but you had to try.At the Last Drop, the party was in full swing, as always, but you were beginning to find some comfort in it. It was one of the few constants. You knew that whenever you came here, it would always be loud and crowded. You needed these stable elements to stay sane. You were also becoming something of a fixture here since they no longer paid you much attention. You preferred not to be remembered, but you couldn’t deny that you came here quite often.Too often, apparently, since you reached Silco’s office on autopilot. You had to press your forehead against the wall for a moment as a strange wave of emotion washed over your heart. Something like...comfort. You were growing attached to this place, and leaving would be harder. Leave, die… now it’s all the same.You entered without knocking. It was easier not to announce your presence, but Silco always knew it was you; you moved quietly. If not for the slightly creaky door, you could have entered unnoticed even if he were sitting nearby. As usual, Silco was in his standard position, working on something. What it was—you preferred not to know. If that kind of work interested you, you wouldn’t have taken up thievery."Sevika said you had a task for me."He nodded and straightened slightly. You could see his thoughts circling problems. No surprise—just a day earlier, he’d learned that someone he deemed too weak to rebel was behind the production of a new variant of shimmer."How long until your next dose?"You stiffened slightly as guilt loomed on the horizon. You flinched slightly, trying to shake it off, but it settled firmly in your mind, refusing to leave. He stood, slowly rounding the desk and leaning against it. You think you preferred having a piece of furniture between you rather than just air."I thought you kept notes on that," you joked, but his expression didn’t invite humor. "Two or three days. Why?""Just as I thought. The task involves breaking in and, potentially, theft."You grinned widely. Finally, something you were practically built for. That’s what they hired you for, and you’d started to miss the thrill of picking locks and sneaking into places you shouldn’t be."I like the sound of that. Where am I breaking into?"Silco’s lips curled into a faint smile as he reached behind himself for some document."How are you with tougher locks?""I’ve never had the chance to break into a bank if that’s what you’re asking, but I’ve never failed yet.""Good. Your target is in the upper city."The excitement drained away. You looked at him suspiciously, searching for the catch."You can’t be serious. Wasn’t I supposed to stay far away from Piltover?""We both know you ignore my orders, so I might as well make use of it."He was far too calm for a conversation about stealing something from the upper city. No wonder he’d mentioned tough locks. You knew he had some brilliant plan in mind and needed your skills to pull it off. You loved challenges, and he’d clearly picked up on that, which is why he deliberately provoked you into taking on difficult tasks. He knew you’d agree."And what about Marcus and his men?"He tilted his head slightly, smiling savagely. You were liking this less and less, and for the first time, you wondered if it wouldn’t be wiser to refuse."If you’re as good as you claim, that shouldn’t be a problem for you."

You snorted lightly, sensing the provocation in his tone. He was targeting your pride, knowing full well you wouldn’t let it slide. You could refuse, but you’d regret it for the rest of your life—regret not showing him what you were capable of when you had the chance. And he was fully aware of that. When had you grown so predictable?

"When do I start?"
"You started about five minutes ago. So if you don’t want to mess this up, I’d suggest you start asking for details."
You thought you’d misheard him, but his expectant gaze bore into you as if waiting for you to snap under the pressure and panic. Whatever game he was playing, he knew the rules better than you did. Damn it, you didn’t even have cards in your hand.
"You’re joking, right?"
"Did you show up for a mission unprepared?" he asked, feigning disappointment.
Damn it. He was provoking you, fanning your anger so expertly that you hadn’t noticed when he backed you into a corner. Panic was indeed starting to creep into your thoughts. Something about this felt entirely off.
"You’re being unreasonable right now," you replied, thoroughly bewildered.
"Oh, I’m as serious as it gets. Shall we continue talking about me, or would you rather hear the details?"
You weren’t sure whether to be impressed or irritated by his behavior. Taking a deep breath, you cleared your mind to make room for practical information.
"And here I thought Sevika had crazy ideas," you muttered, already feeling a headache coming on. "Alright, I need to know where the target is. Do they have security, and if so, how many people? What am I looking for? If it’s something valuable, I need to know its weight."
He nodded slowly with each question, as if preparing precise answers, though his response was not what you expected.
"Your target is in the upper city, as I mentioned. The house belongs to a single person, and apart from a small staff, there’s no significant security detail. I need you to break into the study and retrieve some information for me."
Even getting into the city would be a minor challenge. However, if Marcus had shifted his focus to surveilling the salt city, the streets of Piltover shouldn’t have too many patrols. Large houses always had more than one entrance. Maybe you could even slip directly into the study through a window? Yet he still hadn’t provided a crucial piece of information.
"I need the address."
"Not necessarily."
"You do realize I can’t break in if I don’t know where to go, right?"
It was dawning on you why people considered him unpredictable. You involuntarily took a step back, unsettled by the look on his face.
"That’s why I’m going with you."
The silence was deafening. His words obliterated all logic and rationality in your mind.
"You’ve got to be kidding. I work alone."
"You work for me."
"You don’t think I can handle this on my own, or what’s your deal?"
"Nothing of the sort."
"Look, if you want, I can teach you how to pick locks, but you can’t come with me!"
Had he lost his mind? Sure, there wasn’t an active arrest warrant for him, but if Marcus wanted to keep his crimes under wraps, he couldn’t openly confront Silco or order his arrest. You knew Silco had plenty of evidence against Marcus, which would jeopardize the sheriff’s position. Still, this was an insanely foolish idea.
"I’m sure you could teach me plenty, but whether you like it or not, we’re doing this together."
"So it’s true. Silco’s gone mad, replaced by some lunatic," you muttered, still in shock. "Sevika’s going to kill me if anything happens to you. I don’t agree to this."
Silco set his documents aside and leaned back on his hands. It was getting harder to think straight—partly because of his ridiculous idea and partly because you couldn’t take your eyes off him. Something was definitely wrong.
"I understand. In that case, I’ll find someone else to take on this task. You’re dismissed."
The audacity. You snorted in frustration, thoroughly offended, and clasped your hands behind your head. You paced the room, searching for a way out of this situation. Of course, you couldn’t stop him; he was the one giving the orders. The problem was that there was no one else to replace you, and you both knew it. He was goading and provoking you, deriving some strange satisfaction from it, and you were falling into every trap.
He was fixated on retrieving that information, and you had a feeling he would go after it himself if you refused. If Sevika found out you had declined and he went alone, she’d have yet another reason to kill you in some imaginative way. Silco didn’t need babysitting, but without him, everything would fall apart.
A stalemate.
You closed your eyes and took three deep breaths. Whether you liked it or not, you had to go with him.
"Fine, have it your way. Are you going to tell me now whose place I’m breaking into?"
Silco finally stopped smiling. The sudden shift was so unsettling that you once again questioned your decision.
"We’re paying a visit to Marcus tonight."
You waved your hands in disbelief. You had expected him to have a recklessly stupid idea, but this was sheer madness.
"No. That’s not even an option. You’ve completely lost it if you think this is a good idea. It’s a bloody stupid idea!"
You were yelling, pacing nervously along the wall. Sure, he might have Piltover in his grip and terrify people with a single glance, but now he was acting recklessly and foolishly. You couldn’t let this happen, even if it meant blocking the exit with your own body.
"You don’t need to understand. You said you’d trust me, and now is the time. I know the risks are high, but unfortunately, it’s necessary."
He was confident in his plan, which suggested he wasn’t telling you everything. You furrowed your brows, searching his face for answers, but he remained composed, patiently waiting for you to process the idea.
"What exactly are you trying to achieve? I can sneak in and get out before anyone notices me, but you... you’re Silco, for God’s sake!"
He smiled, a little sheepishly. Damn it, you were too easily thrown off balance when he acted like a normal person.
"Honesty for honesty, as I recall," he said, leaning forward slightly and clasping his hands together. "I believe his house contains evidence of his activities. I have no intention of subjecting him to Piltover’s idea of justice, but I’m afraid that simply getting rid of his supplies won’t be enough. You need to check if anything in his study reveals the factory’s location."
"That I understand. What I don’t get is why you insist on going there yourself."
"I need to remind him who put him in his position. Apparently, power has made him forget."
 
***
 
Hiding in the shadow of a tall tree, you still couldn’t believe you’d ultimately agreed to this unhinged idea. You understood Silco’s motives and recognized that searching Marcus’s office was a good plan. Silco, however, was driven by his own anger. You tried to understand—Marcus had blatantly mocked him by stealing shimmer—but it wasn’t worth risking his life over. Yet that’s exactly what he was doing. You still thought it was madness, but someone had to keep an eye on him in this insanity before he forgot that he was just human and lost his head.
For everyone’s safety, you were supposed to meet a short distance from Marcus’s house. You somewhat regretted not seeing which secret paths he used, considering no one had ever caught sight of him. But if the guards spotted you together, it might give them a reason to arrest him as well.
The sheriff’s house wasn’t as grand as you’d expected. You’d imagined a multi-story mansion, but it was a simple two-story house situated just beyond the academy. From your position, you could only see part of a wall. A faint unease crept over you at the thought of not having enough time to properly survey the surroundings. This time, whatever Silco planned, he’d have to accept that you knew more about this particular type of work. If he endangered the mission, would you finally have an excuse to smack him? Maybe you even wanted him to mess up, just so you’d have a reason.
The comforting weight of the lockpicks in your hidden pocket reassured you. Focusing on the task, you wondered how difficult the locks in the upper city might be. Its residents didn’t anticipate thefts, so they likely didn’t secure their homes with multiple locks. Rosie had reinforced that belief when she casually admitted to leaving the back room open for at least one night. Well, no one but you was crazy enough to break into the Piltover sheriff’s house.
Concentrating on the serious nature of the job was exactly what you needed. Adrenaline buzzed cheerfully through your veins. You heard and saw better than most, even as hunger loomed. The streets had emptied. It was an odd experience after the perpetual noise you were used to in Zaun. Here, though, it felt strangely dull. Night had barely begun, yet people were already retreating into their homes. Perhaps it was different in other neighborhoods, but the area around the sheriff’s house was eerily quiet. Maybe the neighbors were afraid of fines for being too loud? You definitely preferred Zaun’s chaos. It wasn’t safe, but at least you weren’t bound by strange rules.
Silco wasn’t certain how many people were inside the house. The sheriff undoubtedly had some staff, but you doubted they lived there. It was late enough that they might have gone home for the night. Silco planned to keep Marcus distracted in conversation while you rifled through his office. You were tempted to eavesdrop, but the investigation took precedence. Hopefully, your sharp hearing would catch bits and pieces anyway.
Silco made no attempt to conceal his presence. This was precisely why you would’ve preferred he not accompany you tonight. Emerging from the alley to your left, he calmly observed his surroundings. If you hadn’t pushed off from the tree and stepped into the edge of the light, he wouldn’t have noticed you. He approached, hands in the pockets of his coat, making no effort to disguise himself. You doubted there was another person in all of Zaun or Piltover with scars like his and one altered eye. In the lower city, he could parade down the middle of the street as much as he liked, but here he risked not only ridicule but vigilantism.
“Have you considered that someone might recognize you?” you asked quietly.
He shrugged.
“I don’t see anyone around. Besides, Marcus knows exactly what I look like.”
You rolled your eyes, struggling to suppress your irritation.
“I know you have your grand plan, but for once, I actually know better. It would be great if you didn’t act impulsively.”
“Like you always do?”
“I’m refraining from using force right now solely because you’re my boss,” you muttered through gritted teeth.
You were sure his arrogance would cause problems tonight. Was his pride more important than safety? The last time, it had resulted in stitching him up in makeshift conditions. This time, you might not be so lucky. The area lacked safe spots, and Zaun was a long way off.
“I know you’re capable and have no intention of interfering. Just so you know, though, this isn’t my first time here. I can take care of myself.”
“You mean to tell me you’ve snuck in here before? And you wonder why I think this is a stupid idea? What if he arrests you?”
Silco looked thoughtful for a moment, staring up at the sky. Damn it, you shouldn’t have been staring at him like that, but it was hard not to when he looked so striking. Something really must’ve gotten into your head.
“He won’t,” he said quietly but confidently. “We’re both entangled in enough conspiracies that if he values his cushy position, he won’t lift a finger. As long as we play it peacefully, he has no reason to respond aggressively to my presence.”
“Seriously? You’re walking uninvited into his house in the middle of the night and expecting leniency?”
Still holding his head high, he turned to look at you. Good thing it was dark.
“I expect him to understand that he has just as much to lose as I do. He’s a coward, but not stupid.”
“You’re insane,” you muttered, shaking your head and rolling your shoulders to release the tension. “We’re wasting time. How do you want to play this? Normally, I’d just go through a window, but what about you?”
“Just leave the door open for me. Don’t waste time on me; head straight to his office. It’s upstairs on the eastern side.”
The closer you got, the more your nerves acted up. You cracked your knuckles, forcing yourself to stoke your anger to drown out the fear.
“Okay, let’s do this.”
You took a step toward the house when Silco caught your forearm. Something shifted within you, but you didn’t want to identify what. You stiffened slightly but didn’t pull away.
“This is the moment. If things go south, you’re to run. Don’t look back, understand?”
You nodded without turning around. You knew he’d read defiance on your face. Well, that was a promise you’d have to break. No matter the danger, you wouldn’t leave him. Not just because he was your boss and there were many unresolved matters between you. You genuinely feared for his life—for the life of a man. You feared for Silco.
As you’d suspected, the house was quiet, almost lifeless. If anyone was inside, they were asleep or occupied with other activities that didn’t require light. Marcus probably didn’t have a wife, did he? The building was surrounded by a low wall, beyond which a neatly trimmed hedge grew thickly. Wandering around would be unwise; a neighbor might see you. Crouching in the shadows, you observed your surroundings. They wouldn’t expect a burglar, so they likely wouldn’t notice a lone shadow sneaking through the yard. You pulled your hood over your head and loosened your knife slightly for easier access.
Let the fun begin.
You jumped over the fence. Sticking to the shadows as much as possible, you made your way to the back of the building. It would have been foolish to fiddle with the main lock. There was a slim chance one of the staff had left a door open. If not, the lock was likely simple enough to yield after a few seconds. You felt strangely watched, surrounded by so many tall windows. It was simpler in Zaun. Even if someone noticed a thief, they wouldn’t react unless it concerned their own property. Here, you expected a panicked scream at the sight of you and someone yelling for the guards loud enough for half the city to hear. You had to act quickly.
Silco was counting on speaking with Marcus. You were counting on Marcus not being home, and certainly not in his office. If the master of the house wasn’t there, Silco would simply have a peculiar excursion. What possessed him to want to talk in person? You knelt before the door and reached for the handle. It didn’t budge. Taking out your lockpicks from your backpack, you got to work. As you expected, the lock gave way after a few seconds. Amazing how easily people forget about their own security. Just because the city looked nice didn’t mean there weren’t people eager to take more for themselves.
The door opened silently, revealing the darkness of the interior. The faint moonlight wasn’t enough for you to make out anything, even with your sharper eyesight. You glanced around the entryway and noticed a lone lamp nearby. Well, you needed to signal him somehow. You slipped inside and quietly closed the door behind you. In complete darkness, it was hard to find anything. You ran your hands slowly along the walls, careful not to knock anything over. Someone had wisely decided to draw the curtains, leaving the room—whatever it was—in total darkness. You were sure it had some fancy mechanism when you found switches on the opposite wall. Why would someone need four of them? Turning on all the lights in the house was a risk. Gently running your fingers around the switches, you noticed something unusual—drawings or inscriptions. They didn’t tell you much; it could have just as easily been decorative engraving. Taking a chance, you chose one, and luckily, a light blinked outside. You quickly turned it off, hoping Silco was watching for signals and not lost in thoughts of revenge.
You couldn’t wait. You didn’t know the house, and traps in the form of vases or curled rug corners could lurk anywhere. You moved deeper into the house, relieved to see the windows were uncovered. The faint glow illuminated just a patch of the floor, but it was enough to make out the contours of objects. You were probably in the living room. There was a fireplace and two sofas facing each other. You walked slowly along the walls, searching for stairs to the upper floor. The soft soles of your shoes made no noise against the wooden floor. Robbing houses like these was pure pleasure. You fought the urge to pocket something valuable-looking. It wasn’t until you reached the other side of the room and peeked into a hallway that you spotted a single protruding step. Nodding, you headed that way. You checked each step to ensure no board creaked. You felt the thin carpet underfoot, further muffling your steps. Convenient. They were practically begging to be robbed, creating such conditions.
What had Silco said? The study was on the east side. Crouching at the top of the stairs, you tried to recall directions. You cursed when you saw there were three doors on the east wall. Choosing the wrong one could mean stumbling upon the sheriff asleep or a family member. You thought he had a daughter but weren’t sure. The doors weren’t particularly distinctive—wooden with elegant molding. They reached the floor, so you couldn’t use a mirror to peek inside. Climbing through a window had been easier.
Suddenly, you heard the sound of a door opening downstairs. Blood drained from your face. You had to hurry. Someone turned on a light in the hallway below. Damn, it had to be Marcus. At any moment, he might want to use the study. You couldn’t panic. He wasn’t expecting you, so there was a chance he wouldn’t notice any signs of your presence. You reached for one of the handles and gently opened the door. Relieved, you saw it was just a bathroom. Two chances left. Then you noticed the middle door had a keyhole, unlike the others. That had to be the study. Bedrooms usually lock from the inside.
As you suspected, the door was locked. Odd behavior. He must have been hiding something if he locked the room in his own house. Taking out a lockpick, you started working on the lock. Like downstairs, it gave way after a few seconds. Whatever Silco thought about security in Piltover, he needed to adjust his opinion. You didn’t hear voices downstairs. Had Silco not followed you in? Maybe he didn’t see the signal. Well, that was his problem now. It was even better if he abandoned the foolish idea. It was enough that you were risking your life at this moment. You entered the study and closed the door the same way you’d opened it. The sound of the lock turning might buy you a few extra seconds to escape.
First, you cracked the window open slightly to save time and then began searching for anything important. You had to use a flashlight. Not everything could be done by moonlight.
Marcus’s study was a cave of clutter. Weapons hung on the walls. Papers covered the desk in disarray. Everywhere you looked, there were scraps of paper, books, or random objects. He probably didn’t let the staff in and clearly didn’t clean himself. The task grew harder with each passing second. If only he had sole access to the study, you had to be careful not to shift anything too much. Marcus couldn’t know you had been there.
Suddenly, you froze, hearing familiar murmurs downstairs. Voices. That meant Silco had succeeded after all. You were tempted to crack the door open, but then you wouldn’t focus on searching for evidence. You started sorting through the scattered papers on the desk, but they were meaningless—supply data for precincts, guard duty rosters, and pay lists for officers. You didn’t expect incriminating evidence to be lying around, but nothing?
You began checking shelves and drawers, paying attention even to scraps of paper, but with each drawer, your irritation grew. There was nothing here. Slightly defeated, you sat in the chair, thinking about your next move. You could turn the study upside down, checking every book, if only you had time. And time was what you didn’t have. You scanned the room, searching for a hidden compartment or safe, but the walls held no paintings that might conceal secrets. You didn’t want to return empty-handed, but you could use it to prove to Silco that his plan was, in fact, nonsense.
Giving up wasn’t in your nature, though. You wedged the flashlight between your cheek and shoulder and got back to searching. Just like during that earlier attempt, you even looked under the desk, but there wasn’t any folder stuck to the bottom. Crawling out, you hit your head on the drawer and cursed loudly. It had slid open slightly. You moved to close it but noticed its depth didn’t match what you saw from the outside. Your heartbeat quickened.
A false bottom.
It took you a moment to figure out the mechanism. The panel clicked softly, and the bottom sprang open. Papers spilled onto the floor. Damn, there was no way to put them back the way they were. Hopefully, Marcus didn’t check it often. Inside, you found the property deed, his daughter’s birth certificate, and some financial information from the bank.
“Not a great salary for a sheriff, buddy,” you muttered, flipping through the documents.
Halfway through, a prison document caught your eye. Pulling it out, you saw it concerned a woman, about 45 years old. It contained full details about her height and weight but lacked charges. It was as if she was meant to be convicted, but someone changed their mind and left it incomplete. If Marcus kept it hidden, it must have been important. You racked your brain, trying to place her face, but drew a blank.
According to the document, she came from the upper city and had previously worked as a research assistant at the academy. Why would Marcus imprison someone like that? You spent too much time analyzing it, but you couldn't stop. You had already read her questionnaire several times without knowing what you were looking for. She was married, and someone had noted that her husband was under observation.

That name.
It sounded oddly familiar, but you couldn’t pinpoint where you’d heard it before. Lacey Deren. You felt like you should know her, but you didn’t know why. You made a mental note to pass this on to Silco and returned to examining the documents. You had been here far too long. You had no idea how long Silco would be talking or about what. It felt like you’d been sitting in the office for ages, but only five minutes had passed. You kept glancing at the clock.
You almost missed one detail, and only the fact that it was handwritten on a different type of paper caught your attention. It was a list of ten items with strange numbers. Whatever the note below the table said would remain a mystery—the handwriting was atrocious, impossible to decipher. According to the table, the items were arranged in ascending order. Each had a percentage and the word "save," as if denoting a safety level. Some new district coding? But why keep it in a drawer and not on the desk?
When you looked at the bottom of the page, your blood ran cold. You stared at a single letter, feeling like your brain might explode and your heart burst out of your chest. It was the same "Z" you’d seen on a note found in Zarys’s old laboratory. These were his data! But what could they mean?
You racked your brain for anything that might provide a clue, but panic pushed all thoughts aside. The numbers told you nothing. Zarys was known to you only for modifying shimmer into a new version. So he had given Marcus some data about it, but what could it be? Each number was preceded by a letter, and the figures seemed randomly recorded. Whatever it meant, it must have a cipher, which you didn’t have time to decode. The percentages increased—the first item on the list was marked “40 percent save,” and the last one “90 percent.” Zarys was studying something, but what?
Those numbers.
When you recalled the sequence, you nearly fell off your chair. You wanted to cry and scream from the flood of emotions. The ninth entry, “80 percent safe,” was your vial. Zarys hadn’t lied. What he had given you was indeed safe. You stared at the paper, unable to believe what you had found. Damn, Silco had a nose for planning. He had no idea how valuable this was. It felt like a sign—a signal to be completely honest and hold nothing back. If you managed to get out of rummaging through the sheriff’s drawers alive.
The sound of raised voices broke your shock. You froze for a fraction of a second, then panicked and began stuffing the papers back into the drawer. Whatever was happening downstairs, you had to check if Silco needed help. The fool was ready to argue with the sheriff himself. His pride would never allow anyone to rescue him from danger, but if he came back with even a scratch, Sevika would hold you accountable.
When had you become responsible for Silco?
You told yourself you wouldn’t do it, but you approached the door and cracked it open slightly. You didn’t know if you’d hear anything, but you needed to know if the situation below required your intervention. Perhaps due to the open path for sound or the short distance to the ground floor, you could hear the conversation clearly enough, though the words were slightly muffled. Normally, you’d only know that someone was talking, but nothing more.
“Are you threatening me? In my own home? You’ve got nerve, Silco.”
“I’m merely pointing out that our agreement didn’t cover such actions.”
“I already told you it was a rogue move. If it’s so important, I’ll find the ones responsible. Anything else?”
“I’m glad we understand each other. Remember how well things go when everyone sticks to their side of the river. Your people don’t hunt mine, and vice versa.”
“Watch your words. That’s good advice.”
Even from a distance, you sensed the irritation in his voice.
“Marcus, remember that my people can play this game too. Surely, you wouldn’t want any of your loved ones to face such experiences?”
“Get out before I decide my position is worth sacrificing and throw you in a cell!”
What the hell was he doing? Did Silco just threaten his family? That was absurd! Were such drastic measures really necessary? Regardless of moral dilemmas, you had to escape. You could discuss this with him once you were across the river. For now, escaping before Marcus found evidence of your presence was more important.
You quietly closed the door and slipped out the window. You hoped Marcus wouldn’t notice the unlocked latch or, in his agitation, assume he had simply forgotten to lock it. You needed to get as far away from this house as possible. But there was still Silco. Leaving him alone wasn’t an option, not after what he’d said. Marcus was angry, but he seemed accustomed to threats; you hadn’t heard rage in his voice.
You climbed down the drainpipe and quickly crossed the street, hiding in the shadows. You didn’t know if Silco had already left his house, but you didn’t hear any footsteps nearby. You decided to wait a little longer before leaving Piltover. The note remained on your mind, and even Silco’s ruthless behavior couldn’t push it out. Freedom was so close, but it no longer tasted as sweet as it once had. Escaping the addiction was all that mattered for now.
You lost yourself in thought until you suddenly felt a hand on your shoulder. Startled, you jumped as if burned, stumbling into a lamppost. You wavered and lost your balance, falling to the ground and injuring, above all, your pride. Silco stood in the shadows, watching with a mocking smirk. You quickly stood, brushing the dirt from your hands, feeling your face burn with embarrassment. You weren’t sure what to make of the fact that this time, your unnatural reaction to danger hadn’t surfaced. Maybe subconsciously, you hadn’t seen this as an attack?
“Did you learn anything?” he asked quietly, heading toward the alley’s exit.
Yes, and more than I wanted to, you thought. But that one matter would have to wait until you were back in your territory. This wasn’t something to discuss while fleeing the scene of a crime.
“Nothing that tells us more about where he’s producing the drug. I knew he wouldn’t keep that in plain sight. But I did find some odd prison records.”
“From where?”
“Marcus has a drawer with a false bottom in his office. I found a half-filled indictment for some woman, but I’m not sure it’s relevant to us.”
You turned into another alley, leaving Marcus far behind.
“We’ll figure it out later,” he replied seriously, glancing back as if he’d heard something.
But it bothered you too much, and you knew you couldn’t wait until you were back at the Last Drop.
“Silco… did you seriously threaten his family?”
He stopped mid-step, and you almost bumped into him. You saw him raise a hand to his hair, running his fingers through it. The question had affected him. You hadn’t wanted to accuse him—just to understand his words. But he didn’t give you time to explain.

"Unfortunately, it was necessary," he began slowly, as if searching for the right words. "I didn’t plan on hiding this from you, but I didn’t expect you to bring it up so soon."

You felt flustered. It always happened whenever he kept his promise of honesty. You should have appreciated it, but instead, you wanted to disappear into the ground with shame. A strange feeling.
"Listen, you don’t have to…"
"My words were sharp because they needed to be. Marcus only responds to that kind of language. He sees a monster in me, so that’s what he gets. If I had come to him with something softer, he wouldn’t have taken me seriously," he paused for a longer moment and then turned to look you in the eye before continuing. "I’d rather not be forced to carry out that threat. I have a daughter myself."
His words startled you. You often forgot there was someone else in Silco’s life, someone he kept hidden from the world, known only to a select few. You’d thought it was just rumors overheard among people, but now he had confirmed it. You looked at him, wondering if this man could really be a father, though you didn’t have a great example to compare. Your father preferred talking to the bottom of a bottle rather than to you. Who were you to judge?
You nodded toward the alley exit without saying anything. This wasn’t a topic to discuss in the middle of Piltover. You mulled over how to bring up the drug issue without sparking an argument. You knew Silco valued solid information, but he might be furious that you hadn’t come to him immediately. He had every right to be. If you’d told him sooner, you could have spared both of you the stress. But without solid proof, the information wouldn’t have been worth much. Now that you were sure the drug was safe, you wanted to share it with him as soon as possible.
Lost in thought, you stopped paying attention to your surroundings. You followed him, trusting Silco to lead the way. It had been a long time since your mind was this muddled. You understood the necessity of his threats, but the specific one about Marcus unsettled you. You remembered the photo of the little girl on Marcus’s desk. The thought disgusted you slightly, but Silco’s words reassured you. You had no reason not to believe him—not anymore. The way he spoke about his daughter... It had to be true. You’d seen the traces of her drawings in his office. She must have meant a lot to him if he was so careful to keep her existence a secret.
Suddenly, once again, you were yanked aside.
"What are you doing?!" you hissed at him.
He pulled you into a narrow passageway between two buildings, pushing you deeper while he leaned cautiously around the corner.
"I think I heard something. I’m surprised you didn’t."
"Sorry, I got distracted," you muttered, straining to listen.
"Now’s not the time. Focus," he ordered sharply.
He was right—you’d made a mistake. At least he was vigilant. You were still in Piltover. After a couple of seconds, you heard it too: the distinctive clinking of metal against metal. Guards. It was late for a patrol, but then again, you didn’t know much about upper-city police routines.
"Patrol?" you whispered.
"Possibly. But given what happened with Marcus, we have to consider he might have sent someone after us."
"You think he’d go that far?"
He glanced over his shoulder with a peculiar expression, as if he were pondering a choice of breakfast rather than whether guards were on your trail.
"If I were in his position, I would."
Judging by the sounds, it seemed like a regular patrol. The pace was slow and rhythmic, not the hurried movement of someone trying to catch up.
"They’re not running. It’s probably not about us."
"I wouldn’t doubt it, but we should wait until they’re far enough away not to hear us."
You welcomed the rush of adrenaline—it helped you focus on the task at hand, clearing your mind of distractions. Based on the footsteps, you couldn’t tell exactly how many people were heading your way, but it couldn’t be a large group. Silco leaned against the wall, hiding around the corner, his hand dangerously close to the weapon on his belt.
You didn’t want a repeat of what happened last time you dealt with him in the city. There was nowhere to run, and the guards were likely better marksmen than a bunch of reckless men.
You took a step back, feeling something soft shift under your foot. You stumbled slightly, then jumped when you realized you’d stepped on something small with a tail. Your heart raced. It was just a mouse.
The problem was that out of nowhere, a cat appeared, likely hunting the mouse before you interrupted its territory.
Everything happened very quickly after that.
The cat sprang out of the darkness, chasing its prey. It knocked over a trash bin at the corner. The bin was empty and light, toppling easily under the cat’s weight. The noise was awful.
Silco froze, watching in shock as the bin slowly rolled to the other side of the street. The footsteps paused for a moment, then picked up pace.
Silco must have heard it too by then. Soon, you’d be discovered—all because of a stray cat that didn’t flee at the sight of you.
Silco cursed under his breath. You stepped back and glanced behind you, but the alley ended in a wall too high to climb. You were trapped.
The footsteps were closing in when suddenly, Silco grabbed your arm and pushed you against a door hidden in a narrow recess.
What happened next forever change the way you thought. The whole event lasted only a few seconds, but it felt like time slowed to a crawl.
Your head hit the wooden boards. You didn’t even have time to cry out in pain before you were pinned against them even harder. A familiar hand covered your mouth, ensuring you wouldn’t make a sound. His body pressed firmly against yours. You realized he was trying to hide as well.
He held one hand above your head, trying to keep his weight on his forearm instead of you. Your first instinct was to push him away and fight back—James had shown you a few useful tricks for situations like this.
But something else threw you off balance. A scent—something like... cardamom? It was so absurd and out of place, yet it oddly suited him. You picked up on something sweet and spicy at the same time. Your senses went haywire, and you didn’t know how to react.
Silco stood stiffly, trying not to touch you, but it was nearly impossible in these cramped conditions.
"Stay quiet," he whispered, his lips close to your ear, before slowly removing his hand.
A shiver ran down your spine when his finger brushed against your lips. It was too intense. You could feel his warmth, his scent—it was driving you insane. He was taller, blocking your view.
You glanced to the left and saw him clenching his teeth, his focus entirely on the guards. You silently thanked them because if Silco had looked down even briefly, he would have been terrified by your reaction.
You saw the alley momentarily light up as the guards searched for the source of the noise, shining their flashlights. It lasted only two seconds.
"Are you sure you heard something?" one guard asked.
"See for yourself, someone knocked over a trash can."
"Probably a dog someone forgot to lock up. Let's get out of here; it's freezing."
The footsteps began to fade, but Silco didn't seem inclined to move. As the danger subsided, you became fully aware of the position you were in. There wasn't enough space between you to slide a piece of paper. You felt a wave of heat flush over you. Your legs were weak. It was thrilling and intoxicating. It was wonderful and dangerous. Your body reacted to him on its own, and it was a straight path to disaster.
You shoved your hands between the two of you and pushed him away with the last bit of strength you had.
"What the hell was that?" you croaked, barely recognizing how shaky your voice sounded.
He didn’t look at you. His breathing was heavy, focused entirely on the exit of the alley. A few strands of hair had fallen over his forehead, but he made no move to fix them. What had just happened shouldn't have occurred. What had just happened contradicted every thought of escape.
"Apologies for that," he said quietly, his voice trembling slightly. "I suppose we need to move quickly if we don’t want to run into another patrol."
"You need to, more like. I..." you stammered weakly, terrified by the thoughts trying to surface in your mind. "I... I need to go. I'll find you later. Sorry."
You pulled your hood up and stepped out of the alley, leaving him there. Sevika would have your head if Silco didn’t make it back to the Last Drop that night, but you were too shaken to stay near him any longer.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

This day wasn’t supposed to go like this.

It was meant to be a simple mission: break in, find the information, and make a quick, discreet escape. So why the hell were you running away with shaky legs and a head full of strange dreams?
You had to escape. It was the only rational option. You needed distance to process what had happened. One moment, you were searching for a way out of a trap, and the next, he was pinning you to the door with his entire body. No matter how much he tried to restrain himself, you felt everything. Too clearly.
You were too close. The whole incident didn’t last even a minute, but it was enough to make you reevaluate your reasons for leaving Zaun. Now, none of them seemed sufficient.
You could hear his breath. It was oddly pleasant, even though your imagination was running wild. As if he was trying to maintain control... no, you couldn’t think about him that way. This was Silco.
God, it was Silco…
Where his hand had touched your face, you could still feel warmth. A spark ignited, threatening to spread like wildfire. You couldn’t let that happen. You knew that allowing yourself honest conversations and trusting him so deeply had been a mistake, but his attention flattered you. You hadn’t realized how much you craved his approval.
In fact, every meeting, every conversation with him felt like tempting fate. Mostly for you—because of the shimmer, you couldn’t always control where your thoughts wandered.
If he knew...
Damn, you quickened your pace as a wave of embarrassment washed over you. His behavior had given you plenty to think about. Fine, it had been an impulsive decision aimed at protecting you both from the guards. Unfortunate and, honestly, the smartest thing would be to forget it ever happened or pretend it didn’t. But you’d long known that when it came to Silco, you made foolish decisions, driven by a desire better left unexamined for now.
You scolded yourself for foolishly promising to find him. On one hand, it was better because you had control over the timing of the meeting. You’d rather not let the situation escalate to the point where he found you himself. What the hell were you thinking?! You had a significant secret to reveal, and it couldn’t wait. Nor should it be disrupted by your thoughts of him.
You stomped your feet into the ground, angered by your reactions, reprimanding yourself for them. There was no point in lying to yourself. From the beginning, you’d found him attractive. But that was just an opinion, like noting he was ruthless and unpredictable—something you could notice in seconds or infer from stories. However, thinking about him in this way was entirely different. Admitting that you liked how close he had been was a direct path to ruin.
Even thinking about Silco like this felt inappropriate, but there was nothing you wanted more right now than to let yourself indulge in those thoughts for just a moment. Still, to talk to him about Zarys’s notes, you needed a clear mind.
The name of that woman wouldn’t leave you alone. Lacey Deren was someone important to Marcus. Maybe she had committed a serious offense and was about to be sentenced, but something had gone wrong at the last moment? Why else would he keep her file at home? Such things should be in the archives. Unless he had plans for her, or something more personal connected them.
You doubted Marcus would have an affair with a married woman, but who knows? Her husband was under surveillance, but only she had a file. There was nothing about him, yet you suspected they shared the same last name. You could hear it echoing in your mind, unable to recall where you’d seen it. What had her husband done to attract the sheriff’s scrutiny?
You were almost at the house, praying Sevika wouldn’t be inside. Honestly, you doubted she knew about these plans of Silco’s. You wouldn’t be surprised if she was furious that you hadn’t refused. But both of you understood that Silco didn’t take orders or advice from anyone. Better that someone was with him. Still, she wouldn’t forgive you for leaving him in Piltover.
What were you supposed to tell her? “Sorry, but I had to run away because otherwise, I’d have done something inappropriate”?
You wanted to grab the vial from the room as tangible proof to support your words. The ground floor was still crowded. You let the conversations fill your head, pushing out other thoughts. Keeping your head low so no one noticed you, you almost tripped as you fled upstairs.
You were a little worried whether Silco would return in time, but since he had managed to reach the upper city when the bridges were still crowded, it shouldn’t be a problem now. It was hard to imagine him out in the field since he was always in his office.
Oh, you didn’t doubt he could take care of himself, but if he tried to solve this the way he did last time, he’d end up dead in a river sooner or later.
You closed the door behind you, feeling it wouldn’t be enough to shut out the noise. Unfortunately, there was no time to run or calm your thoughts. You might have been terrified of your feelings, but your sense of duty was becoming more insistent. In fact, you hoped for an outburst of anger. It would be easier to erase the scent of cardamom from your mind if Silco started irritating you.
You reached under the bed for the vial and sighed in relief when you saw it was intact. Suddenly, it felt more precious than anything else in the world. Stuffing it into your backpack didn’t seem right. You needed additional protection to prevent it from breaking.
You remembered you had another scarf in the wardrobe that you didn’t use often. Reaching for it, you noticed a dusty folder from your first assignment at the bottom. Without thinking, you grabbed it. You blew off the layer of dust and momentarily forgot about your rush.
You knew you had to open it, though the reason felt distant. You flicked on the light with your elbow and reached inside. Seeing Zarys’s face, you felt both anger and strange anticipation. Telling Silco about the vial was one thing. You still had a week’s worth of the base component—a week to decide if you were ready for more changes.
You stared at the file, lost in thought, and for a moment, you didn’t understand why that combination of letters held your attention. In an instant, your heart skipped a beat. Your hands trembled in shock as you watched the sheet with his data slowly drift to the floor.
Zarys Deren.
Lacey was his wife... The husband under surveillance was Zarys! Thoughts poured out of you too quickly to grasp any coherent thread. If Marcus had his family, it would explain why Zarys was so desperate for someone to punish the sheriff.
The past weeks had blurred together, each day spent stumbling in the dark, trying to unravel a problem deeper than you’d imagined. Then suddenly, in a span of two days, you’d learned that Marcus, the sheriff, was behind the production of a shimmer variant, was working with one of the chem-barons, and had likely forced a chemist to work for him by arresting his wife.
This man was insane if he thought such things would go unnoticed. The question remained—why? There was a chance to find out, but the risk was unbelievably high.
Well, you’d already brushed with death more times than you cared to count. What difference did one more time make?
If Zarys wasn’t working for Marcus willingly, there was a slim hope he’d tell you everything about the sheriff’s plans—provided you could find him. Another reason to talk to Silco tonight. Before the hunger overtook you and you began treating every question as an attack, you needed to present him with a plan.
You definitely needed something to distract you from thoughts of Silco. By the next day, everything would seem absurd. For now, you just had to keep your hands to yourself so the still-fresh emotions wouldn’t tempt you into doing something foolish.
Not wanting to risk Sevika’s potential arrival, you slipped out through the window. The vial felt almost weightless in your hand, yet it burdened you as if you carried a backpack full of stones. Now, with freedom in your pocket, you felt as though everyone was watching you. Navigating through the crowd, where people were ready to snatch anything valuable from your pocket, was no easy task. Displaying that you had something of worth was practically an invitation.
You had never been so relieved to see the Last Drop. You even let out a sigh of relief. This was, in a way, your territory. Working for Silco had its perks. With your heart pounding, you climbed upstairs, hoping Silco had returned. You estimated that your trip to and from home had taken less than two hours. For a moment, you hesitated before knocking, but the sooner you got this off your chest, the better.
It was going to be a long night.
You visibly relaxed upon noticing the light in his office and the fresh scent of smoke lingering in the air. Silco was sitting on the edge of his desk, comparing two documents. When he looked up, mild surprise flashed in his eyes but was quickly replaced by neutrality.
“Good, you’re here,” you sighed, feeling the tension lift from your shoulders.
“I appreciate the concern, but I can take care of myself,” he replied calmly, his attention returning to the papers.
Perhaps it was only you who felt it, but the air between you seemed to grow heavier. His measured, composed response hit you harder than he likely intended. Did he really think this was just about concern?
“I don’t doubt that. Still, I’m glad Sevika won’t use me as a punching bag,” you quipped, trying to ease the tension with a dry joke.
Silco set the documents back on the desk and clasped his hands on his knees. His posture shifted slightly, as if preparing for something significant. A shadow of seriousness in his eyes made you feel even more self-conscious.
“Forgive my behavior. I didn’t mean to invade your space, but at the time… I saw no other way out of that situation.”
You raised your hand to your face, recalling his touch, but quickly moved it to the back of your neck. Warmth flooded your cheeks as memories of that moment stirred a storm of conflicting emotions. You appreciated his apology, but the bitter feeling lingered. You averted your gaze, unwilling to let him see the disappointment in your eyes.
“It’s fine,” you murmured, though you didn’t truly believe it. “I shouldn’t have run, but… I think I have new information.”
Silco nodded, gesturing to the chair by his desk. The closer you got to starting this conversation, the tighter the knot in your throat became. You weren’t afraid of his anger—that you could handle. But if you saw disappointment in his eyes, it would break your heart. You sat down, avoiding his gaze. Silence hung between you, his patient stare only deepening your sense of guilt.
“What I’m about to say is too important to keep bottled up any longer,” you began slowly, avoiding eye contact. Honesty for honesty—that’s what he had said. “I want you to let me finish before you start asking questions. Can you do that for me?”
“Of course.”
Taking a deep breath, you reached for your bag. With trembling hands, you pulled out a small bundle and unwrapped the cloth. The sight of the familiar vial gave you a small boost of courage. You set it on the desk, allowing the little object to become the boundary between you. If you mishandled this conversation, it would divide you anyway.
“This isn’t what you think. Why is this so hard…” you groaned, burying your face in your hands. You had to focus. “This is a vial of a shimmer variant. Not the one I have to take. It’s something new. I got it from Zarys.”
Silco stared at the violet liquid as if he were seeing shimmer for the first time. He remained silent, and at the mention of Zarys, his expression briefly soured before returning to neutrality. He didn’t interrupt, waiting for your explanation.
“When?” he finally asked.
“At the factory,” you replied quietly, watching his gaze sharpen. There was no turning back now. “That night, when I ran after him. He helped bandage me up. Only because I couldn’t move was he able to speak. Otherwise, I probably would’ve strangled him.”
You tried to diffuse the tension with a joke, but Silco remained silent, waiting for more. Swallowing hard, you felt every word drain your strength.
“He gave me this… shimmer. He thought it would stop the bleeding, but then he recognized the drug in my blood. Maybe the mutation affects that, too.”
Silco raised an eyebrow, though his face remained expressionless.
“You drank shimmer here, before I stitched your wound, and it worked. But I take it there’s more to the story?”
“This isn’t just shimmer. It’s a new version of it. A safe one.”
Silco rose slowly, reaching for the vial. His face remained inscrutable, like a shadow of his thoughts. He turned the vial in his hands, examining it from every angle, as if the glass might reveal its secrets. Perhaps he already knew more, given that he was the one who had created the original formula. You rubbed your hands together nervously, bracing for his anger, but no words came from his lips. The silence was more agonizing than open disdain.
“How do you know it’s safe?” he finally asked, breaking the silence.
The question caught you off guard. You blinked, trying to gather your thoughts. You had prepared answers for entirely different words, but not this.
“Today… in Marcus’s office, I found a note. It was Zarys’s handwriting—I recognized his signature. What you’re holding is 80% safe.”
Silco set the vial down gently, as if the smallest motion might shatter it. He was quiet for a moment, then calmly lit a cigarette, staring into the distance. His face showed no irritation—or any emotion at all.
“What else aren’t you telling me?” he asked coolly.
You stiffened at the sound of his voice. It was calm, almost measured, but you sensed a subtle undertone of distance—like he was restraining himself from exploding.
“Zarys told me it was safe back at the factory,” you admitted quietly. “I didn’t believe him, but… he insisted I keep it. According to him, it’s meant to stabilize my addiction.”
Silco sighed heavily, closing his eyes. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as if the mere act of talking to you exhausted him. He remained silent for a moment before finally saying:
“So you’re telling me that Zarys—the same chemist who created this formula—gave you a variant of the drug that he claims will eliminate your need for additional doses. Even if you doubted his words, why didn’t you tell me about this immediately?”
You would have preferred a fight. His calm, measured words pierced you like needles, hurting far more than anger ever could. You realized you might have truly hurt him.
"I don’t know," you admitted, crossing your arms over your chest. "At first, I wanted to pour it out and forget about it. He could’ve been lying, and it could’ve killed me. But… it might also have been the key to freedom in my hands. I knew you deserved to know. Even more so after you said you were looking for a reagent for me. I didn’t want to tell anyone because I was afraid I might lose it."
"Do you really think I’d take it away from you?" he asked quietly.
"I wasn’t thinking then," you replied, barely keeping your voice steady. "I was afraid you’d keep it to search for answers. And I… I wanted to have it within reach. It was my hope, my motivation."
Silco stubbed out his cigarette and leaned against the desk with his back to you. His voice was low and tense.
"So, you didn’t trust me. After everything..."
"Don’t make yourself the victim now!" you snapped, anger overshadowing the guilt. "You know exactly what was happening between us back then. Do you really think I was eager to run to you and confess every move after what you said?"
His hands clenched on the edge of the desk, knuckles whitening.
"That doesn’t justify keeping something so important from me!" he raised his voice, though still in control.
"I didn’t keep anything from you!" you shouted, feeling anger ignite within you. "Barely two hours ago, I found proof that this could help me. I could’ve taken it and left you to deal with the consequences, but I came to you! What more do you want to understand?"
"You demand honesty from me, threatening to leave," he growled. "I’m doing everything to keep you here, and you lie to me."
"That’s not fair!" you hissed. "If you can look me in the eye right now and say you would’ve taken Zarys’s words seriously, I’ll admit I was dishonest and do whatever you want."
He turned to you, but there was no anger in his gaze, only sadness. That hurt more than all his accusations. You stood straight, though you wanted to flee from his eyes.
"I don’t trust Zarys," he said quietly. "Not a single word from him."
"I didn’t trust him either until I saw his notes," you replied just as calmly. "I have no reason to doubt his documentation. When he gave it to me, he was shaken. He could’ve left me, but he helped instead."
Silco crossed his arms over his chest and looked at you sternly.
"So, you trust him more than me?" he asked coldly. "You’re always trying to act on your own. When will you understand that I’m trying to help you because I believe you’re worth it? Sometimes I wonder if you deserve it."
In another situation, the intensity of his gaze might have made your knees weak, but now you were too deep into the argument to let desires defeat your reasoning. Even if Silco didn’t know how much he affected you, you couldn’t let one look dismantle your defenses.
"If you’re trying to hurt me, you’re doing a great job," you growled. "How can you even say that? I went with you to Finn because I trusted you wouldn’t betray me. You hold my life in your hands, and it’s still not enough?! Sometimes I trust you more than myself!"
Your own words surprised you. You felt yourself losing control, and everything you had kept silent began demanding attention. It was dangerous. You lowered your head, trying to calm down. When emotions take over, arguments can only end in one of two ways. You didn’t know which would be better. Taking a deep breath, you regained some control.
"I wanted honesty from you, and I’m giving it in return. But you? You constantly point out my lack of trust. Tell me… do you trust me? I understand why Sevika has to keep an eye on me, but you?"
The silence stretched endlessly. Whatever he was thinking, you didn’t want to look at him—not after he dragged those words out of you.
"If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t let you near the warehouse. You wouldn’t get a single task, and yet I allow you to make some really foolish choices because I trust you know what you’re doing," he finally said, trying to mask his irritation with a calm tone.
You laughed bitterly, though it wasn’t funny at all. Weighing your words as you swayed slightly on your heels, you realized self-control had long since flown out the window, so you might as well match your anger to his.
"Then why?!" you exploded, springing up. "Say it outright—what’s your problem?!"
Silco sank heavily into his chair, covering his face with his hands. After a moment, he straightened up, tilting his head slightly as if gathering his thoughts. You watched his profile, searching for any clue that could explain his behavior. He was irritable, agitated. Silco promised honesty, but only on his terms—when it suited him. In moments like this, he avoided answers or threw out evasive words, as if hoping you’d eventually give up searching for the truth.
You began pacing nervously around the office, noticing out of the corner of your eye that the vial still lay on the desk. All it would take was grabbing it and running.
"I have people and resources that could’ve studied this," he finally spoke, his voice quiet, almost breaking. "I’d never have taken it from you. I promised I wouldn’t act without your consent. But if you’d told me, I could’ve studied it. I could’ve given you certainty. You didn’t have to seek out that man. You could’ve been healthy much sooner."
Healthy—that was true. But would you have stayed then? With every word, his tone shifted, growing anger finally breaking through the thin veneer of composure. You weren’t sure if he was furious at you or the world.
"I had to," you replied firmly. "You know that. Zarys is the only one who can confirm it."
"You could’ve died!" he shouted. "You risked your life searching for that man. I don’t trust Zarys, but I trust you! If you’d come to me with this, I could’ve helped you!"
"And then what? Would you really have shown the world that this variant exists?"
"Yes! For you, I would!" he yelled, his hand slamming against the wooden desk.
You stared at him, stunned, as though he’d spoken in a foreign language. The silence that followed his words seemed unbreakable. Too many honest truths had been spoken between you. Truths you weren’t ready for. You wanted to believe there was something more, something genuine in his voice. But instead, you closed your eyes, trying to stifle your emotions. You pressed your lips together, unsure of what to say.
Silco didn’t look at you. As always, when he allowed himself to lose control, he averted his gaze. Everything was too complicated.
Why could nothing with him ever be simple?
You sat down again. Running away was tempting; maybe it would be better. Dragging answers out of him felt masochistic, but once he started speaking, he made you question all your anger toward him. Why couldn’t you have just one honest, thorough conversation? Then you’d have to admit that, to some extent, you hoped for more than just talks. The line between employee and employer had long since disappeared. What existed between you had no name. But unless one of you took that step, you’d keep tearing at each other endlessly.
Silco wasn’t ready to take that step, and you were afraid you’d misinterpreted everything.
"So now what? Now you have your answer, so does that mean you want to leave us?"
You rolled your eyes, letting out a sigh full of frustration. How did he do this? One moment, he made you want to stay with him forever, only to follow it up with something like this. There was something more in his words than just a question about running away—something that touched you deeply.
"After everything I've told you, do you still think I want to run away?" you asked, not hiding the pain in your voice.
"That was your goal, right?" he replied, looking you straight in the eye.
"You know very well that I haven't wanted that for a long time," you denied firmly.
"You have the answer to your problems right here," he said, sliding the vial toward you. "The vial is yours. You can do whatever you want with it."
You furrowed your brow, trying to understand. Something didn’t add up. He was provoking you, as if he wanted to see what you'd do when he gave you something resembling permission to leave. What would it hurt? You had enough money for a ticket. You could free yourself from the addiction, start over somewhere far away. You looked at the vial, then at him. No, you didn’t want a new life.
"Why are you doing this?" you asked quietly.
"Isn’t this what you want?" he answered just as quietly, leaning closer. "Tell me. What do you want?"
It was different now. His voice no longer sounded provocative. You heard something in it that resembled anticipation. He was forcing you to speak the truth out loud, looking directly into your eyes. There was something cruel about it, but also painful—to see him waiting, testing you in such a direct way. You felt that this was just another of his loyalty tests, not genuine concern.
"I want to stay," you finally said, your voice calm, yet slightly trembling. "Not because I have to. Not because shimmer ties me to it. I want to stay because I choose to, on my own terms."
Silco slowly leaned back in his chair, nodding. You saw a subtle flash of surprise in his eyes, maybe even approval, but it wasn’t enough to bring you relief. You wanted to hit him for the way he manipulated you. Or maybe it wasn’t manipulation after all? After all, you had never said this directly before.
The words hung between you, heavy and full of tension. After all... leave, die... it wasn’t all the same. This charade had to end eventually.
"I told you before that you have my loyalty," you continued, stressing each word. "It hurts that you don't believe my words. But since you need proof, I’ll give it to you."
His eyes sharpened, growing intense. He was intrigued, though he tried to hide it.
"I never said I didn’t believe you," he replied, his voice barely audible.
"No, but you showed it today," you interrupted him, not allowing excuses. "Keep the vial for yourself. Shimmer may mess with my head, but I’m sure of one thing: I will never let you mock my words."
"Listen…" he started, but you didn’t let him finish.
"No. I’ve had enough of your approaches. I told you I want to stay, even though you push me away at every step and test me. Fine, let it be your way," you pulled a piece of paper with Zarys’ details from your backpack and handed it to him. "His wife is named Lacey. I found her records with Marcus."
Silco took the paper from you but didn’t look at it. His gaze was fixed on your face, as though trying to see something more in it. But you had had enough. Your pride was stronger than your desire for acceptance.
"Keep the vial. I’ll come back for it. With Lacey."
Silco quickly stood up, his movement abrupt and tense.
"No. I disagree."
You laughed softly, though there was nothing funny about it.
"Will you stop me if I leave?"
He growled through clenched teeth, turning his head away. You knew you had won this round.
"Are you willing to risk your life again?" he asked, his voice full of anger, but also a trace of concern.
You looked him in the eye, rising from your seat. You knew what you wanted to say.
"For you, I will," you replied firmly. "If this is the only way I can prove I want to stay, then my answer is yes."
A look of astonishment crossed his face. For the first time, you saw him so confused, unprepared for your reaction. Something in him had shifted, but whether for the better? That, you couldn’t be sure.
"Zarys’ wife is the key to him," you said more calmly, though your voice still carried the echo of earlier tension. "He doesn’t work for Marcus by choice. If she’s safe, Marcus loses his man. Zarys could join our side. This is an opportunity we can’t ignore."
Silco looked at you, stunned. It seemed like he hadn’t expected you to have thought it through so well.
"It’s too dangerous," he finally said, his tone now more composed. "You can’t storm Stillwater alone, and I won’t issue that order."
"I’ll go, whether you want me to or not," you cut him off sharply. "This isn’t about us. I thought you wouldn’t hurt me with your words anymore, but you did again. This time, I’m willing to let it go, but I won’t let such an opportunity slip away."
"If you do this, I won’t help you," he warned seriously. "If they catch you, I won’t be able to buy you out. Not again."
"You won’t have to, because I won’t fail," you replied, nodding.
You knew that was the end of the conversation. At least for you. He couldn’t say anything more today. Maybe Silco didn’t approve of your plan, but you knew he wouldn’t stop you outright. Well, he could be outraged, sulk, but someone had to think about the problem. Maybe eventually, he’d understand you were being honest. Since that was all he wanted from you...
 
***
 
Silco always seemed to have everything under control, as if every step he took had been carefully thought out and planned. Yet, although it seemed like he outsmarted you in manipulation and strategy, you also had your own tricks up your sleeve. You knew one thing: this life would never be easy. And that’s why you wanted to be closer to him even more. He was like a puzzle that fascinated you to the edge of possibility. With each passing day, this game, this unpredictability, this tension, drew you in further.
In the eyes of others, you were reckless, maybe even foolish. Could it really be called naivety that you couldn’t, and didn’t want to, stop? That you chose the thorny path, just to be closer to him?
The incident in the Upper City opened your eyes to something you hadn’t wanted to admit to yourself until now. Silco had stopped being just an ally in the fight against a common enemy. He had become something more. Someone who filled your world with his contradictions—he was tough and ruthless, but in moments of clarity, he seemed almost human, tender even. He was important to you, though you couldn’t fully explain why yet.
All the signs pointed to one thing: you should run. After the way he treated you, common sense suggested just that – leave, leave everything behind, and start fresh somewhere far away. But that wasn’t an option. Every day, with every look in his eyes, you felt more strongly that you didn’t want a "new beginning." You wanted to stay. With him. In Zaun. Even if it meant fighting for his trust, again and again.
Thoughts weren’t leading anywhere good. The final days before the next dose – a deadline that cast a shadow over everything you did. You knew one thing: you had to get back with Lacey before the hunger became unbearable. Silco probably thought your plan was just an outburst of resentment and pride, but every moment on the way back from Last Drop only confirmed your decision.
You knew your skills. You were unmatched in lying and manipulation, though you still had a bit to go to perfect your lockpicking. However, you knew that Lacey shouldn’t be there – the missing files in the prison were proof enough that someone was holding her illegally. If you could mislead them for just a moment, you could get her out. You needed less than an hour to disappear with her. In Zaun, a forger was waiting for you, who could provide a safe identity document for the right price.
The cost was high – half of what you had earned working for Silco. You hesitated for a moment, weighing the pouch in your hand. Would the gold be enough, or should you try convincing him with a blade? But you knew that man. You knew nothing shut him up like the right amount of money.

For you, I would.

Suddenly, the memory of those words hit you with full force. You stopped abruptly, leaning against the wall to keep from falling. Those words sounded too good. Too true.They hurt – they burned somewhere deep because you were sure they didn’t mean the same thing to him. It was an impulse that couldn’t be undone. He showed you he was willing to sacrifice secrets for you, and then... then he offered you an escape. As if he intentionally wanted to push you away.
Damn, you really should get treatment.
Archie didn’t have his own shop. If anyone knew about him, they knew where to find him. Falsifying an ID wasn’t that hard. Finding a matching uniform, though – that was another story. Last time, he worked near the Lanes border, closer to the surface. The inconspicuous apartment right above the tool shop. You glanced up, but the covered window could mean anything or nothing. You passed the entrance to the shop and moved to the back of the building. The familiar-looking stairs creaked just a little more than usual. You saw the sidewalk beneath you; the rotting planks didn’t encourage stepping in. But that was good – no one suspected the apartment was occupied.
You knocked quietly, waiting for the characteristic sound of the bolt sliding. You heard he was inside. You smiled mischievously; the bastard was probably hiding something. You didn’t like him, but he was useful. After you knocked, you heard the sound of something falling to the floor. You knocked again.
"Archie, open up! It's me!"
It felt foolish to reveal yourself right at the door, but if he thought the guards had finally come for him, he’d hide under the floor before checking if it was really them. It took him a while, but eventually, he opened the door. You didn’t wait for an invitation and boldly barged in. He muttered under his breath, visibly irritated, but you knew that when he saw the money, he’d consider you his best friend.
"Running again? Wouldn't it be better to just pay them off?" he asked, instinctively reaching for one of the cabinets.
"Not this time, Archie," you threw the pouch onto the table, and it landed with a heavy thud. "Job’s urgent. Payment up front."
Archie was a strange, ageless creature. He looked like a middle-aged man, but he spoke like an old man and moved like a young one. He had long ears with clumps of gray hair hanging from them. He turned and reached for the money, but you were quicker. You drove a knife into the table, almost hitting his hand. He pulled it back with a soft hiss and waved you off.
"Always wanting something, always urgent," he grumbled angrily. "I hope you have enough money because I’m swamped with orders."
He walked to the other side and grabbed some materials, pretending to work.
"We both know you don’t have an influx of clients. I need a guard’s ID, urgent. Anything will do."
He lifted his head and stared at you with his yellow eyes. He wondered if you were joking, ready to laugh at you, but when he saw your serious expression, he shook his head.
"No way, too risky."
You slid the pouch closer with the knife. He eyed the blade distrustfully, but immediately reached for the money. When he saw the amount, his eyes lit up. You knew this was better than trying to convince him.
"That’s why I’m paying double if you do it now. Nothing fancy. And no tricks."
Archie clicked his tongue and then stuffed a coin into his mouth to check its authenticity. You felt nauseous at the sight of food remnants between his teeth.
"Alright, alright. Come back in an hour."
You leaned over him, knowing Archie was a coward. You weren’t as threatening as he thought, but you played the part well.
"Would you take the money and not follow through with the deal? I know you, Archie. I’ll wait here," you said cheerfully, playing with the knife.
You deliberately turned it so the faint light reflected off the blade. He already had a sickly complexion from constantly being shut in, but you thought he paled just a little. He pulled back slightly and twisted his lips.
"Fine, fine. Just don’t touch anything!"
"I'll be good," you leaned back and pulled a chair closer.
He muttered something under his breath but immediately got to work. You didn’t know where you'd find a uniform, but that was a problem for later. You ignored the sharp pain in your temples, afraid it might come sooner than expected. You needed better hearing to safely get Lacey out of her cell. You had no idea how Stillwater worked, but you knew if you didn’t have an arrest warrant for her, you wouldn’t need a release order. If you could convince the right person that you were following Marcus's orders, they should let you leave with her without too much fuss.
Of course, all this was just in theory.
In reality, you could be exposed at any moment. Silco had threatened not to help you escape. You knew that was true. He wouldn’t risk being connected to the attempt to get her out. If Marcus got hold of that, it would be undeniable proof that Silco knew about the production. You needed Lacey to get to Zarys, but still, you felt a little sorry for her. Getting sent to Stillwater without cause left a mark on a person, and they might never be the same again. Lacey couldn’t know until the end that this was a rescue.
You were lost in thought as you watched Archie carefully transfer the pattern onto the new ID. He used several magnifying glasses for this. The room filled with the smell of ink and paint. He might have been repulsive, but he knew his craft.
You were in over your head, in trouble of a scale you preferred not to imagine. You were heading to a prison to pull out an innocent person, even though, with all your thefts, you should have been locked up there instead. One small mistake, and you’d spend the rest of your life in a cell – maybe just a few days before the addiction would take you. But you had motivation. A strong motivation to solve the problem of sincerity once and for all. Even if it ended tragically, you had to know if it was your true feelings or shimmer.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Archie had done a good job, and the result of his work was genuinely satisfying, but that was only half the battle. You could carry a fake ID with you all you wanted, but you wouldn’t just waltz into a prison waving it around and expect anyone to believe you. You needed more. Your plan assumed you’d miraculously come across a lone guard who happened to wear the same size as you, manage to subdue him, and steal his uniform.You loved plans in theory—they were easy. But now, standing near the queue for Stillwater, nothing seemed simple. The place was swarming with guards. You didn’t know their patterns, and none of them appeared inclined to break away from their groups. Getting a disguise was becoming increasingly difficult. To make matters worse, the pain behind your eyes was intensifying faster than you had anticipated. The more it hurt, the more you wanted to rescue Lacey and return for the drug, so you’d never have to consume that sweet poison again.You knew that woman was the key to answers. Someone like Zarys had to know more about Marcus’s plans. You were still searching for answers as to why the sheriff was dirtying his hands with smuggling, but none of the answers felt right. Shimmer was a drug—it enslaved people and made fortunes. What was the point of producing it just to store barrels of it underground? Was he planning to destroy Silco’s factories and start selling it himself? No, he wouldn’t have created a new strain then. To find out, you had to get Lacey out of prison.The problem was the idiots near the shore were clustering together, chatting instead of patrolling. Maybe you should have looked for an opportunity closer to Piltover? Suddenly, one of them adjusted his weapon belt and made a move as if to leave. You tensed, ready to follow, but he only stepped away to use the shore as a toilet. You sighed in disappointment. You braced yourself for hours of waiting for an opening. The first hour was passing, and none of them had moved even a step inland.Shifting your weight onto your other foot, you tried not to make any noise. The wind was blowing towards the water, so any sound you made could be overheard. Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed your hood and began dragging you in the opposite direction. You struggled, knowing that if it was one of the guards, you’d be caught with a fake ID in your possession. It was hard to break free when your feet had no leverage. Unfortunately for him, he grabbed your jacket’s hood. You raised your hands, letting it slip off, and quickly got up, ready to flee. But it wasn’t a guard.“Sevika? What the hell are you doing here?” you asked in a half-whisper.She looked surprised at the jacket in her hand, then tossed it back to you with a strange grimace on her face.“I forgot that catching you is like holding a fish. You always slip away,” she said, setting down a heavy-looking bag from her shoulder.“What’s this?”“You tell me,” she replied, sounding slightly tired.You reached for the knot, hearing something clink inside. Inside were pieces of a guard’s uniform. You looked up, genuinely surprised.“How did you know I was looking for this?”The pants seemed a bit short, but no one was likely to notice.“I didn’t. Silco told me to bring it to you.”You froze halfway through trying on the boots. Pushing the items away, you felt Sevika waiting for specific answers.“I’m guessing you won’t let me leave without explaining, right?”“For once, something smart came out of your mouth,” she replied sharply. “What are you up to this time?”You wondered briefly if Sevika would accept another evasive answer, but this time hiding behind Silco’s decisions wasn’t an option. What was he scheming? He’d outright said he couldn’t and wouldn’t help you. So why this gesture? It drastically helped you and shortened the time needed to find a disguise, but if this option existed, why hadn’t he told you about it upfront? Not the first time, huh.Ah, fuck this, you thought. Sooner or later, she’d figure it out herself. Better she heard it all from you than picking it up from rumors or half-truths.“I plan to break into the prison and get someone out.”She opened her mouth, raising her hands as if to strangle you, but let it go and turned away slightly.“I know Silco sometimes has questionable ideas, but even he wouldn’t give you such a task, so stop lying and tell me the whole truth.”What was it with people and honesty? You sighed and leaned your back against the side of a container. You were biting off more than you could chew. You needed rest, but the longer you delayed, the more likely the craving would take over.“You’re right, he didn’t. It’s my idea.”“And he agreed to it?”“Not exactly. He knows about it but refused to get involved. So, it’s kind of a rogue operation.”Sevika made a strange noise and walked a little distance away, pulling a cigarette from her pocket. Funny how you suddenly didn’t feel so restrained about speaking. Too bad it didn’t happen during your conversation with him. Or maybe that conversation unlocked something in you?“Are you completely out of your mind?” she asked, trying not to shout. “What possessed you to do this?”You shrugged.“Listen, I’d love to tell you everything I know, but after this mission. I can’t wait any longer. The person in that prison is Zarys’s wife. I believe she’ll lead us to him and uncover Marcus’s plans.”“Now I see why he didn’t want to agree to this,” she muttered, crushing the cigarette stub under her boot. “This is the dumbest decision you’ve made since I’ve known you.”“You can think whatever you want, but unless you plan to stop me by force, there’s nothing you can do. I’ll do it with or without your approval.”She shook her head, biting her lip as if restraining herself from dragging you back by your hair. You knew she was conflicted because her boss was hiding something from her, but that was between them. If she asked, you’d gladly answer, but you didn’t want to confide in her unprompted.“When exactly did you come up with this crazy idea? Why now? Why so suddenly?”So, confiding was unavoidable after all. You slumped to the ground, feeling exhaustion win over, and verbal sparring no longer entertained you like it usually did.“Silco questioned my loyalty. I visited him today to have an honest discussion about a certain solution,” you raised your head and looked her straight in the eyes. “I currently possess a solution for my addiction. If I’m correct, taking it will mean I won’t need to drink that crap every week. Of course, the first thing he asked was if I planned to leave, despite all my efforts to show him I want to stay. With him. With you all.”Sevika listened to your response, the wrinkles on her forehead deepening with each passing moment. You could put yourself in her shoes—it was information you were struggling to digest, so for her, it must have been even more incomprehensible.“I should lock the two of you up somewhere until you finally sort this out,” she groaned in frustration. “So what now? You’re just letting your pride take over and trying to prove something to him? You realize that if you get caught, you can forget about any help, right?”“That’s exactly what he told me before I left.”“And you still want to go through with this?”Well, no risk, no reward.“This is something I have to do. I don’t know how else to show him that I care,” you replied, leaning your head against the wall.Honesty seemed so much easier when it wasn’t about him. It was easier to confide in Sevika because she didn’t hold back when telling you exactly what she thought. Or maybe you were just too tired of pretending not to care.“Oh, I don’t know, maybe with words?” she quipped sarcastically. “How the hell did you manage to complicate everything so much in a single day?”You chuckled softly.“As it happens, I’m trying to straighten things out, but he just doesn’t get it. Look, I love our little chats, but I don’t have time for this right now. So, either tell me what you want to know or let me work in peace.”Sevika suddenly leaned in close, towering over you. The move caught you off guard, and you flinched slightly, but there was nowhere to run.“This mess you’re making affects the entire team,” she growled. “I don’t care about your reasons for fighting with each other, but because of it, I have more work than I’d like. So no, I’m not letting you go through with this until you tell me everything. The idea is insane enough as it is, so the further away you are from it, the better.”You rolled your eyes and stood up, brushing sand off your pants. For a moment, you considered asking her for a cigarette.“Fine, what do you want to know?”Your sudden resignation took her by surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.“What happened today?”“Just don’t interrupt me like you always do,” you warned her. “The task he gave me was a break-in. Into Marcus’s house. I wanted to refuse when he said he was coming with me, but you know he never listens to anyone. I found confirmation in the sheriff’s office that the vial I got from Zarys is safe and…”“What vial?”You gave her a pointed look, but she didn’t care about your annoyance. Well, you owed her honesty too. This was becoming exhausting.“I said I’d explain everything tomorrow or another day, so stop interrupting me now. I got it from him in the factory after I followed him. And today, I found proof that this version is safe. According to him, I might not need additional doses to survive. Besides that, Marcus had files on Zarys’s wife. It took me a while, but I figured out that if I free her, Zarys will lose the only reason keeping him tied to Marcus. Surely you can see the logic in that, right?”She observed you for a moment, searching for signs of madness. Finally, she sighed heavily and shook her head.“You’re crazy—I’ve known that for a long time. But reluctantly, I have to admit that this is some kind of plan. Still, you won’t be able to single-handedly break out someone Marcus personally put in prison. It’ll take days to plan such an operation. You don’t know the cell layout or patrol patterns. You’ll get caught the moment you set foot in the prison.”“Are you worried about me?” you teased, attempting to ease the tension, though it didn’t work well. “Silco washed his hands of this,” you continued. “He warned me that he wouldn’t help if I got caught. Right now, the only thing that matters is that he didn’t forbid me from doing it. You don’t have to help me either—just don’t get in my way.”Sevika kicked the bag at her feet, nodding toward it.“And yet, he told me to bring you this. As if I didn’t have bigger problems than delivering your disguises.”“That’s what I don’t understand,” you sighed. “Look, the day’s about to start. I’m exhausted and want to get this done before I collapse.”“Why now? Give it a rest. Prepare a proper plan, and then act.”“Sevika, I can’t,” you whispered, pained. “I left that drug with him and told him I’d return with Lacey. I can’t back out now. In a few hours, I might not even be able to move. I don’t want to take that crap again.”It was hard for Sevika to understand your perspective. You didn’t blame her. She thought rationally and prioritized the mission’s success. Your personal problems with Silco shouldn’t affect it, yet somehow, everything seemed to revolve around them.“If he doubted your loyalty, he would’ve left you to deal with this alone. And yet, he sent me here, even though he knows exactly what I think of your stupid ideas. I don’t know why, but I think you do.”You walked a few steps away, clasping your hands behind your neck.“That’s the problem—I don’t know,” you admitted. “I went to him today because something happened that really messed with my head, but it also helped me understand a few things. I wanted to tell him. I tried, but when I do, it feels like he’s trying to push me away at all costs, like my words mean nothing to him. Maybe I’m acting impulsively, but right now, I don’t see any other way to show him I’m not planning to leave. I just want him to finally understand.”“Gods… damn it, I was hoping I was wrong and just imagining things, but it seems I’ve been right from the start. You’re both complete idiots. And yes, I’m including Silco.”It was easy for her to say. Observing a problem was one thing; being part of it was an entirely different experience. You glanced at her, at her agitated expression, and wondered if it was worth continuing this conversation or if you should walk away before you said something you’d regret. His erratic decisions still gnawed at you, but there was no time to analyze them. If she was going to let you go, she needed to understand your position fully.“Call me stupid or crazy, but I really feel something for him. I know you can see it. I don’t know what to call it. Not yet. I know it’s incredibly reckless to even think about it now, but I lost control over it a long time ago. I might as well admit it now and get it over with.”Sevika suddenly appeared beside you and, without warning, gave you a sharp smack on the back of the head.“You’ve completely lost it. Tell him that, not me.”You held your head, shielding it with your hands. Her sudden attack completely snapped you out of your self-pity, and honestly, you wanted to hit her back."What was that for? I'm trying to be honest with you!""I don’t fucking care!" she yelled back. "I don’t care about your honesty. Don’t put this on me just because you’re losing your head and can’t act like an adult around him. Seriously, didn’t your mother teach you why you have a tongue in your mouth?"Sevika always had a knack for strange comparisons that didn’t quite fit the conversation, but those words stuck with you for a moment. She was irritated, but you couldn’t respond with equal anger because you knew she was right."Why are you telling me this? It's also his fault we can’t have a proper conversation.""I told him that!" she snapped, losing the last shred of her patience. She stepped back and took a deep breath. "Literally an hour ago, I pointed out how unreasonable he’s acting. He thinks I don’t notice how he looks at you when you’re not watching or how his expression changes when we talk about you. Sometimes it makes me sick."You choked on air, staring at her in genuine fear. Her bluntness was going to be the death of you one day."He… what?""I can’t deal with you two anymore," she groaned. "Don’t pretend you don’t know. This is turning into one big farce, but today you’ve outdone yourselves."Her words refused to fully sink in. Silco looking at you? The same Silco who pushed you away every time you tried to be honest with him? No, she had to be mistaken."Don’t act as his messenger. If there’s something he wants to say to me, he should open his mouth and do it himself.""Oh, believe me, I’m not doing this willingly. You both act like enemies while being drawn to each other at every turn. Get over it or let it go. I can’t take his moods any longer."The audacity! You raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a mix of coldness and amusement."Oh no, I’m not taking responsibility for him too. It’s enough that my feelings are a mess. At least I have control over myself."She suddenly burst into laughter, the kind that made you want to sink into the ground in shame if not for the irritation building up inside you."You? In control? Don’t make me laugh. You can’t take your eyes off him, and it’s as clear as day. Honestly, I’m shocked he hasn’t noticed yet. Stop playing games and deal with it before your unresolved issues ruin all the progress we’ve made."You were breathing heavily, clenching your fists, ready to retaliate, but her evident mockery made you feel like an insect under her boot. Sevika only saw part of the problem. Your obvious attraction to him wasn’t enough to make you sacrifice truth for physicality. God, no! That’s not what this was about. You didn’t want a fling with your boss.You wanted Silco.You wanted him, but only if it was mutual. You knew holding this in any longer was pointless; you had no intention of begging for his attention—not anymore. Sevika was pacing impatiently, waiting for your response. Now, with confirmation that he might feel something for you, all your emotions came flooding back. You couldn’t think of a reason why Sevika would lie, but it still felt absurd. Sure, you couldn’t stop watching him, but not once had you seen anything resembling what she described."Listen, it doesn’t matter now. I’m not going back to him empty-handed. Think whatever you want, but I can’t make this decision knowing I still have that shimmer in my blood. You’re blaming me for everything as if it’s up to me what happens. I told him as clearly as I could that I want to stay, but he ignored it. Do you have anything else to throw at me, or can I get back to work now?""You’re not getting out of this so easily," she suddenly growled. "Silco’s been neglecting his duties because instead of focusing on the job, he keeps circling back to you in conversations. I don’t even remember the last time something wasn’t about you. I’m sick of it. I told him to get a grip, but of course, he didn’t listen. I thought maybe you had more sense, but you’re just as stubborn as he is. So yes, I’m blaming you. Sort it out with him—sleep with him if you have to—but this has to end. One of you needs to finish this."She turned on her heel and walked away, frustrated, leaving you with a head full of conflicting thoughts. Yes, you wanted to resolve everything with him after freeing Lacey. One potential solution was that if his interest was one-sided, he’d still have leverage over Marcus and could end it without your help, allowing you to leave. You had considered that, but Sevika’s outburst had shaken the foundation of your plan.You had important tasks ahead, and dwelling on the possibility that he might feel something for you was a path to failure.Maybe it really was time to say everything outright instead of waiting for him to make a move.You slipped into a guard uniform, hoping you’d fastened all the buttons correctly. You lacked a weapon, but not all guards carried rifles on their backs. The key was to play dumb and lie about everything. After taking two deep breaths—how did they even breathe in those masks?—you calmly marched toward the cable car leading to the island.They spotted you from a distance, but none of them tried to stop you. Your heart was pounding wildly. You were walking into the lion’s den, pretending you knew what you were doing. You responded with a subtle nod to their greetings and lined up behind another guard escorting a boy.You clenched your jaw to keep from saying anything. The kid couldn’t have been older than 15, yet he was already bound for a cell. Probably some petty crime that someone higher up deemed enough to lock him away. It was cruel.This type of transport was unnerving, but there was no other way in. You stepped into the cabin with the pair, feeling a wave of panic sweep over your mind as the doors closed behind you. You were acutely aware that only a thin layer of metal stood between you and the abyss.You could hear the cables creaking and the faint jolts of the cabin. You sat down on the floor, fighting the urge to rip the mask off your face. You hadn’t realized how much the idea of being trapped terrified you. Or maybe it wasn’t the confinement itself—it was the fear of having no escape.Faced with this newfound terror, the idea of being caught seemed even darker. Well, yet another motivation not to fail.The cabin jolted again, and you flinched noticeably."Heh, first time, huh?" the guard asked.You cursed silently, not realizing he was watching you. You quickly stood up, unsure what to expect, shifting nervously from foot to foot, reminding yourself that to him, you were just a colleague."Yeah, does it always jolt like this?""This is nothing. Were you reassigned from the upper city?""I’m just here to deliver orders to the warden. Do you know where I can find him?"The stranger pondered for a moment. God, it was so easy to deceive them when they couldn’t see your face. Then again, it made sense—no one in their right mind would willingly go to Stillwater."Go straight to the guard at the entrance. I'm just dropping this trash off inside, and he'll take care of it," he said, kicking the boy sitting beside him in the side.It was the perfect opportunity to start a fight, take advantage of the element of surprise, and overpower him. That kid didn’t deserve such treatment. Then again, you didn’t know him or why he was bound for prison, but the terror in his eyes suggested he was on the brink of breaking down.Was it worth risking so much for one person? You were here to save someone innocent. Could you decide the value of another's life based on their utility? You fought the impulse to help, but the truth was, you had no idea what awaited you on the island. Even if you helped him now, he couldn’t make it back to the mainland alone, and you were already taking too many risks.The journey seemed endless. It felt as if you’d never stop moving, destined to remain trapped forever. Just as the thought of clawing at the walls to escape crossed your mind, the transport jolted again and began to slow. The guard yanked the boy to his feet and shoved him toward the exit. Following them seemed like the safest option; it might even show you the way.The door creaked open with an eerie groan, letting in the salty sea air. You could taste it even through the mask. The wind tore inside, and without the mask, it would’ve taken your breath away. You stepped out quickly, masking your hesitation as best you could. Instinct urged you to scan for danger, but glancing around might raise suspicions. You were a guard from the upper city here to collect a prisoner—nothing more.The place was ghastly. You might have ended up here yourself if Silco hadn’t bought your freedom. Now, you walked in willingly, knowing you might already have a record. If someone recognized you, you’d never leave these walls again. A grim prospect, but you were determined not to get caught.Stillwater was bleak and oppressive. The inmates were cut off from light and air. That alone was a cruelty, and many would spend decades paying for their crimes. You couldn’t help but wonder how many truly deserved such severe punishment. You were so lost in thought that you didn’t notice the guard you’d been told about until you were right in front of him. He looked like they’d chosen him for his job based on his intimidating presence—someone who made you want to confess just to avoid his massive fists.He handed some papers to his colleague, and the boy disappeared into an elevator. You knew you’d never see him again. Shaking off the thought, you stepped forward.“What do you want?” he barked without looking up.“I’m here for a prisoner. Lacey Deren.”He raised his head, and a shiver ran down your spine at the sight of his cloudy eyes.“Who?”“Lacey Deren. Female. About 40.”He adjusted his posture and started sifting through a pile of papers.“I don’t have any releases for today. Why do you want her?”Adjusting your gloves, you tried to appear unfazed, but his questions chipped away at your confidence.“I didn’t ask. The sheriff wants to interrogate her.”At the mention of your shared superior, doubt flickered across his face, but he shrugged it off.“Something big, huh? Look, I can’t help you. I don’t have her here. Wait until a release order shows up.”You stepped closer and lowered your voice, pretending to share a sensitive detail.“It’s a delicate matter, you understand? The sheriff can’t officially release her yet, but he needs to interrogate her… his way.”God, you were lying through your teeth. You had no idea if Marcus had “ways” or had ever done anything like this. The guard scratched his head, clearly taken aback. You’d planted uncertainty, drawing closer to your goal.“Hold on, I’ll check the records.”Damn. Now everything could fall apart. If the man saw that Lacey Deren’s file didn’t exist, he’d know you lied. He didn’t seem like someone who’d let that slide. He stepped into another room to search. Watching his back from the doorway, your mind raced. Could you search his desk before he returned? Normally, yes, but your uniform creaked with every move. He’d have to be deaf not to notice you moving around.He returned quickly, holding a file that made your heart sink. What did this mean? Was there another Lacey, or was Marcus’s note outdated?“I’ve got a Deren here, but her file is empty. Looks like an arrest order was issued, but nothing else. Like she never showed up.”He shrugged, indifferent to the fact that you were discussing a person. You smiled behind your mask, realizing you’d caught him.“You mean to tell me you lost a prisoner?”He recoiled at the sharp question and nervously shuffled papers around.“No, of course not. It must be some mistake.”“A high-profile prisoner is missing, and you have no answers? Should I inform the sheriff about this?”The man didn’t seem the type to fear someone like Marcus, but he clearly disliked the idea of having his work questioned by someone higher up. That was your leverage.“Before you go running to complain, let me check, all right?” he grumbled, annoyed at the extra work. “Knew I shouldn’t have let that rookie sort the files,” he muttered under his breath.You sighed theatrically, adjusting your belt.“Look, I don’t have time for this. The sheriff needs her now. Someone broke into his home, and he thinks she knows something. Big case. Got anything, or should I tell him he won’t learn who threatened his family?”The lie was brilliant. You tried not to smile, but with every word, the guard seemed to shrink. He rummaged through the documents faster, desperate to find something, but you knew there was nothing on Lacey except the arrest warrant.“Damn it, I’ve got nothing,” he finally admitted, leaning closer. “Listen, this stays between us. I’m not supposed to release prisoners without papers, but if it’s for the sheriff, I won’t ask questions. I don’t have anything on her, but a rookie was reorganizing the archives recently—maybe something got misplaced. Try the fourth level. They should know more down there. If you know what she looks like, walk through the cells. If you find her, ask anyone for the keys. Damn… a break-in…”You nodded to him without a word and walked away toward the elevators. It went smoothly—maybe too smoothly. You hadn’t expected him to be wrapped around your finger so quickly, but it seemed he didn’t want to cause trouble with Marcus. The most important thing now was to get Lacey and disappear before anyone started questioning your plan. The sight of the cramped elevator made you feel faint, but you couldn’t back down. Not when you were this close.To think, there were so many people down below...You shuddered, feeling your clothes cling to you. It might be time to add another phobia to the list—right after big spiders. And there were probably plenty of those here. You shook your head, disgusted by your wandering thoughts, and briefly removed your mask. Your lips were damp from your quick breathing. This uniform was suffocating. Surely, they had some kind of special training to keep from passing out while wearing this all day. The air was stale and dry. When the elevator stopped, you quickly covered your face again and mustered the last of your strength. Dropping out of character now would be a disaster.You regretted not being able to bring a photo of her, but even the cheapest camera was beyond your budget. Luxuries like that weren’t for you. The sheer number of cells on a single floor made you panic. The longer you stayed, the greater the chance the guard upstairs might decide to contact Marcus. Nobody in their right mind would disguise themselves as a guard to get into a prison. The line between bravery and recklessness was razor-thin.To the left of the entrance, the hallway widened slightly, with space for the guards to gather. Searching for her on your own was pointless; making contact with the other guards would lend credibility to your act. They might stop you if you barged in and tried to take a prisoner without explanation. Hopefully, no one overly zealous would prioritize rules over convenience.A woman sat at a table, engrossed in a newspaper. She had removed the top of her uniform and didn’t even glance at you when you approached. She didn’t look particularly inviting, which made you even less inclined to wander the cells aimlessly.“I’m looking for a prisoner. Can you help me?”She sighed heavily but didn’t put down the paper.“Name?”“Deren. Lacey Deren.”“Doesn’t ring a bell.”You rolled your eyes. Talking to her was an absolute delight. So helpful. There was no point in pressing further. You took a step back, waiting to see if she’d stop you, but she went back to reading, ignoring you.You remembered Lacey had shoulder-length blonde hair—probably longer now—and thin lips. Your memory for faces had never been great. You hesitated, weighing the odds of finding her on your own versus trying your luck on another floor. Marcus must have hidden her well if his subordinates didn’t even know she existed.You froze mid-step. What if they knew her under a different name? No, she had a file in the archive. Unless, for safety, she had used an alias. Gods, what had you gotten yourself into? Finding her felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Someone could be on their way to Marcus right now, asking if he had authorized her release.“Sorry for all the questions, but I can’t find her on my own,” you said to the woman. “Maybe you’ve seen her? She should’ve arrived a few months ago. A woman around forty.”She huffed in frustration and lowered the paper slightly.“Do you have any idea how many people pass through here every month? I wouldn’t remember a face even if I wanted to. Why is she so important?”“The sheriff wants something from her. If I go back without her, heads will roll. Unless you help me, in which case I’ll put in a good word for you.”Your words piqued her interest. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees, ready to bargain.“And who are you?”“Someone who can get you a cushy spot up top. But if you’d rather stay here, be my guest.”You weren’t sure if it was a good offer, but you felt everyone would prefer a comfortable station to guarding prisoners day in and day out. She seemed to like the idea—maybe even seriously considering it. Well, it didn’t matter what promises you made since you’d never see her again.“Hmm, you talk a good game, but how do I know you’re telling the truth? What’s your name?”You handed her your ID, showing you had nothing to hide. At first glance, it looked indistinguishable from a real one, especially in this light.“Are you going to help me find her or not?” you asked impatiently. “I’m sure the folks on the lower floors would jump at the chance to get out of here.”“Don’t be so hot-headed,” she replied, a little friendlier now. “So if I find her, I get transferred? What did this Deren do to be so important?”“How should I know?” You shrugged. “The sheriff thinks she knows something about the threats his family has been receiving. He wants her brought to him today.”She stood heavily and put her uniform top back on.“Let’s find your Deren.”You nodded and gestured for her to lead the way. You weren’t sure if she was indifferent, naive, or simply didn’t see you as a threat. You suspected she had no reason to distrust you. She probably saw you as some upper-city pencil-pusher who had no clue about real life. You knew that if you really were colleagues, she’d milk the connection for all it was worth—and then some. It was just as well that the person you were impersonating didn’t exist.Finding Deren took longer than you expected. You were getting nervous as you walked through corridor after corridor without success. Of course, Abby—as she introduced herself after a while—was determined to scour Stillwater to its depths looking for the woman. When you reached the next floor, she didn’t say a word to her colleagues about why Lacey was so important. Smart, you thought as you followed her. Why share the credit if she succeeded? You should have felt sorry for her, but you didn’t respect the guards.You were beginning to doubt you’d ever find Lacey. The lower you went, the heavier the air and the higher the humidity. If Marcus wanted Zarys to work for him, Lacey should have decent conditions.It wasn’t until the sixth floor that someone recognized Lacey’s description. Unfortunately, the man said she didn’t speak to the guards, so he couldn’t confirm if it was her. Abby quickly pulled you away to keep him from learning more. Lacey’s cell was at the far end of the eastern corridor.When you saw her, for a moment you thought she was dead. She sat motionless on the floor, her hair covering her face. Her shoes were ruined, and a thin layer of water coated half the floor. You stepped closer, letting your shadow fall over her briefly. She flinched and glanced at you but quickly looked away.“Lacey Deren?” you asked, though you already knew it was her.“Depends on who’s asking.”“It’s her,” you said to Abby. “Could you get the keys?”Abby hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded.“No funny business. If you leave with her without saying a word, I’ll find you,” she warned.You were tempted to take off your helmet and show Lacey that she didn’t have to be afraid, but the longer she believed you were a guard, the better the chance she wouldn’t act suspiciously. Until you reached solid ground, she needed to believe Marcus had actually sent you for her.You waited patiently for Abby, trying not to show Lacey any sympathy, but it was hard not to feel something when you saw the emptiness on her face. She was here only because Marcus had some cruel plan. Abby returned fairly quickly, carrying a full set of keys. You tried not to show irritation as she tested key after key. You breathed a sigh of relief when the lock finally clicked and the door swung open.You took a deep breath before stepping inside. Abby’s expectant gaze bore into you, as if she anticipated written confirmation of a promotion. Getting Lacey out of here felt personal in a way you didn’t fully understand.“You’re coming with me. Get up,” you ordered, even though you wanted to slap yourself when Lacey flinched slightly.She didn’t resist. She held her hands out in front of her, ready for cuffs. You felt sick seeing the red abrasions on her wrists. You had to keep it together so no one would notice anything strange about your behavior. The fact that she submitted so quickly and without protest told you this wasn’t her first time. You reached for your belt, grabbed the cuffs, and secured them on her wrists. They closed with a soft click. You felt like you might vomit.You gestured for her to go ahead of you. Just a little further, and it would all be over. Abby trailed closely behind you, practically stepping on your heels, as if expecting some reward. While waiting for the elevator, you knew you had to find a way to get rid of her.“Thank you for your help, Officer. I’ll submit the paperwork on your case later today,” you said in your best friendly tone.You thought that was the end of it, but when she stepped into the elevator with you, she leaned in and whispered:“Do you think I believe you? I’m coming with you. You’re not taking all the glory.”You clenched your fist slightly, knowing you couldn’t let your anger show. You should have expected Abby wouldn’t be so naive. Well, she didn’t know yet that once you were out of sight, you’d have to incapacitate her. You hated the thought of killing, but you couldn’t let her come with you to Zaun.Lacey was awaiting her fate. You wanted to tell her not to be afraid, but that wasn’t an option. You couldn’t let emotions cloud your judgment, though your hatred for Marcus was starting to burn brightly.You thought frantically about how to deal with Abby. A solution came to you as the elevator doors opened, and you saw a man behind a desk. This might work. As you walked past him, he straightened up quickly, looking your way.“Found your missing person, I see?” he chuckled as if his negligence wasn’t an issue.“Lucky for you, yes,” you replied curtly, pausing before adding, “Abby, take the prisoner and wait by the exit. I need to check something.”“Don’t try anything!” she barked and gave Lacey a shove in the back.The woman stumbled, nearly falling. You wanted to break Abby’s nose for that. Instead, you approached the desk, leaning in closer to the guard than before. You motioned for him to come closer. Curious, he obliged.“I checked, and it’s Abby who’s responsible for the confusion,” you whispered. “I think you’ll want to detain her and sort this out. Better her than you, right?”Your words darkened his expression. He nodded and straightened up. You’d stirred the pot, knowing this would cause a lot of trouble for them. But if anyone could hold Abby back from leaving Stillwater, it was him. You felt his gaze on your back as you hurried Lacey along before an argument broke out between the two.You stepped between Lacey and Abby, guiding the woman away. You took your first step toward the door when the man behind you called Abby to him.“Go, I’ll wait outside. I won’t leave you,” you added convincingly.Abby hesitated but couldn’t refuse him. You quickly led Lacey outside. She shivered in the cold, wearing only a thin shirt. She’d likely been taken from her home without a chance to dress properly. You fought the urge to give her your coat. Gently, you touched her shoulder and nodded toward the exit.Behind you, voices echoed. Your ploy had almost been discovered. When they realized you’d pitted them against each other, there would be trouble. You needed to be far from the prison by then.You grabbed Lacey’s elbow, urging her to walk faster. At the shore, you spotted a cart ready to depart. Your heart raced. You waved to the man at the front, hoping he’d understand your intentions. He shouted something to the others but stayed in place. Whether passengers could control the departure time didn’t matter now. What mattered was that you and Lacey boarded without Abby.Lacey immediately shrank into a corner at the sight of a few guards, lowering her gaze. You didn’t want to know what they’d done to her to make her so fearful. You stood nearby, hoping no one would try anything. The guards were boasting about who had captured the most prisoners last week, treating it like a game. The lives of these people meant nothing to them.You lowered your head, feeling a growing ache. Rest was impossible now, with such a long journey ahead. You turned away, loosening your mask briefly and letting it hang around your neck. Lacey glanced at you, likely wondering where you were taking her. But your focus was on suppressing the nausea.When the doors finally opened, letting in fresh air and light, you grabbed her arm and led her out. It was unsettling how she didn’t even try to run, despite being so close to freedom. Once you lose hope, you can’t see freedom, even if it’s right in front of you.You held her arm firmly to avoid suspicion, brushing off questioning looks as you walked. You needed to reach the place where you’d stashed your bag. Dressed as you were, she wouldn’t believe you, even if you told the truth.When you were sure you couldn’t be seen from the shore, you pulled her into a deserted alley and removed your helmet. The relief was indescribable. Your hair clung to your temples.“Wait here,” you told her.She didn’t seem to understand what was happening but remained still, the cuffs still on her wrists making escape unlikely. You doubted she even considered it. As you stripped off pieces of your uniform and stuffed them into your bag, you kept a close eye on her. You wanted to help her, but you needed her alive and compliant.“Who are you? What’s going on?” she asked, panic creeping into her voice.You pulled keys from your pocket and showed them to her.“Someone who just got you out of prison. I’ll take these off, but you have to promise not to run. Clear?”“Why are you doing this? Are you working for him too?” she asked, drawing her hands closer to her chest.“For Marcus? Do you think I’d be stuffing a uniform into a bag if I worked for him?” you quipped. “Listen, I need information you might have. You have no reason to trust me, but I know your husband isn’t doing this willingly. Help me get to him, and this will all be over faster.”Sevika would have been ashamed of your level of manipulation, but you couldn’t bring yourself to torment Lacey further.“How do you know about my husband?”“We have a common enemy. Where can I find him?”Fear and panic flickered in her eyes.“I don’t know. Please, let me go. I won’t tell anyone, I swear.”You grabbed her shoulders and shook her lightly.“I need to know where he is. If Marcus realizes you’ve disappeared, your husband could be in danger. Do you understand?”You looked into her eyes, trying to convince her, but she might have been too shocked to respond. You shook her again, and she finally looked at you.“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him in weeks,” she sobbed. “Please, I just want to go home.”“You can’t go home, understand? It’s not safe. I can hide you, but first, tell me where I can find your husband.”The panic in her eyes began to subside as she started to breathe more evenly.“Zarys works for Marcus,” she said, watching you expectantly. You nodded slightly, offering a faint smile to encourage her. “He… he’s doing something for him. He told me he couldn’t visit because something happened, and Marcus won’t let him.”“Is Marcus holding him captive?” you asked sharply. “Lacey, what has Marcus done to him?”“He’s keeping him at his place. That’s all I know.”You wanted to curse, but that would only frighten her more. You’d planned to return with her to Silco, but you’d caused too much trouble at Stillwater. Abby would want revenge for being left behind and would likely go straight to Marcus to demand answers.You'll probably get a lot of flak from both of them - from Silco and Sevika - for different reasons, but you had to finish what you started.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Getting Lacey to a safe place proved more challenging than you thought. The woman was in shock from the overwhelming number of revelations that had hit her. In just half an hour, she had been escorted out of prison by a guard who turned out to be an imposter offering her help. She obediently followed you, likely because she had no other choice rather than due to any trust. You kept glancing at her, noticing she was gradually sinking into apathy. This was not a good sign—it must have reminded her of the wrongs she had suffered. But for her safety, you didn’t let go of her wrist. If you were separated and the crowd took her, you would never find her again.Lacey couldn’t return home. In a few hours, she would be the most wanted person in all of Zaun and Piltover. Guards would receive her portrait, and stations would be flooded with women matching her description. Well, you had caused this, but there had been no other way. Marcus would fly into a rage when he learned Lacey had disappeared, and the first suspect would surely be Zarys. No one else had a reason to look for her. Of course, Marcus didn’t know everything, but you didn’t think he would remain rational in this situation. You needed to find the chemist before the sheriff meted out his own form of justice.At first, you considered taking her to a shelter. The problem was, at the sight of so many outlaws, she might panic even more, perhaps even attempt to take her own life or flee. Asking Sara for help was out of the question. You liked her and didn’t want to abuse your relationship. She had already told you once that she wanted nothing to do with your work. You could lie, claim you found Lacey on the street and thought she needed help, but Sara wasn’t stupid. She wouldn’t be fooled by such a ploy. Your actions weren’t always morally correct, but you didn’t want to exploit those willing to help you voluntarily.This was probably the first time you neither wanted nor could act alone. The question was, after all the stunts you had pulled, would anyone be willing to help clean up this mess again? Sevika understood the gravity of Lacey’s presence, but you couldn’t let anyone connect you to her. You gave Lacey your hoodie and told her to keep the hood on no matter what. She kept her head down, eyes fixed on her feet. This could work, as long as luck stayed on your side.You stopped near the Last Drop with Lacey. You hadn’t managed to plan this out, and dragging such an important person with you made you feel like all eyes were on you. Paranoia was starting to creep in. You hadn’t eaten or slept enough, which provoked hunger into an early attack. On one hand, you knew most people in Zaun wouldn’t sell out one of their own to the guards. But money is money. Guards often used force as persuasion, so the risk was low, but someone might blackmail you, demanding payment for their silence. Lacey needed to disappear, and there was only one person influential enough to erase every trace of her.You hoped there was at least some mutual sympathy between you and the Last Drop staff. They certainly weren’t hostile. They knew who you worked for, but not every corner of the bar was accessible to you. Still, the risk was worth it. You circled around, taking narrow alleys to approach the building from the back. You made sure no one was following. Relief washed over you when you saw the back entrance was open. Lacey balked at the cacophony coming from inside, but you managed to pull her in. You reassured her it was for her own good, that no one intended to lock her up.You needed to find Sevika.The employee area brought back memories. It had been so long ago. Back then, you all knew so little. You groped in the dark, searching for solutions. Your stomach twisted at the memory of Silco holding on to himself as you fainted for the first time from the drug. You swore under your breath as your hands started to tremble. Sevika and her damn bluntness.At first glance, the room seemed empty, but in the corner, Jeff was cleaning his gun. At the sight, Lacey collapsed to the ground and began to cry.“Put that away, will you?” you snapped, leaning toward her. “Lacey, it’s okay. He’s a friend.”Jeff, surprised, put the weapon in a drawer and stood up. Lacey began trembling even more.“What’s wrong with her?”“I don’t know,” you replied, stressed. You had to lie. “Sorry for my tone. She needs help, but she’s clearly terrified of men. Is Sevika here?”You heard Jeff instinctively take another step, causing Lacey to burst into sobs. She backed away as far as she could until her back hit the wall. Jeff froze and cursed.“I saw her half an hour ago, leaving the boss’s office.”“Could you check? I need her, and I can’t look for her myself,” you glanced over your shoulder and added gently, “Please.”Jeff had a good heart or a soft spot for suffering women, because he didn’t argue. He left the room quickly. Once he was gone, Lacey didn’t stop crying but shook less violently. She buried her face in your jacket. Damn it, you had a feeling you wouldn’t be able to let her go anytime soon. You sat with her patiently, waiting for Jeff to return—hopefully with Sevika. Time was slipping away, but you couldn’t leave her alone. The last thing you needed was Silco showing up unexpectedly. He’d stop you by force if he had to. Not that the idea was entirely unappealing, but…Focus, damn it.Whatever they did to her in prison was too traumatic for her to give you any answers right now. If she could speak at all in the coming days, it would be a miracle. You made sure she didn’t fall asleep. You had to find Zarys as soon as possible, but if Lacey woke up to strange faces, she’d panic. And you doubted Sevika would handle her gently.Footsteps and raised voices echoed from the distance. The door swung open, and you heard her.“Stay here,” Sevika said to Jeff before stepping in and shutting the door. “Is that her?”You moved away from Lacey and stood up. Sevika didn’t seem angry that you had brought her here. It had been a while since you’d seen her this serious.“Yes, but she’s in shock and unresponsive. Sevika, listen. You can hit me for this later, but I can’t stay. I need to go after her husband.”“Now? Are you crazy?”Suddenly, dizziness overwhelmed you, and you swayed. It was getting worse; nausea clawed at you. But this had to be the last time you took shimmer. No matter how strong the craving, it would have to wait until you could take a safe dose. And you wouldn’t do that knowing Zarys was still in the upper city.“I don’t have time. I stirred up some trouble in Stillwater—not what you think,” you quickly added at her expression. “One of the guards will be looking for the person I impersonated, so she’ll head straight to Piltover. If Marcus finds out Lacey escaped, he’ll go after Zarys immediately. I need to find him before Marcus does.”You bent to pick up your backpack from the floor. Piltover was always crowded during the day, giving you a better chance to hide. The guards would be too busy searching for Lacey to notice you.“You know I’ll have to tell him everything?”You straightened up and met her eyes. She truly looked concerned about the situation. Well, you hadn’t planned on being a hero, but Zarys was more important than your addiction.“I know. When I get back, you can punish me however you like,” you said firmly, crouching beside Lacey. “Lacey?” you asked, touching her shoulder. She lifted her head and looked at you, exhausted. Maybe she recognized you. “Sevika will take care of you. I’m going to find your husband, okay?”She nodded slowly, her gaze shifting to her new guardian. Sevika didn’t look happy with this turn of events, but both of you knew there was no time for arguments. You closed your eyes briefly, battling the headache, before standing. If you swayed again, Sevika might tie you to a chair to keep you from leaving.She stayed silent, which could mean anything—from approval to anger. But she didn’t stop you. Her strange, sudden concern for your health was embarrassing. You reached for the doorknob, only for her words to stop you, shaking your resolve with their intensity.“Don’t get yourself killed. Silco’s already losing his mind over your safety. If something happens to you and I have to deal with him, I’ll find you, even at the end of the world.”You nodded quickly, hoping she noticed how deeply her words affected you. You opened the door and took a step when, for the first time in a long while, you heard Lacey’s voice.“It’s loud there,” she whispered. You glanced over your shoulder at Sevika, who looked just as surprised as you. “He said he couldn’t work because it’s loud there. Does that help?”You drew a shaky breath, realizing you might know where to find him. A lead was better than nothing. You smiled faintly.“Yes, thank you. I’ll find him.”Promising her that was complete foolishness. Zarys might already be dead or refuse to believe his wife was safe. A lot of things could go wrong. What mattered was that Sevika hadn’t stopped you. For the first time in a long while, you felt a strong pang of guilt over the problems you’d caused. If everything went according to plan, you were ready to face the consequences of your actions.What Lacey said could have had many meanings, but the recent events were finally aligning into one possible solution. She mentioned that Marcus was keeping Zarys "at his place." As the sheriff, he had access to many locations, but you doubted he would scatter his people all over the city trying to hide them. Unless he had locked Zarys in his own basement, there was one place you should check first. The first time you saw the chemist in the city, it was in the tunnels. His behavior from the start indicated he didn’t want to be noticed. He wouldn’t have used that hatch unless he had something to hide. The tunnels were on the other side of Upper City, far from Marcus’ home. The noise Zarys mentioned could have been the roar of falling water. With your hearing, it was unbearable, so it was likely extremely uncomfortable for others, too.You didn’t have your jacket, and wearing a guard’s uniform was out of the question. Only a few hours had passed since the break-in. Marcus might still be in shock after Silco’s threats, and on top of that, he’d soon lose his hostage. Sometimes, surprise was the best weapon.The day had barely begun. You joined a group of people heading to Upper City with carts full of vegetables for sale. You matched their pace, walking alongside them as if you belonged. The addiction was already taking its toll. You hunched your shoulders, feeling like the sun was shining too brightly. Perhaps you had become too accustomed to working at night. Once inside the city, you quickly parted ways, slipping through the crowd. It was easy, even with your aching muscles. The tunnel entrance was about fifteen minutes away. The hope of finding Zarys lay in the fact that you hadn’t searched that level completely. If he had heard the roar of water, it meant he was working near the reservoir. That was where you planned to start.When you finally managed to hide in the underground, the first thing you did was lean against the wall and close your eyes for a moment. The last time you felt this way, you hadn’t yet realized how much the drug would affect you. Well, this wasn’t a good time for self-pity. What was truly pathetic was that neither Finn nor Marcus had grown suspicious after your break-ins. Finn underestimated Silco, believing he was stuck in the past. But Marcus? Did he really feel so confident in his plan that he hadn’t considered Silco would eventually find out? Or did he think he’d execute his plan before that happened?Too late for that, sheriff.Lifting the hatch in your condition was nearly impossible. Your arms trembled as you slid it aside. This time, you didn’t wait for permission and jumped down immediately. The barrel of water smelled even worse but stood in the same place. That was good; no one had been here. Last time, you kept turning right to avoid getting lost. You tried to recall which direction the drop-off would be. You had to start somewhere. Adrenaline or stress kept your nerves in check. However, you knew once it ended, you’d collapse for days. You still had a few days before the relocation. You suspected the Chancellor’s birthday was an excuse to distract attention from the smuggling, so you wagered that even if your actions came to light, it likely wouldn’t accelerate the process.Now that you thought about it, you felt like you could hear the distinct hum of rushing water in the distance. Apart from a few people guarding the goods, there shouldn’t be too many people here—maybe one guard watching Zarys, but nothing a well-aimed knife throw couldn’t solve. You followed the sound, navigating the corridors, knowing that finding your way back would be harder this time. But not as hard as getting Zarys out of here. You could have taken something from Lacey as proof of her safety, but she had nothing on her besides the remains of her clothing.You felt like you were wandering the sewers aimlessly, with the water’s roar coming from every direction. You were tired, your eyes dry and likely red from constant rubbing, but you were too close to finishing the mission to give up. Turning left, you almost walked into a door placed dangerously close to the edge. You barely avoided smashing your nose. These doors shouldn’t have been here. Around the frame, you noticed fresh mortar in a slightly different color. Immediately, you ducked back around the corner and drew your knife. Zarys could be behind them, Marcus, his entire team ready to attack—or something worse.You focused on the sounds, but no voices came from inside. In fact, it was rather quiet. Almost. You heard… music? Who listens to music in the sewers? Slowly, you approached the door and touched the handle. Your heart pounded in your chest as you began to press down on it. It wasn’t locked. Now everything depended on whether anyone was watching the entrance and whether the door creaked. You could have taken Sevika’s advice and carried a gun, but the sound of gunshots hurt your ears every time. Knives were much better, though not faster.The music grew louder as you pushed the door open. It was loud enough to mask any creaking. You pulled a small mirror from your pocket, slipping it deeper to get a glimpse of what was inside. The part of the room you could see was empty. Tables were cluttered with various containers. Bare walls were damp with accumulating moisture. Silently, you hoped you had stumbled upon Zarys’ new lab. He might not be here, or he might have company.Boldly, you opened the door wider, scanning the room with your eyes. As you suspected, these were his toys. You recognized the apparatus in the center—it looked like a more advanced version of what you’d seen in the old house on Zaun’s outskirts. Glancing the other way, you saw his hunched figure leaning over a microscope. Marcus must have invested a lot of money since Zarys was conducting research on academy-grade equipment. He hadn’t heard your footsteps over the music coming from a battered gramophone in the corner. It was almost funny watching him sway side to side, utterly oblivious to the potential threat.“On a job, I see?”You spoke, confident that you were alone. Startled, he jumped, knocking a book to the floor. He turned toward you with a look of terror you hadn’t seen before. He recognized you. Taking a deep breath, he… dropped to his knees?“Make it quick, will you? I hate pain.”You stepped back, taken aback.“What the hell are you doing?”“You’ve come to kill me, haven’t you?”You sheathed your knife and took another step back. What an absurd situation.“I’m not going to kill you. Pack up; we have to go.”He stood, visibly embarrassed by his behavior, dusting off his knees and clasping his hands behind his back.“If you’re not here for revenge, then what are you doing here?”“God, do you really need to know now? We don’t have time.” You urged him, but no matter what you said, he had no reason to follow you anywhere. You sighed. “I believe you’re not working for Marcus willingly. Your wife is safe.”“Lacey…?”“Yes. Can we go now?”Relief battled fear on his face. You strained your ears for the sound of approaching footsteps. Zarys, however, needed to reach his own conclusions. Forcing him out wouldn’t work.You had a chance to take a better look at him. His hair was slicked back, and he had a rather prominent receding hairline. You estimated him to be around 40 years old, but lately, your ability to judge age wasn’t exactly reliable. He was wearing a familiar-looking white lab coat, now stained with something orange."Wait, how? How do you know about her?"You sighed and recklessly sank into a chair, sensing that a few explanations were inevitable."Lacey Deren, a woman around 40 years old. Blonde hair, blue eyes. Until today, she was held in Stillwater without any specific charges. Now she's safe. I found information about her in Marcus's files. Is that what you wanted to know?"He was as shocked as his wife, but for entirely different reasons. What surprised you the most was that, within just a few seconds, he took a deep breath and nodded."I believe you.""Seriously? Just like that?"He was either foolish or naïve. Or maybe he was waiting for a rescue. Whatever made him trust you wasn’t worth dissecting at that moment."I already told you I want to stop Marcus, but I can't do it alone. And if you're here, it means you're planning the same."You narrowed your eyes, studying his face suspiciously, looking for any sign of deceit, but he was remarkably composed."Or maybe you want to kidnap me so I can manufacture this drug for you?"He raised his eyebrows and stifled a faint smile."You didn’t take a vial from me until I forced it into your hands. If that were the case, you wouldn't have come here alone.""Good point," you sighed, too exhausted to keep up the pretense of being more intimidating than you were.You stood up, and the world spun. Darkness clouded your vision. You wavered, stumbling into the table. There was the sound of shattering glass, and moments later, a pair of hands forced you to sit down. You fought with your stomach to keep down the fruit you'd stolen from the merchants’ cart."You're still addicted," he whispered, horrified. "How on earth are you still alive?""I’ve been asking myself that question for weeks," you wheezed, clutching your stomach."But that’s impossible! All the subjects died within days of taking their first dose!""You tested it on people?" you asked angrily, fumbling for your knife.He stepped back, nervously smoothing what little hair he had left."Not me. Marcus. He brought prisoners here, promising them freedom in exchange for participating in experiments. But everyone who drank it died after two or three days. How are you still alive?"When it dawned on you what Marcus had been doing instead of maintaining order, you wanted to find him and strangle him with your bare hands. By now, he had already killed countless people. People who believed they had a chance at freedom, only to die in agony. This wasn’t just cruel—it was outright inhuman."I’d be happy to talk about this once we’re out of here," you said, standing up and leaning on the table, realizing you were worse off than you thought.It’s just a moment of weakness, you told yourself. The man approached his desk and began rummaging through his notes."After I helped you, I started analyzing the previous samples, but everything indicated the drug was too contaminated. How long have you been taking it?""A few weeks.""Weeks?!" he squeaked, horrified. "No, that’s not possible. How?""Look, I don’t know. I take it every so often so I don’t die. That’s all I know," you replied, slightly irritated by his questions, but then something occurred to you. "Someone ran tests on me at the beginning. Apparently, my cells are breaking down. I don’t know what that means. But after each dose, I feel better.""Cell breakdown… That would explain the different scent of your blood, but how is that possible?" he murmured to himself, completely forgetting about the considerable danger surrounding you both."How much do you take each time?"You looked at him like he was crazy, raising your eyebrows."Do you think I remember the dosage? Facing death, that’s the last thing on my mind," you snapped, but he kept staring at you expectantly. You raised your hand and indicated roughly the size of one vial."That’s barely a quarter of what the prisoners received. Even so, you should have dropped dead within a month."You tried standing again, but your knees felt like jelly."Listen, this is all very fascinating, but if we don’t get out of here, Marcus could show up for you any moment. I don’t want to be around when that happens.""I understand. But this is my fault. I can’t bring back the dead, but I can help you. If you want."You had wanted this from the moment you realized he was behind it all. You still harbored anger toward this man, but you could recognize situations where it was necessary to let it go. This wasn’t the time. He was offering you answers, genuinely interested in your condition. It was reckless, but you didn’t want to pass up the opportunity. You nodded in his direction and sat more comfortably."What do you want to know?"He pulled over a second chair and sat across from you, notebook in hand, ready to take more notes."What symptoms do you have? When did they start? How do they manifest?"You hesitated, slightly unnerved by the intensity of his questions. What were you doing? You were supposed to get him out of here, not let him conduct more research. This was Zarys, for heaven’s sake! He should be held accountable for producing this abomination. Yet now, knowing he wasn’t doing it of his own free will, your anger lessened a bit, overshadowed by your hunger. When you got out of here and took your last dose, they would have to physically stop you from killing him. For now, you just wanted your headache to go away.You explained how your addiction had started. You avoided mentioning Silco by name, just in case, but he would have to be a fool not to figure it out. When you told him about the mutations, he began looking at you like you were a fascinating research subject."This is the first time I’ve encountered a case where an unfinished product didn’t kill someone but instead mutated their genetic code. But then again, you’re the only one who’s alive. Fascinating," he murmured to himself, quickly jotting something down. "I know we don’t have much time, and I’d love to investigate further, but for now, all I can say is that the frequency and small doses might be the reason. Still, it’s incomprehensible that you’ve survived this long."You would have laughed if the situation weren’t so dire. You knew you should be dead. Whatever was keeping you alive remained a mystery."Could shimmer affect my thoughts? I feel like the drug is messing with my head."He looked up from his notes, surprised by the shift in tone, but you needed to know before leaving this place. It was insane to think about this now, but you had a meeting with Silco ahead. You had to be certain of one thing."I can’t answer that. I didn’t have much time to study the prisoners," he wiped his forehead with his sleeve and paused, lost in thought for a moment. "But if what you're saying is true—that it mutates within you and heightens your senses—then it must be affecting your brain. But no matter how strong the drug is, it can't change your perception of reality unless you let it. It works superficially, influencing your physical traits, not your mind. At least, it shouldn’t."That didn't reassure you or provide any clear answers. The music had briefly stopped playing, and the sound of running water reached your ears. You snapped back to reality in an instant. You’d lingered too long. You pushed yourself up, the dizziness hitting you harder this time.“There’s no time for this. Take whatever you need. Marcus won’t wait for you to finish.”Zarys flinched, and the fear returned to his face. He jumped to his feet, finally understanding the danger he was in. He started stuffing notebooks into a bag while you grew increasingly impatient. In your current state, you could barely defend yourself, let alone him. If you ran into anyone, you wouldn’t survive long enough to say a word."Why is Marcus doing this?" you asked softly.He froze, interrupting his packing. He leaned on the desk, lowering his head. You had clearly struck a nerve, but you needed answers. Who knew what awaited you outside that door?“At first, I didn’t know what he wanted from me. You know, I got interested in shimmer because I’d heard about its healing properties,” he began, turning toward you with a hardened expression. “I have a son in the hospital—Elijah. The doctors are keeping him alive, but they don’t hold out much hope. When Marcus came to me, I thought he’d found out what I was doing and wanted to arrest me. I knew it was foolish to get involved with this. He started blackmailing me, forcing me to take a job at Silco’s factory to steal samples for research.”“When did you go from saving your child to creating a drug like this? It’s hard to believe, you know.”“I know. You’re right to judge me. I don’t even know when the research consumed me to this extent. I wanted to create a cure to save my son. I couldn’t conduct experiments at the academy. Marcus didn’t care; he wanted results. When I developed a new formula, everything changed. He demanded I keep working on it, growing more ruthless by the day. I knew something was wrong when he forced me to test it on prisoners. I tried to quit, but then he threw Lacey—my Lacey—into prison. I tried to run again, but he threatened that if I did, something terrible would happen to her.”It was all starting to make sense. The thefts from the factory had been discovered at the last moment. Zarys had a completed formula for shimmer and no longer needed to steal samples. He must have become careless, leading to his discovery. Now, it all fit.“You were conducting your research in Zaun before, right?”“Yes,” he admitted. “It was safer that way, but someone broke into my house and stole everything I’d worked on. That’s probably when you got hooked.”You knew you were risking your life by continuing the conversation, but the revelations were invaluable, and you couldn’t stop now.“I still don’t know why he’s doing all this.”“I don’t know if I can answer that question. Marcus has kept me locked up here for some time and doesn’t share his plans. Whatever he intends to do with the drug, it’s not about money. Something else drives him. When I showed him the final version of the drug, he lost himself for a moment and muttered that no one would ever give him orders again. I started jotting down ideas, hoping to figure something out, but…”His explanation was cut off by a loud crash in the distance. He heard it too. His face turned pale instantly, and he resumed hurriedly packing his notes. You moved to the door, cracking it open slightly to hear better. Blood drained from your face. The footsteps were unmistakable—and far too close. You cursed under your breath, furious that you had let your guard down and failed to notice them earlier.“Marcus,” Zarys whimpered, terrified. He grabbed your arm, dragging you to the other side of the room. “Hide. If anything happens, take my notes.”You tried to pull away, but he shoved you into a gap between a tall cabinet and the wall. He barely managed to take two steps toward the center of the room before the door slammed open with a violent crash. You couldn’t move. Your body was wedged in an awkward position, making it impossible to reach into your pocket for the mirror. Your heart pounded wildly—you knew this was the end. If not for you, then certainly for him. Unless Zarys had some miraculous talent for calming enraged lawmen.“You’re a complete idiot for coming back here,” Marcus growled. You recognized his voice immediately.“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Zarys tried to respond neutrally, but his trembling voice gave him away.“I don’t know how you pulled it off, but I won’t let it slide. Where is she?”“I don’t know who you’re talking about.”“Your wife, you idiot. Where is she hiding?”“Where you locked her up,” Zarys retorted. “Stop pointing that thing at me before someone gets hurt.”Marcus laughed at his feeble threats and took a few steps, though you couldn’t tell in which direction.“Do you think you’re clever?” he asked harshly.One of them knocked something glass off a table. The sound of a weapon being cocked froze your blood.“You wouldn’t actually kill me, would you?”“Now I have no choice. I won’t let you tell anyone about my plans. And as for your wife, I’ll handle her personally. My men are already looking for her.”“I don’t know anything about your plans, so what could I possibly say? I’ve been locked in here for days. The guards can confirm I haven’t tried to escape.”“And yet somehow, someone freed her from prison. Who are you working with?”“No one!” Zarys shouted. “I’ve been stuck here all this time. How could I possibly do anything from underground?”“If you won’t admit it, I have no choice. It was nice working with you. Too bad you won’t see the results. The explosion will be spectacular.”“What results? What are you planning?”You wanted to break free and face Marcus, despite the sheer insanity of the idea. You stood no chance against him. You knew Zarys was stalling, trying to extract information for you to overhear.“That knowledge won’t do you any good now.”“Wait, wait, you can’t kill me. I’m the one who developed the formula!”“You did it, that's true. And now I have her. I can produce it without your involvement.”Without warning, he pulled the trigger. The room filled with the smell of gunpowder. You felt as though your ears were bleeding from the blast. Something fell heavily to the ground, knocking over one of the pieces of furniture. You clenched your teeth tightly to suppress any sound. You heard Zarys trying to say something, but only a gurgling noise came from his mouth.Moments later, the door opened, and a few people entered the room. You pressed yourself deeper into the corner, hoping they wouldn’t start searching the place.“Boss, are you alright? We heard a gunshot.”“Get rid of him. Everything here must be burned. Now,” he ordered.You heard sounds like something heavy being dragged across the floor. They were surely taking the body away. The noise made you feel sick.“Boss? Maybe we should postpone the operation? If Silco suspects...”“I don’t pay you to think, only to follow orders,” he snarled at some woman. “Everything stays as I planned. He wouldn’t dare enter the city with his men.”The fear of being discovered was quickly replaced by vigilance—or rather, what little of it remained. The adrenaline caused by the threat was the only thing keeping you upright.“But—”“Should I get rid of you too?”He snapped at her again, but didn’t wait for an answer. You heard his hurried footsteps as he left the room. The woman ran after him, leaving the door open. Your head was in a mess. So it was all tied to Silco and Marcus after all. Whatever the sheriff was planning, it involved Silco. From Zarys’s words, it might have been about revenge. After seeing how their last conversation went, you couldn’t blame him for wanting to free himself from the obligations in the Undercity, but you still didn’t know exactly what he was planning.You left your hiding spot only when you were sure you could no longer hear footsteps. The sight of the bloodstain made you nauseous. You shuddered, fighting with yourself, but your instincts were still working. You needed to get out—that was the most important thing right now. Your feet refused to move. You stared at the disgusting blood trail on the floor, searching for the strength to leave.You took one uncertain step toward the exit when you remembered Zarys wanted you to take his notes. You nodded to yourself and took a deep breath. It wasn’t time to break down just yet. Slinging the bag over your shoulder, you shakily left the room as well.You needed air.The scent of blood clung to you, and you felt like it wouldn’t go away for a long time. On one hand, you were relieved you hadn’t seen the moment of the chemist’s death—it made it easier to endure. You hadn’t felt any warmth toward him; he was useful, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that you had caused his death.You needed air. *** In the end, you didn’t go back to him right away with the new information. It was starting to get irritating that just when you saw the perfect moment to admit your feelings, another problem demanded your attention. Feeling the weight of the notes, you headed to the tower. It was easier to visit it when it wasn’t yours. It was a responsibility you didn’t want on your shoulders. You had thought owning something would bring stability, but all you felt was the burden of problems that came with such a property.Climbing onto the familiar rooftop, you began going through Zarys’s notes. Marcus wasn’t planning to hasten the explosion, so if you spent some time now understanding the chemist’s work, you’d be able to actively participate in the discussion. Zarys had packed research results on the drug into the bag. None of it made sense to you, though. They were messy scribbles filled with diagrams, cross-outs, and additional pages. His journal was what interested you the most. He’d been keeping it for a long time, but you started reading from when he met Marcus. Different-colored notes filled the margins, supplementing his thoughts. The man thought chaotically.But he didn’t lie.Zarys had worked at the academy. When his son fell ill, he began neglecting his job to research the drug. Shimmer’s healing properties weren’t enough, but doctors wouldn’t consider it. He started conducting research on his own, buying doses in Zaun until he ran out of money. That’s when Marcus found him and threatened to imprison him unless he conducted research for him. Zarys agreed for the chance to save his son. Marcus ordered him to get a job at the factory and steal samples. Zarys worked on his research in a secluded house on the outskirts, but to no avail. His tools weren’t adequate. His work was stolen from him, and all he had left was this semi-finished product. Marcus moved him to the sewers and set up a workspace for him. When Zarys created the first version of the drug’s variation, Marcus began testing it on prisoners. This was dated almost six months ago. By then, countless prisoners had died.Zarys had resisted Marcus, but then his wife was imprisoned. Only then did he realize Marcus needed to be stopped. There was even a brief mention of you. You couldn’t make out much, but you understood his unease at the fact that someone had survived. The entries stopped a few days ago. Even though he had completed the drug, Marcus kept him under guard. Until the end, he believed he was doing it for his son, but between the lines, you could read his pride in how the drug was developing.It was hard to form an opinion of him based on the notes alone. You had enough information to return to Silco and share the news. You should feel sorry for him, right? After all, the man lost his life trying to help you. But even after reading his journal, you couldn’t summon any positive emotions toward him. What hurt most was that you’d have to tell his traumatized wife she was now alone and that her husband was dead. You wondered if she knew what Zarys had really been working on. She had someone to live for—their son was still alive. But the look in her eyes suggested it would take her years to recover.Did the fact that you felt nothing about this man’s death mean you had become numb to the suffering around you—or was it the shimmer? Zarys hadn’t told you anything concrete. According to him, the drug shouldn’t affect your thoughts, but how could he know when none of the prisoners survived? Understanding this was the key to your thoughts. You were fixated on answering whether shimmer had changed something deeper within you, which was why you had sought out Zarys, risking your life.You gazed at the city in the distance, feeling the wind blow your hair in all directions. Unfortunately, you were so buried in your own thoughts that not even the strongest hurricane could scatter them. Sevika’s words were deeply rooted in your mind and wouldn’t leave you, even now as you faced another problem. But this time, you had to put yourself first and understand your feelings to move forward.You knew shimmer caused mutations. You were starting to grow accustomed to them. The new senses were useful. You liked that you could see more than others or eavesdrop on conversations that weren’t meant to be overheard. But this didn’t frighten you—it intrigued you.You started pondering this problem some time ago, but until today, you couldn’t quite put your thoughts into words. You set Zarys’s notes aside and closed your eyes, replaying memories of those moments when something strange was happening around Silco. Those few hours spent in his presence after taking a new dose—each dose affected you differently. Sometimes, you would drift away, not knowing where you were, and other times, your sharpened senses drove you mad as you couldn’t block out the stimuli. Yet always, there was this almost masochistic ecstasy from the drug seeping into every cell of your body. It felt as if your muscles were tearing apart and reassembling themselves. It was unsettling, addictively pleasurable, like stretching your legs after sitting curled up for hours—but much, much better.You understood all too well the mindset of an addict. It felt so good that your body demanded more and more. But the incredible pain that came when you delayed too long and felt yourself falling apart minute by minute made it terrifying.There was one time you didn’t do it in his presence. Perhaps it was better to always take another dose in solitude. The fact that he was nearby, that you could smell him in the air and hear his voice as he tried to reach you through the fog flooding your mind—it all involuntarily tied him to this feeling. You were terrified that your strong desire to be closer to him was nothing more than a reflex left over from taking the drug.When Sevika mentioned his visible interest in you, you knew that sooner or later something would happen between you that you might regret. You preferred to resolve it by looking him straight in the eye and saying what you felt rather than continuing to play with half-truths.But what if you took a safe dose and everything disappeared? What if you stopped desiring him? You didn’t want that—oh no. It was too enthralling. Yet, a brief moment of pleasure wasn’t worth weeks spent under the influence of addiction. Sevika was right—it had to be resolved. Today.“So now you’re trespassing?”You let out some strange, humiliating sound and jerked so hard that your foot slipped off the edge of the roof.“Could you not scare me like that?” you asked, trying to catch your breath.Silco chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down your spine.“Apologies.”“And besides, it’s not trespassing if the tower belongs to me.”He stepped closer but didn’t sit beside you. You turned to look at him, and well, that was a small mistake.“Are you sure? I thought it was returned to its previous owner.”You shrank a little, startled that he had discovered what you did with the building.“Are you mad?”“Why would I be? I told you to do whatever you wanted with the place. If you thought this was a good solution, I support it too.”You sighed, recalling that Rosie wasn’t exactly eager to accept the gesture once she realized you worked for someone dangerous.“What are you doing here?”He fixed his gaze on you, and suddenly you felt hot under the scrutiny. Was this what Sevika meant? Well, you were beginning to see it.“I already told you—I’m constantly worried about you. What happened between us doesn’t change that, even if your foolish behavior drives me insane. When Sevika said you managed to save Zarys’s wife but then ran off to find him too, I knew there’d be trouble. That’s why I decided to find you myself—so you wouldn’t cause anyone more problems.”You listened to his calm monologue, feeling certain words rise to your lips unbidden. You blurted them out without thinking.“Zarys is dead.”If you expected his death to affect Silco, you could wait years for a reaction.“What happened?” he asked, abandoning his usual simmering tone.“Marcus killed him,” you replied, feeling a strange calm as if you had made peace with the thought. “I know it should affect me somehow, but I feel nothing but emptiness. I know who Zarys was and what he did. I have his notes—I know he wasn’t acting willingly, but I can’t even bring myself to be angry at him anymore. His death is oddly indifferent to me”“I’d think you were insane if you pitied that man.”You glanced at him, slightly annoyed, but let it go quickly and just rolled your eyes.“Thanks,” you snorted. “No, I don’t pity him. I just regret not learning more. What worries me more is Lacey.”“Why?”“Can you stop hovering over me like that?” you asked sharply, but then caught yourself, knowing the addiction was clawing at you. “Sorry. Lacey didn’t do anything. She was in prison because her husband was foolish enough to mess with the drug. I don’t know if you’ve seen her, but she’s a wreck.” Panic began to creep into your voice, even though you hadn’t thought about it earlier. “I stupidly told her I’d bring Zarys back, but now… Zarys is dead, and she’s left alone with a trauma she’ll never get over. How am I supposed to look her in the eye and tell her I had a hand in her husband’s death?”You saw the bloodstain on the floor and the smell. Silco sat down next to you. You were momentarily surprised—thinking he’d never dirty his fancy attire with dust—but he took the spot without hesitation.“You didn’t pull the trigger. You didn’t kill him.”“I know,” you shook your head. “But if I had gotten him out of there sooner, it wouldn’t have happened. It’s my fault he’s dead.”Only when you said it out loud did you realize you weren’t as numb to his death as you thought. You had blocked those thoughts because you didn’t need a panic attack in your current state. Silco stayed silent for a long moment, but it was a comforting silence—something you hadn’t felt around him in ages. You sensed that something about him had changed, though you couldn’t say what. The mere fact that you could have a conversation without throwing blame at each other was reassuring.“I know what it’s like to be blamed for someone’s death. Maybe his wife will never understand, but you can’t let that guilt destroy the last remnants of your will.”His words were laced with bitterness and sorrow, as if the experience he referred to was still an open wound. You studied his profile with interest, finding yourself this close for the first time. He allowed it, so you wanted to savor it. You unabashedly drank in the sight. You noticed he glanced at you, but frankly, you didn’t care. Whatever happened next had to come eventually. Just not now.“Sorry for such confessions,” you laughed lightly, embarrassed by the strange intimacy that had appeared for a moment. “I have important information about Marcus for you. I’ll probably fall asleep sitting here, so I want to give it to you before I pass out for days.”You reached for Zarys’s journal to hand it to him, but he grabbed your hand instead. You froze. He so rarely allowed himself to touch you that you didn’t know how to react."I believe this is important, but you’ve been awake for nearly a day. This can wait.""No, it can’t," you protested, though you didn’t pull your hand away. "I know more about Marcus’s plans, and I have to say it before I forget." You furrowed your brow, trying to recall the last conversation. Closing your eyes, you focused. "Marcus found out about Lacey’s escape and involved his people in the search, but I’m not sure if he meant the guards or someone else he hired. I know they don’t plan to change the relocation date. He mentioned something about an explosion..." Sleepiness came in waves, blurring the words in your memory. "Silco, they were talking about you. Marcus has some personal issue with you, but I don’t know exactly what. He wants to blow something up during Salo’s birthday. Zarys thought it was about revenge, but he died before he could say more."You nervously searched your memory for anything else, but the gentle squeeze of your hand pulled you from your thoughts. Slowly, you opened your eyes, flustered by the genuine concern on his face."I appreciate your dedication, but I don’t want you jeopardizing your health any further to find answers," he said quietly, though there was an edge to his tone. "You need to rest. You can’t carry everything on your own. You’re already doing more than I have any right to ask."Something was happening. Between the two of you. Maybe it was exhaustion overpowering you, stripping away your ability to pretend you didn’t care or to guard yourself from the way he affected you. At that moment, all you could see was that—for once—Silco was right. You needed rest. You smiled faintly, knowing you’d completed your task. Despite Zarys’s death, you’d learned something crucial about Marcus. You didn’t know what personal matters lay between them, but now Silco could approach the issue differently. You could fall asleep right there, sitting as you were.But his hand still rested on yours, reminding you this wasn’t over yet.You opened your mouth to broach a difficult topic, but Silco reached into his pocket, pulling out a familiar vial. The sight of it made the stinging behind your eyes intensify. You flinched, fighting the pain. He had to know before you took it."Put that away, please," you managed to say.Surprised, he closed his hand around the vial but didn’t put it back in his pocket."What’s going on?"You breathed through clenched teeth, feeling like the pressure in your blood would make you explode. You pressed your palms against your eyes, waiting for the pain to subside, but it wouldn’t—especially with the shimmer so close."Before I take it, I need to say something," you said, pausing for breath between each word. "I can’t do this."You stood abruptly, putting some distance between you. It was hard to think with that damned cardamom scent lingering. Silco looked slightly taken aback by your outburst but didn’t move from his spot. You saw his hand disappear into the inner pocket of his coat. You exhaled with relief, resting your hands on your hips as you began to pace nervously. Suddenly, it wasn’t as simple as it had seemed."Listen, I know I told you I’d come back for that drug with Lacey, but now I don’t know if I can take it.""You don’t have to," he replied, standing as well. "I didn’t bring it to force it on you.""I know," you said, consumed by your thoughts. "I didn’t think that. You have to understand—what’s happening in my head right now is a mess I can’t sort out. I still believe the safe variant might help, but on the other hand, it might make things even worse."You knew you were speaking chaotically, but you couldn’t articulate these fears any better."What do you mean?""I’m carrying feelings that occupy my thoughts every single day. I analyze them, and with each passing day, I’m more afraid that it’s not me—that it’s some version of me the shimmer created. What if who I thought I was isn’t real? What if I take this, and suddenly I see myself in a different light? I know I’ve only been using the drug for a short time, but I can’t remember who I was before it. I don’t know how much shimmer has changed me or influenced my personality," you rambled, panicking as you realized you were saying too much. You stopped and looked at him. "And what if I stop feeling what I feel now?" you finished in a whisper.Silco appeared unaffected by your outburst, but you saw his jaw tighten slightly. Yes, you were talking about him. You feared the safe variant would save your life but distance you from him.He stepped away from the edge, moving closer but staying far enough to avoid contact with the drug."Don’t do this if you’re afraid. This isn’t something you have to do," he began seriously, seemingly trying to calm your racing thoughts—or so you hoped. "There’s one more dose. We can reconsider after you’ve rested. You could also have it analyzed. The decision is yours. I’ve said it once, but I’ll repeat it as many times as needed: I won’t do anything without your consent."What he said made sense, and you knew it. You watched him, wondering if maybe seeking help from someone experienced was the better option—especially now that Zarys was gone. But the problem was, you were expecting the drug to give you answers. You were ready to talk to Silco about your feelings for him that very day. If you postponed it, you might lose the courage."It doesn’t work like that, Silco," you replied in a nervous whisper. "No matter which version I take, I have to do it now. I haven’t felt this bad in a long time. I hoped this would be the last time I’d have to take this crap. I want to end it, but I’m not ready to say goodbye to a part of me that’s come to exist in the process."He gave you the freedom to decide, but was he ready to say goodbye to the version of you that seemed to captivate him?As you began voicing these fears aloud, you realized the enormity of the anxiety within you. Suddenly, it wasn’t about not wanting him anymore. You were terrified of seeing him not as Silco the person but as the Eye of Zaun—the monster the entire city saw him as."Don’t do this if you’re not ready for the possible consequences," he replied softly, with an expression you couldn’t decipher.It was as if he was trying to tell you something, but your clouded, addicted mind couldn’t process it.A sudden spasm doubled you over, and you knew you had no choice. You sank heavily to the ground, extending your hand toward him."Give it to me.""Are you sure? There’s no turning back after this.""If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I won’t know what’s true unless I take the risk."He nodded, pulling the vial from his pocket. The situation was so strange you might have laughed at your serious expressions and dramatic words—if not for the pain and fear consuming you.Silco knelt in front of you and handed you the vial. You thought you saw some strange anticipation in his eyes, but you couldn’t be sure.This was it. One sip, and you’d understand what was happening—or so you hoped. You trusted Zarys’s words without absolute certainty. But now, there was no turning back.You took the small bottle from him and unscrewed it with trembling hands. It didn’t have the same sticky scent as what you usually took, but it was slightly different from regular shimmer. It gave you a sliver of hope for a positive outcome.The problem was that nothing changed.The shimmer slid down your throat, leaving behind a familiar tingling sensation, but your body didn’t scream in pain. In fact, you didn’t feel anything new. You started to see more clearly, but you were still utterly exhausted. The nausea had subsided, but your limbs remained weak.Had Zarys deceived you? Was it not a safe variant after all? Of course, you couldn’t know—he was dead. You muttered a quiet growl under your breath and stood up. Something was wrong, or everything was perfectly fine.You started pacing again, from one end of the roof to the other, careful not to fall through the gaping hole that used to be a window. You could feel his gaze on you, but you didn’t know what to say to him."I don’t know what’s going on either," you murmured, irritation creeping into your voice."Are you okay?""Nothing is okay!" you yelled, feeling as though you might cry out of sheer frustration if you didn’t get the answers you so desperately sought. "Nothing has changed. I don’t feel any different, except that I no longer want to bury myself deep underground to avoid every sound irritating me.""Give it time. You don’t know how it’s supposed to work. You won’t see results immediately.""Because you’re such an expert," you snapped, immediately biting your tongue. He wasn’t at fault for the drug not giving you what you wanted. You shouldn’t take your feelings out on him. "It wasn’t supposed to be like this.""What was supposed to happen?" he asked cautiously, as if afraid of your reaction. That was new."I have no idea," you shook your head, feeling like this was going to create more problems than it solved. "I had a plan. I’m tired of pretending I know how to play this game, but the truth is, I never wanted to start playing in the first place. When I started to understand what I was feeling, I realized I was too deep in to walk away unscathed. I was ready to finally admit to myself that what I feel for you is more than just respect and I…" You fell silent, your face flushing crimson. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go!You covered your mouth with your hand and turned away from him, unable to meet his gaze. This was the most pathetic confession of feelings you could have imagined. You felt pathetic. For a moment, you rested your hands on your knees and took two deep breaths. Silco remained silent, likely stunned by your sudden declaration. You had no idea what he was feeling.Well, here goes nothing."Yes, you heard me right, in case you were wondering," you said, smiling nervously and fidgeting with your fingers. "I don’t understand it either. I only realized it recently, and I can’t calm down when I’m near you. It’s frustrating because I know this shouldn’t be happening, but I don’t want anything more than this. Than you. I’ve been fighting it for so long, but I know pretending any longer will only lead to more problems. Problems I’m not ready for. So, I decided it’s time to be honest, as I demand honesty from you. I was terrified that what I feel was dictated by the drug. But I don’t see any difference in myself, and I don’t know if that’s good or bad," you admitted, turning your gaze away from the city to finally look at him.His expression was pained, so much so that you started to wonder if confessing was a mistake. What if you had misinterpreted his behavior and now he was struggling to reject you without hurting you too much?"Sorry, it’s inappropriate of me to dump all of this on you. I don’t even know what you feel. Maybe react somehow instead of letting me humiliate myself like this?"You had to explode. Too many emotions swirled in your head, and he hadn’t responded to your words at all. Wrapping your arms around yourself, you suddenly felt how freezing it was on the rooftop. Exhaustion amplified the sensation, and you cursed Lacey for taking your jacket.There were several meters between you, which he suddenly crossed in a few quick strides. Your first instinct was to step back, but you couldn’t. His hands cupped your cheeks just a split second before his lips touched yours. It was so unexpected you had to grab onto him to keep from falling. Was this really happening? Was Silco—this Silco—actually kissing you?It wasn’t a gentle kiss. It wasn’t a teasing brush of lips meant to encourage you. You inhaled his intoxicating scent and knew you wouldn’t back away from this for anything. Whatever was coursing through your veins wasn’t strong enough to suppress the desire. You knew with absolute certainty that you wanted him with your entire being. It was a feeling that overwhelmed you completely and condemned you to lose yourself in it.You relished it, letting him take the lead because your head was spinning too much to comprehend what was happening. His hands rested gently on your face, but his lips urged you to deepen the kiss.Something was off.You melted, enslaved by his touch and scent, but despite such a bold move, he still seemed reserved. His lips were hungry; it felt like he would devour you right there and then, but you didn’t sense anything beyond need.This wasn’t how it should be.You placed your hands on his chest and pushed back slightly. For a moment, it seemed like he wouldn’t let you go. You wanted to lose yourself in this entirely, let him do whatever he wanted, but not like this. You pressed harder, forcing him to break the kiss. His hair was tousled, and his eyes blazed. He clearly hadn’t expected you to pull away. His slightly parted lips tempted you to kiss them again. God, he tasted so wonderful."Not like this," you whispered, knowing your voice would betray you if you spoke louder. "Not like this.""Isn’t this what you wanted?" he asked, his tone a bit too dry.You took a step back, showing him that your words were genuine and not meant to provoke him."You didn’t answer my question. I don’t know how you feel. I don’t want this if you can’t look me in the eye and tell me you feel the same. Reject me or accept me, but don’t play with me."He averted his gaze, but you caught a hint of confusion in his eyes.Something was off."I wanted to give myself to you. Isn’t that what you wanted? Wasn’t that the point of this whole confession?"You closed your eyes. You didn’t want to be hurt again. Something was wrong with his behavior. He was so shocked by your words that you began to doubt the meaning of your confession after he had thrown himself at you, assuming the kiss would be a sufficient answer. If all you wanted was a fling, perhaps it would’ve been, but it had long since stopped being just a whim."What you’re offering is a distraction," you said calmly. "I want you, not entertainment."He fell silent again, and you slowly began to realize that what was happening wasn’t as simple as it seemed. He was shaken by the entire ordeal, starting to pull away after you pushed him back. As if this was the first time he’d experienced anything like this.You snapped out of it and focused on him. You started trying to figure out what his expression meant. Now he avoided your gaze, staring at the city the same way you had earlier. It was clear he didn’t want to reveal how deeply shaken he was."This is all I can give you," he finally said, his words deliberate."I understand," you admitted, feeling a strange sadness. "I want to give you more if you’ll let me. If you’ll let yourself. Maybe we need time to process this."You felt deeply embarrassed by the entire situation. Silco was offering simple physical satisfaction—exactly what Sevika had talked about. You didn’t want to resolve your dynamic in that way. For him, this could’ve been purely physical. For you, it wasn’t. You wanted all of him or none at all. You wanted to know what came next, but you were too exhausted to stay and delve into the issue further.You brushed past him, heading for the exit. You were just a step away from descending when he grabbed your hand firmly, stopping you."I don’t know how to give you more," he said, his voice rough. "But I would like to try if you allow me."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Well… shit.You kissed Silco. Actually, he initiated it, but that didn’t change the fact. In the light of day, it was all supposed to seem absurd, so why did you feel that it was, despite everything, the best thing that could’ve happened to you? After thirteen hours of deep, heavy sleep filled with strange dreams, for a moment, you thought it was just another dream about him. But when you randomly caught a whiff of cardamom nearby, the memories came rushing back like a punch to the face.What were you thinking?Well, at least it wasn’t shimmer. You were sure of that. No drug could replicate that surge of emotions. Although, no—that was ridiculous. Not your feelings or what happened, but the fact it was about him. God, if it had been someone else, your life would finally be simple. But it was Silco, for crying out loud! Nothing with him was ever simple.You lay there far too long, staring at the ceiling, replaying every detail of the event, no matter how small. His lips…“Oh no, I might be pathetic enough to ask for more, but not that pathetic,” you muttered to yourself, hurriedly searching for clothes.You didn’t know if your arrangement with Sevika was still valid, but maybe you could find a free training room and a punching bag to take the brunt of your shame. Because, holy hell, you were ashamed. You needed to burn off the tension to stop yourself from doing something stupid. The worst part was that you still didn’t feel like anything had changed within you. You hadn’t felt this good in ages, but that didn’t mean the shimmer had worked.This wasn’t the kind of morning where you felt brimming with energy, ready to move mountains. It was something else, calmer, gentler. You didn’t know what to make of it because you hadn’t slept well in weeks. You simply felt rested, like any normal, healthy person. Still, you braced yourself for the moment when the addiction would come back with a vengeance, punishing you for not taking what you were supposed to.It was suspicious.Whatever had been in that vial tasted like shimmer, but it didn’t work like it. You had expected fireworks or pain and got… nothing. That scared you because nothing in your life had changed.You yanked open the training room door without checking if anyone was inside. You’d gotten out of the habit of noticing whether the lights were on. The mutations hadn’t disappeared, which was both a relief and a cause for concern. Adjusting to the enhanced vision had been almost too easy. The moment you stepped inside, something small hit you in the face.“Hey, watch it!” you yelled, ducking to pick up the object.It was a pair of bandages, rolled neatly into two bundles. You stared at them, confused, but the moment you heard the voice, you knew getting out of bed had been a mistake.“Wrap your hands,” Sevika ordered.“Fuck…” you whispered, realizing you were about to get the pain you’d been looking for—directly from her.She stepped closer, shrugging off her cloak. Her mechanical arm gleamed under the fluorescent lights, making the shimmer embedded in her veins look even more menacing. She looked like she’d been training all night. You really should’ve been scared. She waved her metal arm at you and gave you a wicked grin.“Silco might turn a blind eye to your behavior, but I won’t. What was it you said? I could punish you for acting on your own? Oh, trust me, I’m going to enjoy this.”Your face went pale, and you froze. You’d completely forgotten about your encounter at the Last Drop and how you’d shamelessly dumped Lacey on her.Damn Lacey.One lousy kiss, and you’d forgotten about the whole world. You had to shake your head and take a few deep breaths to clear the images from your mind. Sevika waited patiently as you wrapped the fabric around your trembling hands. You knew running now would only make things worse. You had never sparred with her seriously. Your training sessions were limited to learning basic techniques. But you knew this time she’d use everything she knew and take out every headache you’d ever caused her.“Apologies won’t work, will they?” you asked, genuine fear in your voice.She didn’t answer. Instead, she laughed and lunged at you, landing a low punch to your stomach. You doubled over, feeling like your insides had just been rearranged, gasping for air.“That’s not what I taught you,” she growled. “And trust me, it’s going to get worse if you don’t start trying.”You straightened up with difficulty, raising your hands into a defensive stance. You had no chance. This was going to be a beating, and no amount of blocking would save you. You knew she wouldn’t hold back. She probably wouldn’t kill you, but there was no way you were leaving this room without bruises all over your body.You deserved this.You stood across from Sevika, your heart pounding in your chest from fear and adrenaline. Pride and fear waged war within you, but you knew you couldn’t give up. Not now.“Come on, show me something,” Sevika said with a crooked smile, clenching her fists. Her mechanical arm glinted ominously in the light. “I didn’t wait for you just so you could stand there gawking.”You stepped forward, trying to throw a punch, but Sevika dodged effortlessly, as if she knew your moves before you made them. No surprise—she had taught you, and now she intended to use that advantage mercilessly. The counter came quickly—a light slap to your nose that sent you reeling and tumbling onto your back. Stars exploded in your vision.“Don’t pretend you’re done already,” Sevika said, placing her hands on her hips. “Get up. I don’t have all day.”You clenched your teeth, pushing through the pain and the storm of thoughts in your head. You couldn’t give up. If you did, Sevika would think you were weak—and worse, she’d be right. This was the punishment you had to endure if you didn’t want to make things worse for yourself. Slowly, you got back on your feet, struggling to catch your breath.“That’s more like it,” Sevika said, clearly amused. “But next time, try hitting me before you hit the floor again.”You charged forward again, this time aiming lower, hoping to catch Sevika off guard. For a moment, it felt like your strike might land, but she caught your wrist and pushed you aside as if swatting away a fly. Her mechanical arm slammed into your shoulder. You felt your bones shift before crashing to the floor, hitting your head painfully against the ground."Come on, this isn’t nap time!" Sevika shouted, leaning over you. Her tone was mocking, but there was a glimmer of something—perhaps respect—in her eyes. "I’m not letting you slack off."Embarrassed but determined, you forced yourself to stand again, ignoring your body’s protests. Each new attempt at an attack felt more desperate, and each time, Sevika countered with almost cartoonish ease."That punch was as soft as paper. I didn’t even feel it," she taunted with a wide grin. "Are you even trying, or just hoping I’ll tire myself out laughing?"You lost count of how many times you felt the cold floor beneath you. Sweat drenched you, and your muscles trembled from the relentless blows. When she swept your legs out from under you again, you knew you couldn’t get up this time. Struggling to breathe, you saw her shadow looming over you. You braced yourself, ready to roll away if she tried to kick you, but instead, she extended her hand."Let’s say you’ve had enough for now," she said, her voice calmer, tinged with a hint of respect.You took her hand and pulled yourself up. Standing felt impossible, so you dropped your head between your knees, battling nausea. Even during your worst withdrawal, you hadn’t felt this battered. The fact that she’d been holding back just to toy with you filled you with both respect and genuine fear. To think, she’d only been playing with you. She’d vented all her irritation, but if she truly believed you were nothing but trouble, you doubted you’d leave this room in one piece.She tossed a towel onto your head and sat across from you, stretching out her legs. You looked at her, exhausted, envious of how untouched she seemed by the whole ordeal."How did you know I’d come here?" you asked."I didn’t. I just wanted to warm up and then drag you out of bed. Lucky for you, you saved me the trouble."You glared at her, but she ignored it."What about Lacey?" you asked, wiping your face."No idea. Silco moved her somewhere as soon as he heard who you brought to the Last Drop."You exhaled in relief. Lacey had been hunted by enforcers and other thugs. Sure, with Zarys gone, she wasn’t as critical, but you doubted Silco would just throw her out on the streets. She was probably a valuable hostage now, assuming her fractured mind contained any important information. If she could remember what had been done to her, she might provide damning evidence against the enforcers and Marcus. Even if it never made it to court, the rumors alone would wreak havoc.The problem was, she still had your jacket."Dammit," you muttered under your breath. "I know it’s not much, but thanks for looking after her yesterday."Sevika snorted."You and Silco are the same," she laughed. When you gave her a questioning look, she added, "Dumping some stray on me and disappearing into the void. I can’t smack him around, so you get the beating for both of you.""Why am I not surprised?" you chuckled bitterly.For a moment, you pictured him taking the same punishment from her, but the thought made your blood boil. You shut your eyes, wiping the blood from your face. Apparently, her hit to your face had caused a nosebleed."Now it’s your turn."Her words snapped you out of your thoughts, and you looked at her, your face so flushed that she raised an eyebrow in silent question."What? For what?""You think a beating is enough? You’ve learned not to mess with me, so now we start over. From the beginning—what happened?""How far back are we talking?" you joked, but she wasn’t amused. "You know I broke into Marcus’s place, right? And that Silco wasn’t on board with my plan, I assume. Well, I managed to get her out, but things got messy—""Why am I not surprised?" she interrupted, mimicking your tone with a mocking smirk."—which meant I had to make a quick exit from Stillwater. I figured Marcus might find out, so—""No. You’re doing it again. Stop spinning the story and just tell me what went to hell."You looked at her, slightly offended."Fine. I went in dressed as an enforcer. I lied, said it was an unofficial order from Marcus, and they probably believed me because they thought I was from Topside. Stupid decision on their part. One of the guards helped me look for her but wouldn’t leave me alone, so I pinned the chaos with Lacey’s missing records on her. She was stubborn as hell and ready to run straight to Piltover to claim some sort of reward. Guess she thought she’d get something for finding Lacey," you chuckled at the memory. "So, I left Lacey at the Last Drop and went after Zarys. I wasn’t wrong—Marcus found out about Lacey’s disappearance quickly. I couldn’t get Zarys out. Honestly, I still don’t know why he helped me," you said, your voice quieter, but Sevika’s intense gaze didn’t waver. "I started talking to him, trying to learn Marcus’s plans before we left. I didn’t know what would happen or if he’d betray me the second we got out of the tunnels. He didn’t know much beyond the shimmer production. Sevika... Marcus was testing it on people. There were so many others who went through what I did, but they died within days."“Fuck…” she whispered, genuinely shocked. “I didn’t think the guy had the guts to pull something like that off.”“I heard the footsteps too late. Zarys helped me hide. He died trying to extract information from Marcus. The only thing I managed to learn was that on Salo’s birthday, there’s going to be an explosion, and it’s tied to Silco. Which… doesn’t really change anything.”She didn’t seem outwardly impressed, but the slight furrow in her brow told you she was thinking intensely about the sheriff’s plan. It didn’t add up. Shimmer was highly flammable, but to use it for an explosion? That made no sense. There were far better, cleaner, and more controllable methods. Shimmer was Silco’s trademark, but officially, no one knew who manufactured it. Even if Marcus tried to implicate him, a quick test would show it wasn’t the same shimmer flooding Zaun. Plausible, but ultimately defensible. It was obvious the sheriff had personal reasons for targeting Silco, but why develop a new variant? Honestly, it would’ve been easier to frame Silco using pure shimmer straight from the factory.“And what about your little problem?”“You mean the addiction?” you asked, glancing at your hands. “I don’t know. I took what Zarys gave me, but I have no clue if it worked.”“You look like shit. Which is to say, pretty normal for you.”You threw a damp towel at her, but it didn’t even make it halfway before flopping pitifully to the ground between you.“Charming as ever,” you muttered with a forced smile. “No, it’s something else. I don’t know how it’s supposed to work, and Zarys isn’t alive anymore to ask.”You collapsed onto the floor, the full weight of Zarys’ importance hitting you. His notes held nothing that could give you more clarity on the mixture. You’d barely managed to decipher his journal, let alone the scientific scribbles full of formulas.“Then go to someone else,” she said with a shrug.“What?”“Well, if Zarys is dead, find someone else who can give you answers.”You rolled your eyes.“Right, because it’s just that easy to find another scientist who knows about this variant.”“I don’t mean that, idiot,” she snapped sharply. “Silco didn’t develop this on his own. Whoever invented shimmer in the first place will know the most. With Zarys’ notes, they could tell you a lot more.”You shot upright. It was more than logical. Someone had examined you the first time you took it. Silco had already mentioned twice that he had people who could analyze the vial’s contents. If not now, then when? Salo’s birthday was just days away. You couldn’t afford to be distracted or uncertain. You needed concrete answers about whether the variant had worked.“Sometimes, you actually make sense!”“Careful,” she warned, pointing a finger at you. “You just managed to zero out your debt. You want to piss me off again?”You grinned as you struggled to your feet. Even though the fight had mostly consisted of you eating her punches, the exertion had helped. At least now, your thoughts were clearer, and you had a semblance of a plan. It was better than nothing. You weren’t thrilled at the thought of more testing, but if it was the only way to confirm your health, you’d grit your teeth and get through it.“I guess I should thank you,” she said suddenly as you were halfway through unwrapping the bandages on your hands.“No need,” you replied reflexively, not turning around, but when it hit you that Sevika had actually said thank you, you quickly added, “Wait, for what exactly?”“I don’t know what you did to him, but it worked.”You straightened up instantly, feeling your face flush. You returned to unrolling the bandages, trying to seem calm as you answered.“You were right. One of us had to do it.”You thought you heard a faint laugh, but the blood pounding in your ears drowned out everything. She might press you for details about work, but this? This was just yours. Sure, if she saw your face right now, she’d probably figure it all out, but you wanted to believe you were playing it cool.Her laughter as she left the room didn’t subside, though, and you knew she had some idea of what had happened.Not that she knew everything, and you had no intention of enlightening her. The moment she left, you made sure the door was firmly shut and then leaned heavily against the wall.
This is all I can give.
Those words haunted you. Sure, he’d said he’d try to give you an answer, but what then? Did you even know what you were doing? Gods, you’d asked Silco about his feelings for you like it was the most normal thing in the world. Of course, you needed to know before deciding your next steps, but the idea of doing anything with him felt simultaneously absurd and maddeningly enticing.You were only human, and that kiss had done its job, even if there was nothing behind it but need.In truth, you didn’t know what to expect from him. Certainly not grand declarations. The question was, what would you accept as a sufficient answer? You were playing with big emotions, completely unsure of what you wanted beyond confirmation that he felt something too. That was both enough and nowhere near enough. How long could you suppress your feelings around him before they broke free and made you abandon your principles?“Ugh, who am I kidding,” you muttered to yourself, knowing you’d crumble the moment he touched you. “Pathetic.”You weren’t ready to face him so soon. You thought you had more time to prepare, but after what Sevika had said, the timeline had collapsed. It was going to be an exceptionally humiliating conversation. What, were you supposed to walk in there, all the while remembering how good his lips tasted?As if you could ever truly escape him… *** Going through Zarys’ notes was no easy task. You’d thought you could decipher them and find a solution, but none of what you managed to read mentioned safe dosages. He hadn’t hidden it from Marcus—he’d given him a complete guide—but why hadn’t he included it in his research? His mind was chaotic, his speech erratic, but you hadn’t thought him careless in his note-taking. But what did you know?You leaned back in your chair, closing your eyes. You tried to tune into your body, searching for any familiar symptoms, but everything seemed to be functioning as it should. Well, except for your muscles, which were sore from Sevika’s punches. But it was a good kind of pain, a sharp reminder that you were alive. Not the kind where you thought you’d die with your next breath.Giving yourself hope for a better life seemed distant and out of place. You had grown used to living day by day, resigned to the possibility of death. Suddenly, you might have years ahead of you, and you didn’t know what to do with them. The number of possibilities loomed around the corner, ready to overwhelm you if you let your guard down even for a moment. And lately, you had done that quite often.Almost as if you wanted to be punished—for treating your own life so dismissively. You wanted the path to breaking free from addiction to be full of suffering because you didn’t believe you deserved anything better. It shouldn’t be this easy. Easy solutions were for good people, not for someone like you. You had never received anything for free; you even had to fight for food. So why the hell would you get a second chance at life without paying for it? Suffering seemed like the only suitable price, but no one wanted to take that payment from you.What you endured while searching for answers was absurdly difficult, especially when compared to the simplicity of the solution. No, it couldn’t be possible that your life could be reduced to just a few sips of a liquid invented by a scientist desperate to create a cure.A cure.Oh, fuck! Could that be it? You grabbed Zarys’s notes, but you had no idea what to look for. He had mentioned that he started his research to save his son. The note in Marcus’s office showed he had developed something safe. But what you drank wasn’t the final version. You wondered if, when he gave it to you in the factory, he was genuinely trying to atone—or just looking for a test subject. He couldn’t have known you needed it because addiction was eating away at your body, but you were no longer sure of anything when it came to that man. Such a cunning, scheming bastard. Your perception of him kept changing, so you let go of your anger, knowing that even in death, he would still manage to surprise you.The guilt was even more overwhelming. You pulled your knees to your chest, knowing it was only a matter of seconds before a particular thought formed in your mind. When it hit you, you’d be at risk of breaking down—something you had no time for. The thought that you had taken from that child not only their father but also their chance at recovery left you gasping for air. Panic tightened its grip on you, making you feel utterly worthless.You thought you finally knew the price of a new life.You cursed under your breath, knowing irritation was the only thing keeping your tears at bay. It was late, but some problems couldn’t wait. You packed everything you had taken from Zarys’s lab into your backpack and left the room. At least now you had a reason to go back there.At first, you wanted to ask him for help to find out if your body was finally working properly. But now fear was driving you—the fear that Zarys’s research might go to waste. You couldn’t bear the thought that an innocent child might be dying in a hospital because you couldn’t act professionally and got into an argument with Zarys instead of dragging him out of there by force.You shivered without your coat, but you wouldn’t get it back until you found out where Silco had moved Lacey. It wasn’t that you couldn’t buy a new one. That coat held too much sentimental value. When you buried your nose in its fur collar, it brought you peace. That was what you needed now. But you had willingly given it to Lacey so she could find a moment of peace herself. You knew that if you went to get it back, you’d have to look her in the eyes. Were you ready to tell her the truth? Certainly not now, and you were beginning to doubt whether you’d find her at all.For once, you were glad that the Last Drop was buzzing with conversation and music. The more stimuli entered your mind, the less room there was for fears. It was easy to lose yourself in it. You considered stopping by the bar, but the last time you did that, you ended up unconscious on Silco’s balcony. You had developed a strong aversion to the bartenders at the Last Drop, even if someone else was behind the counter now.You turned abruptly and headed for the stairs. The weight of the mistake you likely made filled the stress of this meeting with even more turmoil. Ever since you had the shimmer-based prototype in your veins, the thought of being locked in a lab terrified you. And now you were about to offer it voluntarily. Was this stupidity or heroism?You reached the top and had barely taken a step toward the office door when it opened, and Silco stepped out. You froze mid-step, unsure of how to react. It threw you off balance because you were used to him appearing and disappearing as he pleased. It was as if closing the door suddenly made him seem more human. He appeared as surprised by your presence as you were by his, but he recovered much quicker."I wasn’t expecting you at this hour."You snapped out of it, feeling awkward."Are you leaving?""Did you come all this way just to ask that?" he asked, raising an amused eyebrow."No, sorry. I should have thought this through before coming here," you muttered distractedly.Funny how often you found him in his office, enough to forget that conducting business didn’t only happen there."It can wait," he said, stepping back into the room. "Come in; I can see this is important."You nodded, unsure how to interpret the tension that seemed to hang in the air. You had been in his office countless times, nearly bled out on his couch once, yet now you had no idea how to act. You watched his back as he returned to his desk, knowing he must remember all of it too. Slowly, you closed the door behind you, feeling that this small act of sealing off the outside world might tempt you into dangerous territory.Silco picked up something from his chair. When you saw your coat in his hands, you sighed in relief and quickly approached him without thinking much. The familiar fabric under your fingers calmed you. You immediately put it on and instinctively buried your nose in the collar. The scent of soap and smoke grounded you. The problem was, you could still smell him on it.He watched your behavior with a strange curiosity. Embarrassed, you stepped back."Thank you. I’ve been looking for this.""Lacey wasn’t going to need it. Judging by the obvious damage, I figured it must be important since you hadn’t thrown it away."You smiled faintly, looking at the roughly patched hole in the shoulder."You know, some things aren’t discarded just because one part is broken.""Is that so?"You glanced at him. He said it with a strange expression, as if you’d just uttered a profound truth. You ignored it and, feeling a little more confident, sat down on one of the chairs."What about her?""She’s been placed in a safe location. I can give you the address if you want to visit her.""I’d like that, but not right now," you replied softly. "Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to ask you for something."He seemed a bit surprised by your request. Usually, you demanded answers rather bluntly, so your polite tone must have caught him off guard. You saw the question in his eyes. You had to look away to regain your focus."You don’t have to wait for my permission," he teased, his tone lightly amused."Can you arrange this meeting with those shimmer people?"That was probably not the response he had expected. The air soon filled with the smell of smoke as he sat down on his side of the desk, knowing that you were about to have a more serious conversation."Why are you asking?""I can’t shake the feeling that this dose didn’t work," you replied, staring at your hands again and clenching them tightly, waiting for an answer to somehow fall from the sky. "I need to know that everything’s fine and that I won’t have to go through the pain of withdrawal again."Thinking about it now, it seemed incomprehensible how you had even managed to move when your head felt like it was about to explode from the pressure."Are you sure?" he asked seriously. "This could take days, and you’ll have to spend hours in the lab.""I know. I understand that, but I won’t stop being afraid until I get an answer on paper. Sevika mentioned a man who helped you develop shimmer. Maybe he—"Silco abruptly stood up, clearly upset. Surprised by his sudden outburst, you replayed your words in your head, unsure what could have been so wrong with what you said."No. Of all your ideas, this is by far the worst," he said through gritted teeth, stepping away. "Trust me, you don’t want to meet him.""Why?" you asked, frowning. "If he’s the creator of the first version, he could surely find answers quickly with Zarys’s notes.""No. Don’t ask me this," he replied firmly. "I know what he’s capable of, and I won’t put you in his hands."It was absurd how even while refusing, he managed to do it in a way that made you ready to forgive him if he kept speaking in that tone. It took you a moment to gather your scattered thoughts."I understand, in that case…""There are other people who can achieve the same result as him. I’ll see what I can do, but I can’t promise I’ll handle it in just a few hours."You felt awkward, as if your request had been costly or demanding. You couldn’t help but wonder what this man had done to make Silco so adamant against letting him run a few tests on you. You didn’t doubt that others could tackle the issue just as well, but something told you it would take them much longer. You wanted answers as soon as possible, yet the way Silco spoke about that man suggested it was better not to press the matter.With one problem off your mind, speaking to him suddenly became difficult. You thought about the words you had said on the rooftop and didn’t know how you should act now. Silco seemed slightly withdrawn, lost in thought after what you had just discussed. It was an unusually strange situation—very strange. If there was one thing you were sure of, it was that your feelings for him weren’t driven by the drug. You realized this more clearly as you watched him jot down something on a loose sheet of paper with intense focus. You found yourself staring at his hands for a little too long. Well, time to get back to your place. You stood up, fighting a slight sense of disappointment, ready to leave, but then remembered Lacey."Can you…""I wanted to ask you something."You both spoke at the same time, the moment breaking the tension briefly. He nodded, letting you ask your question first."Can you give me her address? I’ll check on her. She should see at least one familiar face."He tore off a piece of paper, scribbled something on it, and handed it to you, holding it between two fingers. You took it delicately, careful not to touch him, and tucked it into your jacket, then stuffed your hands into the back pockets of your pants."Thanks. What did you want to ask?"He didn’t answer right away. Leaning against the edge of the desk, he allowed you to study his profile. He held a pen in his hand and slowly twirled it between his fingers. Was he nervous?"I know our last conversation didn’t go as you might have hoped," he began, bringing everything you had been trying to suppress back into focus. "You caught me off guard with your words, and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I apologize for my inappropriate behavior.""It’s not—"He turned his head slightly toward you, smiling faintly. Oh no…"I don’t regret what I did, but I wish the setting had been different," he teased, as if waiting for your reaction, but then he quickly became serious. "It was impulsive. But I’m not sure you know what you’re getting into.""What do you mean?""People who come into my life rarely come out of it unscathed."He said it so calmly, as if his words held no weight. Was he warning you or trying to tempt you into taking the risk? You had long known that nothing with him was ever simple."I almost bled out in this place; it can’t get much worse, can it?"You tried to joke, knowing it was your only defense against his seriousness, but he was far too serious. It was worth a try. You summoned all the composure you could find in your mind and commanded it to do the work for both of you."Do you think I don’t understand that? I know who I’m dealing with."He pushed off the desk and walked closer, just within arm’s reach, but didn’t cross that line. It would have been wisest to step back—the scent of cardamom was becoming almost overwhelming—but you didn’t want to show him that you were retreating."No, you don’t," he said quietly. "I’m a dangerous man. Getting involved with me is a mistake."You rolled your eyes at his cheap excuses."I’ve noticed, actually," you snapped back, causing him to lose his composure for a moment. "Isn’t it a bit late for warnings like that? Do you really think that’s going to scare me off? I’m not exactly innocent myself. And if Marcus finds out who got Lacey out of prison, every guard will know about me. So don’t start lecturing me about danger as if I haven’t known the risks for a long time."How dare he bring this up now? Now, when there had already been something between you that couldn’t be forgotten, he suddenly decided to play the concern card. You scoffed, slightly irritated. You hadn’t been expecting any concrete declarations from him—you knew understanding his feelings took time—but this?"As a matter of fact, they’re already looking for you. Or rather, someone posing as a guard who charmed half of Stillwater. By the way, nice work."You stared at him in disbelief. He couldn’t seriously think compliments would deflect the topic he had brought up himself."Don’t try to wiggle out of this by talking about work. What’s with those words? What are you trying to say? If you’re trying to scare me, you’ll have to do better because, right now, I’m more scared of Sevika than I’ve ever been of you."He sighed heavily and closed his eyes for a moment, as if the conversation was as hard for him as it was for you.“I’m trying to warn you that if you let me get close, there will be no turning back,” he said slowly, but with such intensity that your knees almost buckled. “Being intimate is all I can offer for now. You have to understand that.”You shook your head, trying to show how much you disagreed, but the words wouldn’t come out. You paced a bit, searching for the right response, but nothing seemed fitting.“Does that mean our relationship would only be... physical? Without feelings? You know I won’t agree to that. Are you retracting your words now?”If he thought repeating himself would make you change your mind, he was gravely mistaken. Running his hand through his hair, he reached for another cigarette. You knew what might happen when you decided to come to him, but this conversation was becoming absurd.“It’s not that. It’s not that I don’t want to… but I can’t allow myself to. Not right now.”He spoke quietly, choosing his words carefully, not wanting to make a single mistake. He wasn’t looking at you, even though you desperately wished he would. If he looked, maybe he’d see you were willing to wait, as you’d told him so many times.“Why?”“We’re in the middle of a fight with the sheriff of Piltover. On top of that, the man who holds partial control over Zaun is collaborating with him. He could cause even more trouble if I don’t deal with him quickly,” he paused before finally looking at you. “I can’t put you first—and that would be disrespectful to you.”“I don’t believe it,” you laughed bitterly. “That’s disrespectful to you, but offering me some kind of arrangement isn’t? I’m not that kind of person,” you hissed through clenched teeth.Your words hit home. He gave you a startled look, as if he’d only just realized what he had been suggesting. His words stung. You couldn’t understand why he was so adamant about this when you’d made it clear you weren’t leaving, that you understood he needed time to sort out his life.You’d hoped you wouldn’t feel anger toward him again, but his behavior made him seem like a complete fool who couldn’t grasp the simplest truths.“I don’t understand you. You’ve already given me so much, and yet you’ve gotten nothing in return. I can’t give you anything more because… because I don’t know how. The closeness you’re talking about… it’s never been part of my life. A fleeting moment of pleasure is all I can give you right now. It’s all I know. I respect your decision, I understand why you refuse, but I don’t understand why you still want to stay by my side. What do you get out of it?”You could picture grabbing him by his perfectly pressed vest and shaking him until something finally clicked. A tempting vision, but you limited yourself to an angry huff and throwing your hands in the air as you shouted,“Because you’re worth it, you idiot!” You breathed heavily, unable to understand why he couldn’t see it. “You treat what’s between us like some kind of transaction, where both sides have to gain something. When will you understand that all I want is you, and I’m willing to wait until you see that?! If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t still be here.”His ignorance was like fuel for your anger. Your outburst left him speechless this time. You gasped for air, trying to find calm, but even burying your face in your coat didn’t help, because everything seemed to smell like him. You knew he was watching you, but at that moment, you didn’t care. You must have been utterly foolish to stand by him despite his words. The problem was, you knew you’d come back anyway, because you genuinely believed he was worth it. It was a shame he didn’t think the same of himself, and you were too irritated to lead him by the hand toward self-acceptance.“I shouldn’t let this happen. I should push you away. But I think I’ve become addicted to your presence. I don’t want to think about the day when you’ll stop yelling at me because you decide leaving was the better choice,” he murmured softly. “Egoistically I want to keep you for myself.”He smiled smugly, satisfied with his words, as if this was yet another test to see how much you could endure. You watched in disbelief as he extinguished the cigarette butt, entirely calm. He stirred emotions in you that swung wildly from desire to fury. It was absurd.“You are infuriating,” you said heavily.“So are you, but it only makes me want you more,” he admitted quietly. “I’m sorry. Those words were a mistake. I understand what you’re expecting, and if I still have your permission, I’ll try to find the answer you deserve.”You had to bite your tongue not to admit that, honestly, you wouldn’t mind repeating that kiss. Still, you needed to stick to your words. Giving in under the weight of his gaze would have been a blow to your pride. You couldn’t and shouldn’t take back what you said. But it was excruciatingly hard as you looked at his lips.“Thank you,” you replied weakly. “I should check on Lacey.”“I won’t stop you,” he said, but you could hear the unspoken plea in his voice for you to stay.You shook your head, fighting the strong temptation, but you had principles you couldn’t break, not even for him. Not even when he looked that good and tasted even better. You left without a word to avoid tempting fate further.A more difficult conversation awaited you, though you secretly hoped Lacey wouldn’t be able to speak and would spare you the confession. You needed to occupy your mind to keep yourself from going back to him. Even if it hurt, talking to the widow of the deceased was something you owed her.The address led you to one of the hospitals. You stared at the building for a moment, thinking you had the wrong place or that he had given you the wrong number. But everything checked out. It wasn’t wise to keep her in a crowded building. At any moment, she could lose control and start talking about what had happened to her. But Silco wasn’t foolish—not in this regard.You entered the hospital, wondering if it would be wise to search for her under her real name. If the enforcers entered the city, hospitals would be high on the list of places to search. Then again, they probably wouldn’t expect Lacey to be in a public hospital. If you were in their shoes, you’d look deeper. The decision was risky but clever.The problem was, you couldn’t trust anyone. Searching the entire building on your own would take too much time. People stared as you nervously glanced around, and whispers began to spread. You pulled your hood tighter over your head, ignoring propriety, and stepped into one of the corridors.A woman in a lab coat approached from the opposite direction, looking like a staff member.“Excuse me,” you stopped her with a question, “I’m looking for a friend. She should have been admitted here yesterday. In a state of severe shock.”She looked irritated at being interrupted, but as you spoke, her expression shifted to one of growing unease.“Wait here,” she snapped and disappeared into the crowd.You spread your arms, stunned by how quickly she dismissed you. She told you to wait, but for what? You didn’t have time to follow hospital protocols. You wanted to wave it off and continue searching on your own, but someone tugged on your sleeve.You turned around, startled, and saw a short, older woman wearing a coat similar to the one the other staff member had been wearing."Fourth floor. But don't go blabbering around about who you're looking for, are you crazy? She’s listed under the name Eden, so do yourself a favor and keep quiet about why you're here," the older woman said, shaking her head before turning to leave."Thank you?" you replied, startled by her abrupt tone."Don't thank me. She doesn’t have a chance."You noticed that older people seemed to have an unsettling tendency to abandon hope more quickly than others, but this felt different. She spoke with a grave certainty, as if she'd seen cases like this far too often. Left standing in the middle of the corridor with no further explanation, you shrugged it off. It took you a moment to find the stairs.What could she have meant by saying Lacey didn’t have a chance? You hadn’t seen any major physical injuries on her—her mind was what had suffered. Could she be at risk of losing herself to madness after everything? The thought of carrying another person’s broken fate on your shoulders was unbearable.Once you reached the fourth floor, it wasn’t hard to locate her. There was only one room with a burly man stationed outside, his poorly concealed weapon betraying his role. A smirk tugged at your lips. Someone needed to teach him a lesson about sleeping on duty.You approached him, giving his leg a nudge with your boot. He startled awake, immediately reaching for his gun—only to realize it wasn’t there. His fumbling hands froze as he saw you standing in front of him, holding his weapon."What the hell?!" he barked, panic creeping into his voice."You want to lose your job for napping?" you asked mockingly.His glare was ready to challenge you, but as the realization dawned on him that you had caught him red-handed, his anger faltered."And what’s it to you, huh?" he growled.Without hesitation, you stepped closer, leaning in as you pressed a blade lightly against his stomach. His eyes widened in fear."It’s not, really," you whispered, your tone dark. "But if something happens to her because of your negligence, you’ll answer to me with your life. Got it?"He nodded quickly, scrambling to his feet the moment you stepped back.You felt a sense of responsibility for Lacey, especially after what had happened to her husband. You were the only one she knew, the one who had saved her, and now you were carrying the burden of delivering devastating news. The mere thought of someone harming her in her fragile state filled you with an unfamiliar rage.Pushing the door open, you entered the room to find Lacey sleeping, cocooned in a blanket like a child seeking refuge from the world. Sitting quietly beside her bed, you felt a sting behind your eyes. She might have been in her forties, but in that moment, she looked so small, so broken. It was a heartbreaking sight.You were ready to tell her the truth about her husband’s death, but deep down, you knew you couldn’t do it. Maybe you should leave before she woke up. What would you even say when she asked about him? Tell her the truth? Lie that he was alive? Admit that he died at the hands of her tormentor? None of the answers felt right.And then there was her son—a boy who, like her, lay in a hospital bed. Zarys had been working on something important, perhaps even groundbreaking, but that chance had been ripped away from him. Thinking about how you had inadvertently contributed to this family’s tragedy churned your stomach. The longer you dwelled on it, the more your anger shifted to Marcus.Even if you hadn’t pulled the trigger, you had played a role in Zarys’s death. The chain of events had started when you saved Lacey, and everything else had crumbled like a house of cards. It felt wrong to escape this chaos unscathed, as if your survival was a cruel joke.But no cruelty could compare to what Marcus had done.You knew the pain that came with taking the drug. If Silco hadn’t been pragmatic enough to give you only a minimal dose, you might not have survived those weeks. Taking more would have killed you within days. That feeling—that torment—was what the prisoners endured as Marcus experimented on them.Sure, some of those prisoners might have been deserving of their fate. But not all of them. Innocent people jailed for petty crimes had died horrifying deaths believing they had a shot at freedom. That could’ve been you. Before working for Silco, you had been alone, scraping by—you could’ve been thrown behind bars for a simple theft.Marcus needed to face justice, and you wanted to deliver it personally.Leaning over Lacey, you met her sleeping face with a determined glare."I promise you, Marcus will pay for what he’s done," you whispered. "And you can be certain—I’ll do it with my own hands."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

You might never fully understand why you felt responsible for her. There was no connection between you, you didn’t even know her, but the thought of her ending up on the streets in such a state was deeply unsettling. She came from the upper city, and in reverse circumstances, she probably wouldn’t have even flinched to help you. But how could you know that? For all you knew, Lacey could have been someone whose kindness no longer had a place in this world.It wasn’t really about her specifically.You saw in her the concentrated guilt of Marcus. Her very presence was a testament to just how rotten that man was. Hypocritical and cruel to the core, but hiding behind the mask of a sheriff. The mere thought of him filled you with disgust. You had suspected for a long time that Piltover was beginning to rot from its hidden crimes. That’s why, in a way, you were glad to belong to Zaun. At least here, no one pretended to be a good person.Yet the question of why Marcus had devoted so much time to developing a new strain of shimmer, just to try and frame Silco for the explosion, still gnawed at you. It simply didn’t add up. Something was clearly missing from the puzzle.You spent several hours by her side. It felt as though your legs were nailed to the floor, and the only way to escape was to confess your sins. It was for the best. Lacey didn’t deserve lies, yet you still tensed your muscles, ready to bolt every time she stirred. Only when visiting hours ended and you were nearly forced out of the hospital did you admit it was truly better to return home. You couldn’t predict when Lacey would wake up.You asked if there was any chance someone could inform you when her condition improved, but no one met your eyes when you asked. Each of them acted as though she had no chance of recovery. Even if that were true, they shouldn’t think that way, right?You clung to this thought, because the idea of being responsible for an entire family’s tragedy made it hard to see any sense in continuing to fight.You walked back with your hands shoved deep in your pockets, doing everything you could to block out your thoughts and stay focused on the task ahead. You needed to occupy your mind quickly, or you’d lose yourself. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as you’d hoped. When it turned out there were no tasks for you, you couldn’t find a place for yourself. You were too absorbed in your own problems to focus on talking to anyone.The sight of Zarys’ notes on the desk in your room was like a punch to the stomach every time you were there. You were tempted to go through them again, but understanding his train of thought while reading his journals was difficult. Wading through his notes and chemical formulas seemed almost impossible.You knew you might be waiting a long time to meet with doctors or scientists, so you didn’t expect to get answers before the operation in the upper city. You were intensely curious about who was responsible for shimmer and why Silco deemed meeting with them unwise. You were tempted to ask Sevika, but she could be anywhere in Zaun, and you didn’t feel like looking for her. You never thought you’d say this, but despite your curiosity, you respected Silco’s decision. You had no reason to distrust him, so you decided it was wiser to simply let it go.Of course, you’d never admit it to him, but life really did seem simpler when you just did as he asked. He could ask you for almost anything, and you’d gladly do it—but not right now.It was interesting to wonder whether, if you had known how your life would turn out after agreeing to Leon’s idea to take on that job, you would still have been ready for the work. You stood firmly by your assessment that Silco was worth waiting for. In those rare moments when he allowed the mask of a ruthless bastard to fall, you saw the man beneath. And it was that part of his personality that made you unwilling to give up on him. You just hoped he wouldn’t make you wait too long.You had strong principles, but even they began to crumble in the face of intense emotions.By your calculations, there were still three or four days left until the main operation. You didn’t expect to be needed—you weren’t suited for any potential fighting—but you were the only one who knew the way down. It seemed risky and reckless for everyone to use the same entrance you had, but you didn’t know where the others were located. You still hadn’t figured out how the barrels made it down there, and the thought grew more enticing with each passing moment.After everything you’d done, you didn’t think you’d have a tail if you ventured out. But on the other hand, acting on your own, just to prove something to yourself so close to the operation, didn’t seem rational.For the first time, you decided it was better to consult Silco or Sevika before chasing answers.It hit you that you’d been so consumed by work and your own problems that you’d forgotten how to handle free time. It felt almost inappropriate, given the scale of the mess you were caught up in. But what you wanted to do wasn’t available right now, and you were running out of ideas. You kept circling back to it, like poking a sore tooth. Once again, you returned to Zarys’ journal, trying to understand the man. If you managed to meet with people smarter than you, you needed to know exactly what you wanted to convey to them.You doubted Silco would allow them to study the compound freely now that your life didn’t depend on it. You didn’t think he’d see the point in continuing research into the man responsible for your suffering. To understand that, you’d have to admit aloud that you blamed yourself for Zarys’ death. You knew Silco’s opinion of him—he couldn’t stand him with every fiber of his being. You didn’t want to appear weak in front of him, but the prospect of another death caused by your foolish actions was overwhelming. You couldn’t bring Lacey’s husband back, but maybe you could save her son.No matter how hard you tried, nothing seemed to return to normal.Silco...You thought about him far too often for your own good. If someone had told you back then that Silco, The Eye of Zaun, would become important to you, you’d have laughed and assumed they’d hit their head. It was the kind of truth that didn’t hurt. Funny, you’d always thought close relationships were a problem and only weighed a person down—just one more person to worry about.But with him, it was different.He inspired fear, and it was more rational to worry about those who crossed him. The fact that you could go through the day without wondering if something endangered him was a comfort. The problem was that, although he seemed to think the same, he still believed he owed you protection.And he was clearly too stubborn to see that you could take care of yourself.You didn’t go home that night. You spent hours watching the city from a rooftop. You needed a moment to sort through your thoughts, discarding the unnecessary to make room for more pressing questions. You wondered how many people down below would suffer if Marcus succeeded. You didn’t want to imagine how far Zaun might fall if Finn decided cutting deals with the sheriff was a better idea than fighting for independence.Your thoughts were interrupted by an explosion.For a moment, it felt like you were back at the beginning—on that night when the rest of your crew died in the fire at the docks. The only thing that didn’t match was the location of the flames shooting high into the sky.You looked toward the eastern district.Somewhere on the horizon, you saw tongues of fire rising quickly into the air and massive plumes of smoke. You knew this would happen, but witnessing it—even from a distance—made your heart leap to your throat at the thought of how many people might have died. It seemed to you that the wind carried with it a faint echo of screams, but you could just as easily have imagined it. Despite the logic, you believed that Silco wouldn't endanger so many employees to create a diversion.So, it had begun.The city would start buzzing with rumors about the explosion in a few hours. Questions and speculations would arise, and Silco would have to answer them. When the other barons found out about it, they wouldn't rush to help; they would start planning how to turn Silco’s temporary failure to their advantage. From this moment, things had to move quickly. You knew that Silco's people would expect an immediate response to such an affront. If you were in his place, you would publicly announce that it was an unfortunate accident. Piltover had no idea what Silco was involved in, and it was better that way.Well, time to return before Sevika notices your absence.It took you an hour to get to the facility. When you slipped through the slightly open door, as usual, you were greeted by the loud chatter. You could hear her voice cutting through the crowd, unmistakable and persistent. You saw a group of people downstairs exchanging opinions about the recent incident on the east side of the city."The orders are clear: no gossiping until the official decision. If one of you starts spreading what happened, I’ll find them and take care of what’s left of them, got it?" she shouted to the crowd. "We're leaving in two days, disperse!"It was the first time you saw her give orders. You expected more threats and possible punishments, but Sevika was respected among these people. She didn’t need to instill fear for them to obey her. She probably took satisfaction in the sight of terrified faces, but the truth was, none of them would ever question her words. You knew the orders weren’t meant for you, so you tried to navigate through the crowd as quickly as possible.When you made your way upstairs, you knew you wouldn’t escape her attention unnoticed. You realized you didn’t even want to avoid her. She could beat you senseless, but it was a deserved punishment—you didn’t blame her for that. You walked closer and leaned against the railing, distancing yourself from the crowd below. You were probably one of the few who consciously and willingly sought contact with her. Sevika leaned against the railing, slightly bent over, scanning the other workers as if one of them was about to announce they were a spy."Did anyone die?" you asked quietly."Two people," she replied seriously. "The risk was high anyway."You nodded, unable to understand the feeling that had suddenly surfaced within you. At some point, a part of your sensitivity returned, and suddenly the death of two people felt too real. Occupational risk—that's what you should have called it. God, what was happening to you? Why did it suddenly matter? What did the death of two nameless people mean compared to the harm that could fall on everyone if Marcus continued playing his games?"Do you want a drink?" you asked impulsively.She sighed and pushed herself away from the railing, straightening up. You doubted what was bothering her was the same as what troubled you. Everything had become real, and you both knew it."Why is it that when you ask, I know it won’t just end with a drink?" she asked, shaking her head slightly. "Fuck this, come on."You followed her, not sure why you had suggested it, but you felt she also needed to rest, though she wouldn’t admit it. Besides, you wanted to know if she had any tasks for you. You had shared everything you knew about the transport and doubted you’d be needed in the further operations, but you didn’t want to sit idly while others risked their lives.Her room looked just as usual, except there was a sleeping bag spread out on the floor."Do you sleep here?"She glanced at you as if that was the last question she expected. She poured the familiar-looking alcohol into glasses and almost shoved one into your hand before sitting heavily in the chair."Yeah, people like me need to close their eyes from time to time," she snorted at you, downing it in one gulp. "Fuck this day.""I’m guessing not everything went according to plan?""Were you there?" she asked, raising her eyebrows. "There was supposed to be no one inside. The factory had been closed for a few days due to a malfunction. Of course, two idiots thought they could steal something. They really chose the perfect night to sneak around."She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. You thought she had dozed off for a moment. You stared at the liquid in your glass, trying to understand where this newfound attachment to others had come from. Zarys' death had affected you more than you had realized. You had to focus on something to avoid making a stupid mistake. You were ashamed of yourself for not being as tough as you thought you were, and that embarrassment burned you to the core. Unfortunately, anger couldn’t burn away the guilt and shame."Do you have something for me?"She shook her head, not opening her eyes."I can’t believe I’m saying this, but no. Rest, soldier," she muttered sleepily."Nothing? Are you sure?"She growled low and opened her eyes. She was clearly irritated by the fact that you weren’t letting her rest."If you’re so desperate for something to do, you might as well start scrubbing the floor with a toothbrush. I don’t care. I have nothing for you," she repeated.You put your glass down and stretched your legs out in front of you. You didn’t want to be alone with your thoughts. Escaping into alcohol didn’t seem wise. However, you doubted Sevika would be eager to listen to your dilemmas. No, that wasn’t something you should burden her with. You knew what you were getting into when you took this job. You wanted to welcome your own death with a weapon in your hand, not accept someone else's. Did you really value your life so little that you placed it beneath the life of the person responsible for your suffering? Pathetic.You reached for your glass abruptly and quickly downed the rest of the liquid, savoring the burn in your throat. You wiped your mouth and frowned. In this state, you wouldn’t be fit to protect an empty warehouse. You wouldn’t even give yourself a task."I have an idea," you began, seeing how Sevika raised her hand to silence you, so you quickly added, "Before you interrupt me, I promise I won’t do this without permission."She quickly got up at the sound of your words. It must have sounded ridiculous coming from you."I don’t believe you. Why?""Let’s say my recklessness has caused me more trouble than it’s worth," you mumbled. "Anyone you send for an operation at the upper level won’t manage to sneak in the way I did. Let me go back, I’ll check other routes and...""I know," she interrupted calmly. "I’m not stupid. You think I’d send my people on an operation without checking the place?""But you said...""Shit, I even miss your stupid ideas. The day you don’t question Silco’s plans is a wasted day," she scoffed. "That’s your task for tomorrow, you idiot.""You said you had nothing.""We both know that if I told you now, you’d be heading to Piltover tonight."You wanted to stick your tongue out at her, but unfortunately, she was right.“So why are you telling me this now?”“Listen, I’ve known you for a long time. I don’t know why you’re so determined to get involved in this, but I’m not asking, it’s not my business. If I ignored your words, you’d think you know better and go there anyway. It’s Silco’s idea, maybe that’ll calm you down.”“You’re mean,” you admitted quietly.“And you’re foolish if you’re so quick to admit that you won’t ignore his orders,” she laughed. “Good thing you finally came to your senses, though now I’m curious about what methods he used.”Suddenly, you really regretted that your glass was empty. You rolled your eyes, trying not to let on that she’d hit a sore spot.“Alright, then you might as well give me the details.”“To tempt you to do it your way? No way,” she threatened, wagging her finger at you.You took a deep breath, feeling a strange calm wash over you. Yes, you still believed Elijah needed the medicine, but you knew that the best option would be to turn your guilt into determination to punish Marcus for what he had done. You stood up, ready to face your fears, but Sevika stopped you, throwing a single folded sheet of paper onto the desk."I was going to give this to you later, but since you're here, take it. I won't have to run after you later," she yawned.You reached for the note. It was an address and a time. You knew who it was from. You would recognize that handwriting anywhere. Well, he probably planned to give you more details about this task, but why in a completely different place than the Last Drop? *** It was interesting that, despite years spent in Zaun, you had never truly delved into the secrets behind the walls of houses stacked one upon the other. The address led you near the northern bridge. It seemed risky to handle matters so close to the Piltover border, but at least the road to the city was shorter.The building you arrived at was unremarkable. A simple, unassuming structure that could hide any number of secrets. You saw no reason to be particularly cautious—after all, you had been invited here. When you approached the door, you stopped halfway at the sight of the grime covering the doorknob. You ran your fingers over the gaps between the door panels and noticed cobwebs. Was this the entrance? Another test? Or perhaps just additional precautions?You stepped back a few paces and looked up, surveying the building. It looked like an abandoned tenement—dirty windows, chipped walls, no sounds coming from inside. Another property being used as a cover for unknown purposes. You touched your backpack, making sure the lockpicks were in place, then headed for the alley between the houses. You jumped over a fallen trash can and sighed in irritation. Why had Silco brought you here? If he needed a change of scenery, he could have left instead of sending you wandering through stinking alleys.The back door looked used—it was different from the dusty front one. When you pressed the handle, you felt relief—it wasn't sticky. The door opened easily, without resistance. You nodded to yourself and stepped inside. You didn’t know what to expect, so you decided not to use your flashlight to avoid giving away your presence. But before you could take a look around, the corridor lit up as the lamps turned on simultaneously.You stood at the beginning of a short hallway. Three lamps illuminated the narrow passage. You took careful steps, listening for sounds, but there was a dead silence. Was the building really empty? Why the hell had he sent you here?You reached another door. You reached for the handle and pushed it carefully. The sight behind it surprised you. You had no specific expectations, but this… definitely wasn’t it. You found yourself in a room that resembled a garden—the damp smell of earth almost overwhelmed you. You automatically covered your nose with your hand."Ready?" you heard a voice that made you jump."Shit, don't scare me like that!" you hissed, trying to calm your breath. "Why do you need my skills when you sneak around so well?"He didn't comment on your remark. He walked past you and headed toward the stairs going down. You followed him."Why are we here?" you whispered, feeling as though each word echoed out to the outside.You ran down the stairs, trying not to make noise, but the familiar scent made your legs momentarily betray you. You slipped on one of the steps, barely catching the railing. Your heart raced, and your thoughts circled one thing—you would recognize it everywhere.Shimmer.An ordinary drug wasn’t a particular threat to you, not like this specific variant, but it was still incredibly annoying. You didn’t feel it incapacitating or drawing you in, but it agitated your nerves and caused stress. Your throat felt slightly tight, and a ridiculous thought about a sweet taste on your lips appeared in your mind. But you knew you could control it. Silco turned to face you, and his appearance made you forget the smell for a moment."Can you handle it?" he asked shortly.You nodded, trying not to reveal the growing tension. Now you understood why he brought you here. Inside, conflicting emotions mixed. Recently, he complained that he couldn’t organize a meeting in a few hours, yet here you were, standing in a laboratory less than twelve hours later. It was… nice, even though it contradicted his earlier words.You remembered that there had been an explosion last night—you hadn’t asked for the details yet, but he must have had his hands full. Maybe you should thank him? Instead, what came out of your mouth was:"When was the last time you slept?"He frowned."What kind of question is that?""You look terrible," you replied without thinking.His gaze pierced you with coldness, but you didn’t notice it, too absorbed in observing the surroundings. The tables were covered with strange devices and glass containers, just like in Zarys' lab, but you didn’t see anyone working here. Where had they all gone?"I'll pretend you didn’t say that," he sighed heavily.You realized what you had just blurted out and began gesturing in a chaotic attempt to fix the situation."No, it’s not like that! You look fine, really… as always. It’s just those dark circles under your eyes could scare the dead," you explained, feeling every word just made it worse. "Sorry."He furrowed his brows slightly, then sighed and said with a bitter smile:"You don’t have much time, so focus on how you want to sort this out, not on my appearance, okay?"You swallowed the laugh rising inside. You missed his sarcastic tone. You looked around the lab once more, wondering why it was so empty. Did the employees have the day off? Or maybe they started their shifts later? Whatever the reason for their absence, it worked in your favor. You didn’t want to feel the judging gazes, especially now when the thought of tests was starting to stress you out.A moment later, a young man appeared from around the corner. He couldn’t have been older than thirty. He was tall and a bit too thin for his height, but he made up for it with energy."What can I do for you?" he asked, looking at you with interest."I left the orders, so don’t play dumb," Silco snarled at him.The man jumped in fright. You realized that up until that moment, he had only seen you, and the presence of his boss must have been a big surprise for him. He straightened his shirt collar and cleared his throat, trying to maintain a semblance of professionalism."Yes, of course. Sorry," he muttered, giving a pale smile. "We haven't conducted human trials yet; our methods may be a bit crude, but everything is completely safe. I understand it's about you?" he addressed you with an expectant look, as if begging you to save him from Silco's wrath."Uh, yeah," you responded awkwardly."Great. I'll prepare a few questions before we begin, alright?"You shrugged, which he apparently took as an approval. He disappeared into another room at a speed as if his life depended on it. Looking at Silco’s expression, it probably did. The stress was tightening its grip on your throat."What should I tell him?" you asked quietly, unable to hide your nervousness.He pulled out a cigarette and lit it with such calmness, as if smoking among so many chemicals was entirely normal."Say what you think is necessary.""What about...""What you think is necessary," he repeated sharply, stressing every word.He gave you full permission to tell someone other than Sevica about what happened. There was no provocation in his words. He wasn't testing you or seeing if you'd keep it to yourself. Despite the freedom you had during your conversation with the scientist, there were some things you just couldn't say out loud. You didn't want to get into unnecessary details about how your body reacted to the addiction. The mere recollection of how you behaved when consciously delaying the next dose was hard enough.You watched him for a while, trying to read his intentions. But apart from the incredible exhaustion, you didn’t see anything else. He looked like he could barely stand. He leaned against one of the tables, as if it were holding him up, while the ash from his cigarette fell to the ground, completely ignored."Thank you," you began softly. "I know it must have been difficult to organize all of this so quickly, especially now, after last night...""Not here," he interrupted you calmly, though there was a subtle warning in his voice. "You’ll thank me later."His words surprised you, but you didn't take them as rejection of your gratitude. They seemed to suggest that the circumstances weren't right. Slowly, you began to understand his way of thinking, which made the conversation with him less frustrating. The silence between you became more comfortable, devoid of tension and unspoken words.A moment later, the man returned to the room with a clipboard full of loose papers and sat at one of the less cluttered tables. He gestured for you to sit across from him and began asking questions. Some were very general, about the circumstances of your drug use. You answered truthfully, though you felt the memories starting to blur faster than you'd like. At some point, you stopped simply answering the questions – you began to tell the story.Going back to those events when death didn’t hang over you made the memories take on grotesque shapes. You exaggerated certain details, though you suspected it was more due to how much you had underestimated your condition at the time. You had been on the brink of life and death much more often than you had ever thought.Finally, you couldn't hold back and asked him his name. The man – Rey – briefly tore himself away from his notes and looked at you. He listened intently, more and more absorbed in your description of the pain, to the point where he stopped writing anything down. In his eyes, you saw something that worried you: scientific fascination. You were afraid of that look. You were afraid that you would become a test subject, a means to results, nothing more. Every day, you avoided that by taking shimmer – knowing you could learn the most from it, but also losing yourself in the process. And now you were about to voluntarily submit to the tests, knowing that shimmer had long since left your body. You felt its absence. You knew it was no longer in you.No matter how deep you dug into your memory or how much you lost yourself in the memories of pain – in every second of this conversation, you were aware of Silco’s presence. Rey glanced behind your shoulder from time to time, and there was a constant fear in his gaze. You suspected that without Silco there, you wouldn't have been able to get through all of this. You finished your story at the moment you took a new dose. Rey wrote down every word with astonishing speed, as if each one were priceless. From a scientific standpoint, you knew your case could be one in a million. You wished you could look at it that way – coolly, analytically – but it was your life. Your body. You carried something in you that Rey would eagerly study, if you only gave him permission. But you knew the taste of being treated like an object. Never again.Rey slowly stood up, clutching his notes in his hands."Well, there's nothing left to do but proceed with the tests. Shall we?" he asked, gesturing for you to follow him."Since I must..." you muttered under your breath and headed deeper into the room.Behind you, you heard Silco's footsteps. Despite the fear, you were relieved he wasn't leaving you alone with the scientist. At the same time, you felt guilty for taking him away from more important matters. Rey turned a corner, and you seized the moment to address Silco."It's nice that you're keeping me company, but I'm sure you have more urgent matters to attend to.""Right now, the most urgent thing is making sure this kid doesn't screw up his job," he replied quietly, but his tone was like a blade – menacing and ruthless.A little calmer, you smiled faintly. You weren't the only selfish one here. You caught up with Rey a bit further. He hadn't even noticed you weren't right behind him for a moment. You reached a set of dark metal doors halfway down the corridor. The man stopped with his hand on the handle, blocking the entrance with his body. He turned to you both, looking clearly embarrassed."As I mentioned, we haven’t conducted any human trials yet. There hasn’t been a need. Before we go in, I want to emphasize that the equipment might seem... a bit primitive, but I assure you, it works perfectly."You nodded, though you felt unable to say anything. In your mind, you already saw yourself hooked up to hundreds of wires through which more unknown substances would be injected. You flinched. Rey opened the door and let you both inside. Silco shot him a look, not allowing the man to lag behind. Rey stepped in after you, nervously rolling the notes he was holding into a scroll.Your gaze fell on the equipment in the room, and the desire to escape grew with each passing second. In the center stood a simple bed – identical to the one you had seen in the hospital at Lacey’s, though with the backrest raised. Nearby were machines and tools whose names you wouldn't even try to remember. You knew it had all been put together quickly to meet Silco’s requirements.You approached the bed and touched its metal backrest, but immediately pulled your hand back, feeling the cold metal."We spent a long time considering the form of the test, not knowing exactly what kind of problem we would have to face. In order to check if there are any traces of the substance left in your body, we will need to draw some blood. We are not yet sure where exactly to look, so it may be necessary to take several samples. We can also analyze your genetic code today, but for that, we will need a sample of your bone marrow. I must inform you that taking bone marrow may be painful. I am required to inform you of everything before we begin. You can withdraw at any time."He explained all of this in a calm tone, even though you weren’t looking at him. Your gaze was fixed on one of the machines, and after a moment, he added:"I need your verbal consent."You flinched slightly, nodded, and took two deep breaths."Okay, I agree. But I’m not sure I can go through all of this in one day," you replied quietly. "I need to know today if I’m healthy."You turned around but briefly lost your rhythm when you saw the concern on Rey's face. He was looking at you as though he wasn’t sure whether you were being sincere. You couldn’t reassure him – you were barely holding yourself together, fighting with your thoughts. In front of your eyes, you had a vision of your blood escaping through the transparent tubes. You weren’t afraid of needles or the sight of blood. It was the unknown – what was happening inside you and what you couldn’t control – that was making you feel nauseous.In order for the examination to proceed, you needed to give Rey something that had lately been more precious than gold – your trust. And you weren’t ready for that. You looked at Silco. He was standing close to the door, his gloomy gaze fixed on the scientist. His presence made everything seem simpler. You knew Rey wouldn’t dare to do anything reckless with his boss nearby."Thank you. I’ll prepare some reagents. Make yourself comfortable," Rey said, though he hesitated by the door. He glanced at Silco as though afraid he had done something to incur his wrath. But Silco was already looking at you.His grim expression had changed – now he looked worried. As if he were reading your thoughts and seeing that you were on the verge of panic. Even though you hadn’t done anything that day except come here, you felt exhausted. You sat down heavily on the bed. The material gave off a disgusting, creaking sound. It was good you hadn’t eaten too much – you knew you wouldn’t have been able to keep it down.You lowered your head, intertwining your hands so tightly that your fingers began to hurt. You counted your breaths, but even by the tenth, the stress hadn’t diminished."Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked softly, his voice was gentle, almost uncertain."I need to know," you replied firmly.You weren’t sure whether he had nodded at your words. Somewhere in the distance, you heard footsteps – Rey was probably returning to complete the examination. You huddled in tighter, trying to convince yourself that fear couldn’t overpower your need for knowledge.You heard a soft rustling – Silco had finally moved. You were afraid he might leave you now. You quickly raised your head and blurted out without thinking:"Can you stay?"Your question didn’t surprise him, or at least he didn’t show it. His features softened for a moment before his mask of composure returned. You didn’t want to burden him with your fears, but at that moment, you needed his support more than air."Of course. I won’t leave you here alone," he answered calmly.You smiled weakly, unable to respond. A moment later, Rey returned with several vials. The sight of them reminded you of everything you had been through, and you flinched slightly, feeling the tension in your muscles pulling you toward escape. He placed the vials on a small cabinet beside you, then took your hand. You stiffened for a moment as you felt his touch, but Rey was too focused on his work to notice anything.You watched as the needle slowly disappeared under your skin, and suddenly everything around you started to blur. You blinked quickly, trying to bring your vision back into focus, but your eyes were clouded."What if I faint?" you asked in a weak, trembling voice."It won’t interfere with the examination. If you want, I can give you something to strengthen you," he replied matter-of-factly.You wanted to nod, but before you could say anything, Silco pushed away from the wall and stepped closer."No. I know what you have available. Even trace amounts of shimmer are dangerous," he interrupted firmly, maintaining a serious tone, then turned to you. "You can take this."At first glance, it might have seemed like Silco was forcing you to endure these tests beyond your limits while denying you any relief from your suffering. But you knew better. Even those few words showed how well he understood you. He knew you didn’t want anything to do with shimmer ever again. He believed in you. He believed you could do it because you were stronger than it seemed.It was fascinating how accurately he read your thoughts and feelings. You nodded and took a deep breath. Your heart, which had been pounding wildly before, started to beat more steadily."This will take a while. Lie down comfortably, if you want. I’ll take the first sample to my colleagues," Rey said, trying to calm you down.You wanted it to work, but at that moment, the only thing you wished for was to rip the needle out of your arm and forget you had ever agreed to this madness."Sir, could you wait in another…" Rey began hesitantly, glancing at Silco."No," Silco interrupted, never taking his eyes off you.Rey threw him a surprised glance as he left with the sample. He was probably wondering who you were, since Silco seemed so concerned about your condition. You wanted to analyze it, try to understand what Rey might have been thinking, but exhaustion and blood loss brought on a tempting drowsiness. You fought it for a moment, but that battle had already been lost from the start. *** Waking up was always different. Sometimes you realized you weren’t asleep anymore before you even opened your eyes, and sometimes something – usually Sevika – would jerk you out of your dreams. This time was different. You felt tingling in your arms, numb legs, and a strange pulsing in your head. You didn’t know how long you had been unconscious. For a moment, you weren’t sure where you were, but the smell of chemicals in the air and the bright light above your head reminded you of what had happened before, leaving you with your heart pounding against your ribs.You turned your head and, with a mixture of relief and surprise, noticed that you weren’t alone. Realizing that Silco must have been watching over you the whole time you were asleep made you feel a little embarrassed. There was something oddly pleasant about it, but also unsettling. You wanted to pull yourself up, but your hands refused to obey. On your shoulder, you noticed three bandages – clearly, Rey needed more samples while you were sleeping. You didn’t trust him, but the presence of Silco by your side reassured you that Rey hadn’t done anything against your will.“You stayed,” you whispered, your voice tired.“Why are you so surprised?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.“I’m not. It was an observation,” you replied with a faint smile, lowering your legs to the floor.The change of position caused a brief dizziness, but not strong enough to be ignored. You had expected worse effects – nausea, muscle pain – but everything seemed fine. You clenched your fists a few times, testing their strength. The injection sites tingled slightly, but otherwise, you felt good.“What did I miss?” you asked, wanting to break the silence.“Not much. Four blood draws. Rey left with the last sample half an hour ago. The results should be ready soon.”The fact that everything was nearing its end made it easier to breathe. The weight you had been carrying started to slowly disappear.“You really should rest,” you noted, looking at him.He seemed increasingly tired, his posture slightly more slumped than usual.“I’ll rest when I’m sure you’re safe,” he replied calmly, with his usual determination.Being with him in moments like this was difficult. His care and protectiveness made everything in you scream to find a way to get closer. But Silco always kept his distance, making it all the more frustrating. You had wanted to ask him something for a long time – something that had been on your mind since the last meeting – but before you could gather the courage, the door slammed open.Rey walked in as if he owned the place. You wanted to shout at him to leave, but before you could say anything, his words changed the mood in the room.“You’re not sleeping. That’s good,” he began with a noticeable relief. “We’ve checked everything we could for now, and I’m happy to say there’s no trace of shimmer in your system. Your blood is clean, the drug isn’t lingering anywhere. As you said, we noticed signs of cell breakdown, but the mutations remain a mystery. Of course, there’s a long way ahead for your body to fully regenerate,” he was reviewing the results, as if looking for something else to add, but eventually, he shrugged and smiled. “You’re healthy. A little battered inside, but your life isn’t at risk anymore from that strain. Is there anything else I can do for you?”“Can you leave us alone?” you asked slowly, feeling your voice tremble.Rey didn’t argue. He left a stack of papers with the detailed results on the bed beside you, then quickly exited, closing the door behind him. You hadn’t felt such relief in a long time. All the stress about the future seemed to fade with each passing second. The feeling of freedom – real freedom – was almost overwhelming.For the first time in weeks, you were healthy.You covered your face with your hands, feeling a few tears fall down your cheeks without permission. You laughed softly, a bit hysterically. You didn’t know what the future held, but – oh God – these coming days could be the best in a long time.“This is… oh God, I don’t even know if you can imagine the scale of relief I’m feeling right now. I feel better than after the first dose, if that’s even possible,” you said, your voice sounding like a mixture of joy and relief.Silco nodded slightly, smiling reservedly. He moved closer until he was almost within arm’s reach.“We have to go. Reality won’t wait.”You jumped off the bed with more energy than you should have. You forgot that despite feeling perfectly fine, your body still needed to rebuild its lost blood supply. Your legs buckled beneath you, and the world spun. Silco reacted instinctively – he reached out and caught you at the waist, preventing you from falling. He staggered slightly, groaning quietly from the effort, but didn’t let go. Even at the edge of exhaustion, he had enough strength to support you.For a brief moment, you were dangerously close. The air around you filled with the familiar scent of cardamom. You remembered the moment when he had been just as close – when he kissed you. Thoughts flooded your mind, but this time, you weren’t going to pull away.You quickly stood up, straightened your back, but didn’t move a step away from him. This moment was too important to interrupt. You were tempted to rest your head on his chest, to feel his calmness, but instead, you gathered the courage to ask the question you had been carrying for so long.“Why is this so difficult for you?”Silco furrowed his brow, his face darkening.“What are you talking about?”Reluctantly, you took a step to the side. You had to see his face when you said it. You thought you saw a flash of disappointment in his eyes when you moved away.“You said you wanted to give me the answer I deserve. But how can you know what that answer is if I don’t even know what I deserve? I only know that it’s hard for me to show you my feelings when you keep your distance from me. I never said I didn’t want your closeness. It’s you who sees it in black and white: either everything or nothing. I just want to know if you feel something for me. And I don’t mean caring about my health.”You didn’t expect him to answer immediately. He remained silent for a long moment. You could see him clenching his jaw, as if the words were struggling to break free, but something was holding him back. You knew he was fighting with himself, but you couldn’t tell what was winning that battle.“The last time I admitted to myself that someone was important to me… those people lost their lives. I won’t make that mistake again,” he finally said, his voice low and hoarse, as if breaking under the weight of memories.You looked at him, feeling a mixture of irritation and pain.“You’re starting to make sense,” you remarked, dissatisfied with his vague answer. “Is our relationship a mistake?”“Don’t twist my words,” he replied firmly, but with clear tension. “The truth is, anyone who gets close to me dies. It’s something I have to live with.”“I don’t plan on dying,” you said, shrugging slightly.You had been close to death too many times not to know how good life tasted. With him, it could taste even better.“You don’t understand,” he whispered with a quiet persistence you hadn’t seen before. “I can’t let anyone hurt you. Let alone me hurt you.”That was too much. You smiled faintly, then took a step toward him. You heard him trying to control his breath. His eyes widened slightly when you approached, but he didn’t move. You found a little satisfaction in seeing his uncertainty – it was rare in his behavior.“Well, good thing you’re not the one deciding that,” you said gently, feeling that maybe you were finally getting through to him.“What now?”“I know exactly how much you love to have control over everything. But not in this case. You won’t decide for me whether you’re worth the risk because my answer will always be the same. I’ve already told you, you’re worth waiting for.”The distance between you was a breath apart. So little, and yet, a chasm. You saw his gaze focus on your face, as if looking for signs of uncertainty. But your determination confused him. You were ready to stand like this for hours if necessary.He was the first to look away. You had the feeling he was embarrassed by losing control of the conversation. He avoided your gaze as if he feared you’d see something he wasn’t ready to say aloud. You waited for him to say something more, to cross the boundary he had set for himself, but the silence seemed endless.You took a deep breath, deciding you wouldn’t push. Not now. If he was going to open up, he had to do it on his own terms.“Well, since reality won’t wait… What’s my task?” you finally asked, your voice calm, though there was a note of determination in it.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

You were just as naive as you suspected.No, not because of your faith in him. Sitting there for hours locked in the cell, you tried to sort out your emotions. You thought you knew what you felt, but what you thought was deep was just the tip of the iceberg. Silco was closed off and rarely allowed himself to show real emotions. You understood that—someone in his position had to be sure of their actions, showing neither weakness nor hesitation. But whatever had happened in his past had forever defined his attitude toward close relationships.You’d lived in Zaun all your life, but you never cared about what was happening in the city. You didn’t even know of his existence until he reached for power. A brutal industrialist, a man with clear goals, who wasn’t afraid to reach for them at any cost. He was ruthless and cruel—you doubted Zaun knew any other way.But that wasn’t everything.Today, you saw something new in him—the fear of being hurt again. He had built impenetrable walls around himself. The Zaun community saw only what he allowed them to see. You were curious about what had happened in his past. If close people once surrounded him, it meant he hadn’t always been so cold and distant. Did he lose them in tragic circumstances? Was it then that something inside him broke? Maybe it was from that pain that the monster everyone now saw was born?The image of The Eye of Zaun was certainly convenient and effective. It was the only way for others to take him seriously, with fear. You realized that, in truth, you knew very little about him—only what he had chosen to reveal to you. On your way back to grab the equipment for the mission, you tried to recall whether you had ever heard anything more about him than rumors filled with fear. You were starting to feel a burning need to know him better.You hadn’t intended to ask people about the details of his past—you knew that information belonged to him, and he was reluctant to share it. But you wanted to know who he was before he became the most dangerous man in the underground.That thought wouldn’t leave you. You were facing a demanding task—you had to study the tunnels, outline the entrances and escape routes, gather information about patrols and guards. That should have been your priority. But that curiosity sat under your skin, scratching at you from the inside, until it felt like your brain was itching. The only relief could come from answers to the questions multiplying in your head.You felt the pull of duty clash with your fascination. Every moment spent in these thoughts seemed like a betrayal of the trust placed in you. They believed you’d handle the task, and you had to set aside the desire to understand Silco for a moment.However, you couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping through your fingers like rushing water. Moments blurred into one another too quickly for you to organize them. From the very beginning, everything had been moving at a dizzying pace, but in the last few days, the chaos seemed to be growing. Paradoxically, you had wanted this. You’d complained that when you had no tasks, you spent your time worrying about things you no longer had control over. And when they finally assigned you something serious, it bothered you that you couldn’t think in peace.Absurd.You didn’t know what would be useful today. You had a day to gather information. The closer you got to the action, the smaller the chance the enemy would change their patterns. Following a lone person and reporting their steps was one thing, but planning an escape route for a whole group—that was a whole different level of responsibility. Their lives depended on the quality of your information.The stress was beginning to show. You had to set aside the lockpicks for a moment, stop checking their condition, and focus on calming your breath. You’d never suspected you could work in a team. You’d spent your whole life working alone. Even during thefts, no one accompanied you—if things went wrong, you were the only one who would face the consequences. Now, everything was different. A mistake on your part could cost someone else’s life. You couldn’t fail. Not again.You intensely considered the best route. Entering from the city side was out of the question—such a large group wouldn’t escape the guard’s attention. Besides, Marcus could have changed the patrol routes, ensuring that the tunnel entrances were constantly monitored. Too risky. The best option seemed to be crossing through the river—quickly and quietly. Of course, planning the entire operation wasn’t your job. Your task was to prepare possible options. However, you were getting more involved than you should have—you felt personally connected to this matter.There was only one thing bothering you: the possible contact with shimmer. You didn’t know how your body would react to it now that you were healthy. The sooner you got rid of that filth, the better. The thought of it made you nauseous. You were glad your role in the mission didn’t require direct contact with that awful, sweet-sticky smell.Your thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the opening of the door. The lockpicks you had carefully packed spilled onto the floor.“Damn it,” you muttered, not even looking to see who had interrupted you. “What now?”“Hold off on leaving,” you heard a familiar voice.You glanced to the side and saw Sevika standing in the doorway.“What? Why?” you asked, growing more frustrated.Sevika stepped inside, slamming the door behind her. She looked tired—probably still hadn’t rested from the previous night.“Someone claims they saw Lacey in the Lower City. Marcus is apparently on edge and issued new orders. There are guards all over the bridges. They’re checking everyone trying to get into the Upper City. You won’t be able to get through now.”You tossed your backpack onto the desk and slumped heavily into the chair.“Great news,” you muttered angrily. “What now?”Sevika shrugged, completely unfazed by your tone.“If you’ve got an idea, now’s the time to share it. If not, sit your ass down and wait for the patrol change.”You sighed heavily. It was only getting close to evening. The first shift change wasn’t until 10 p.m. Last time, you managed to sneak by because of the weather, but tonight it was forecast to be quiet and calm. You’d have to pull some serious acrobatics to avoid them. You could take a longer route and try through Green District, but you weren’t sure if there were guards there as well. The risk was too high.“Damn it,” you cursed quietly, knowing time was slipping through your fingers. “Thanks for the warning.”You had a day to find a few entry points, but your original plan had involved checking everything in detail. Maybe you’d discover something more about Marcus’s plans or the factories producing shimmer. But with these patrols, you were losing precious hours. You had to change your strategy and take the risk.“And that’s it?” Sevika asked in surprise. “No throwing chairs at the wall? Did they swap you or what?”“What do you mean?” you asked, feeling like you missed something.Sevika squinted, looking at you suspiciously. You knew that look – it was a mix of distrust and analysis."You know what? No. I'm leaving. If you're this calm and even thanking me, it gives me the chills."She raised her hands in a gesture of surrender and then headed for the door. That’s when you realized you were standing in front of someone who might know the most about Silco.You jumped up, knocking over the chair."What was he like?"Sevika stopped halfway and looked at you in disbelief."Who are you talking about now?""Silco."You noticed her shoulders tense slightly. The question must have caught her off guard. Sevika knew something was going on between you and Silco, but she never asked for details."Why do you want to know?""I’m curious about who I’m working with. That’s all."Sevika raised an eyebrow, as if trying to assess whether you were serious."You’re full of shit. What do you really want?"You sighed heavily, sat back down, and looked down. Sevika was too sharp to be fooled."Since I’ve been here, everything’s been happening too fast. I just realized today that... I don’t know him beyond what he shows me. I know he works for Zaun, but I don’t know who he was before that. I want to understand. I want to understand him."Sevika squinted, as if trying to find some hidden meaning in your words. Then she shook her head in disbelief."You’re crazy," she scoffed. "I thought you two were just sleeping together, but you really want something more... I knew you weren’t right in the head, but not this bad.""And what’s so weird about that?" you asked, trying to hide your irritation."No one in their right mind would throw themselves into this voluntarily. If you want to know, ask him.""I can’t," you admitted quietly. "Listen, if you don’t want to talk, that’s fine, but don’t mock me. I really care."Sevika straightened up and crossed her arms over her chest."Not my business," she said firmly. "I don’t gossip about Silco. What you know should be enough.""It’s not enough," you replied bitterly. "He doesn’t let anyone close, but sometimes I feel like I see something through the cracks in the mask he wears every day. I don’t know if it’s real or if I’m imagining it. I don’t even know why I care, but... I can’t stop thinking about it."Sevika didn’t answer immediately. She studied you for a moment in silence and then sat on the bed beside you."You’re stubborn," she stated, and there was no mockery in her voice anymore."Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment," you joked weakly.She sighed heavily."I don’t know everything," she began slowly. "What happened had already happened before I joined him. But what I do know is enough to understand why he is the way he is. Vander’s death didn’t affect him? Bullshit. Of course, it did."You looked up, surprised by her tone. Sevika spoke calmly, but there was a hint of anger in her voice."Vander," she began, as if weighing each word. "He was someone. Not just for the people from the lower city, but for him too. They fought side by side, planned Zaun’s future together. Like brothers. But Vander changed his mind. Maybe he was scared, maybe he thought it was better to live in a cage than risk everything. And Silco... he couldn’t accept that.""So... what happened?"Sevika shook her head, as if wondering whether she should even answer."Vander betrayed him. Not openly, but with his actions. After what happened on the bridge, he let the enforcers rule Zaun. Instead of fighting, he started to negotiate. Silco couldn’t let that slide. When push came to shove... he killed him."You were stunned."He did it himself?""Yes," Sevika replied coldly. "He kept his cool and did what had to be done. If he hadn’t, Zaun wouldn’t have stood a chance. Vander was in the way. Silco put the cause above his personal relationships. As always."You tried to say something, but the words wouldn’t come."That wasn’t the plan," Sevika added, noticing your silence. "But when it came to making the decision, he did it. That’s why people respect him. That’s why I respect him."Sevika stood up, and you still felt the weight of her words."Fuck, I’ve said too much," she muttered, heading for the door. "You want to understand? Look at his actions, not what he says. That’s the only advice I can give you."You were left alone, with thoughts that suddenly felt much heavier. You probably regretted asking the question. You found out... something, and now your head was full of thoughts, which in light of your mission seemed like a particularly stupid move even for you. Sevika told you to wait before crossing to the other side until the guards left their posts, but that didn’t mean you had to sit in four walls. You needed air, something that would blow away the unnecessary thoughts from your mind. Maybe you’d notice something useful?You slung your bag over one shoulder and left before Sevika decided she hadn’t said everything and stopped you for longer. You were halfway down the stairs when you saw Sara. You didn’t see her on the floors that often. She looked a bit stressed, but lately, she had that expression a lot. Maybe she was picking up the mood from others? When she saw you, she clearly breathed a sigh of relief and came closer."Finally! I’ve been looking for you since morning.""Did something happen?""I told them I wasn’t doing it, but they insisted," she sighed, somewhat disappointed. "I have to tell you that your friend woke up and asked about you."You froze instantly. Lacey... another item on your to-do list."Oh, right... thanks," you replied slowly, and mechanically began to descend further."I don’t know who it was, but I already told you that I don’t want to know anything about what you do."She joined you on the way down. She put her hands in her pockets and made a disgusted face, twisting her nose."It’s more personal than professional," you muttered, your thoughts far away.Sara stopped at the top of the stairs, now more curious than irritated. She didn’t ask, and you had no intention of telling her who Lacey was. You knew you had to go to her and deliver the bad news, but no matter how much guilt gnawed at you from the inside, you couldn’t put her first. You had too much on your mind to give her a definite answer. *** Sevika wasn't lying – it wasn't that you didn't trust her, but seeing it with your own eyes was a completely different experience. The day was drawing to a close, and you still had two hours until the change of guards. Just a few minutes before the guards would return to their posts. You could risk sneaking past, bribing them, or running away, but if they had your details, they could grab you without asking. Marcus had assured you that the guards would stop hunting you, but you would trust yourself to starve over the sheriff any day. Going back to Stillwater as a prisoner was the last thing you wanted, but falling into Finn’s hands seemed even worse.People crowded in lines, eager to get back to their business as soon as possible. With each passing minute, they became more impatient. Well... why not? You counted about twenty people standing in a row, and a crowd of onlookers gathered around them. The guards were ripping off people's hats, making sure it wasn’t Lacey. Of course, because a hunched old man could be the sought-after 40-year-old woman. You rolled your eyes but quickly clenched your fists as you saw a guard push the old man to his knees. Was this supposed to be the "concern for public good"? Bullshit.Standing against the wall wouldn’t magically get you to upper city.That was the spark. You heard irritated whispers around you that were growing louder, turning into quiet grumbles of anger. The guards were getting impatient, and their increasing aggression was escalating the situation. People were responding more and more angrily. It only took one more push. You backed up into one of the alleys, where you found an empty bottle among the trash. You weighed it in your hand, briefly assessing your plan. You couldn’t wait for the guards to graciously let up. If Marcus was panicking over Lacey, they might have the guards block the passage for even a week. You needed chaos.You pulled your scarf over your face and blended into the shadows of the buildings. The guard post was wedged into a recess near one of the tenements. It didn’t belong here – it looked too Piltover-ish. Its straight walls reminded you that even here, you weren’t free. The guards treated Zaun like a playground where they could vent their frustrations. Well, one more broken window wouldn’t surprise anyone.You swung your arm and threw the bottle. It flew in an arc, shattering against the corner of the window. Glass scattered on the ground. Someone screamed. Panic broke out in the crowd – people started shoving each other. Some ran away, but most started shouting at the guards, provoking them even more. No one knew who started this little rebellion.Seeing the crowd move toward the bridge, the guards abandoned their posts, trying to regain control of the situation. This was your chance. Using the confusion, you slipped into the shadows and made your way to the bridge.The streetlights were bright, each one could betray you. You didn’t notice the puddle right next to one of the pillars – you slipped, bracing your hand against the stone pillar to steady yourself. You had to escape, get as far as you could before anyone noticed you.Out of the corner of your eye, you saw flowers lying on the ground, right next to one of the pillars. Memories hit you suddenly and painfully. You grimaced, flinched. This wasn’t the time for mistakes.Quickly, you disappeared into the mist that was slowly settling over the road. Memories still echoed in your mind. That peculiar unease – as if you were reliving the same scene again, noticing something you missed before. But not now. The task was the most important. You pulled your hood down deeper over your face and quickened your pace.You planned to enter the tunnels as you always did – from the city side. When you were on the edge of visibility, you noticed that everything on this side was calm. A man walked ahead of you – the same one that the guard had treated brutally earlier. No one paid you any attention, convinced that the officers on the other side were keeping the order.You suppressed a bitter smile and lowered your head. You had known for a while that the guards had no respect for the people of Zaun, but you wondered if it had always been this bad or if you were only just starting to notice more facts.You blended into the crowd. You passed people hurrying to their comfortable homes, completely disconnected from what was happening right under their noses. Ignorance, after all, was a luxury.You were concerned about the increased number of guards on the streets, but they could just as easily be securing themselves for the upcoming chancellor’s birthday celebrations. You felt bitterness, knowing that no one in the lower city was talking about it. Salo invited everyone to the celebration, but between the lines, it was clear that this invitation didn’t include the residents of Zaun. The guards would definitely not let anyone from the lower city in.Using the same entrance all the time was becoming increasingly risky. You were quick and experienced in hiding, but sooner or later, someone would look down that alley faster than you thought. You were tempting fate more and more each time. This was supposed to be the last time. You knew that such moments triggered recklessness in people. The closer to the end of the task, the less care was put into the work. You had purposely caused chaos to buy more time and check every route thoroughly. They were counting on you, you didn’t need better motivation. Without waiting for the right moment, you slipped inside and quickly hid in the shadow of the stairs. The weight of responsibility only heightened the stress and fatigue. Your head was spinning from the overload of information. Moreover, you hadn’t rested like you should have after the tests. You probably hadn’t even eaten anything before leaving. It was foolish on your part, but some things couldn’t wait until you felt better.You paused for a moment. Silco had given you a day. Pushing yourself wouldn’t help; someone would catch you, and you’d undo all your progress. A moment of rest wouldn’t hurt. You sat on the step and rested your head against the cool wall. The flowers wouldn’t let you rest. You had passed this way many times, but hadn’t paid attention to the memorials. After all these years, people still remembered what happened and left something to remind them and others of the tragedy that occurred that day. Memory was a powerful tool. As long as at least one person remembered what the guards were capable of, the anger against them would never subside. You didn’t want to forget either, but the rebellion didn’t concern you. You had no one to remember.That rebellion, the fight... something happened then that split Silco and Vander. Something so strong that it kept resentment between them for many years. You knew that bringing it up with him was out of the question. It was something he would tell you of his own volition when he got rid of the burden of memories. If that was even possible after such a betrayal. You knew that Silco was very sensitive when it came to trust, no wonder he had completely cut himself off from Vander after something like that. Whatever that man did, whatever pushed him to make peace with the sheriff, it had torn him apart from Silco. Was the decision worth it?Damned flowers...You quickly stood up, feeling that if you allowed yourself one more minute of rest, you’d fall asleep standing. You adjusted your backpack and focused all your attention on marking the route. The first option was, of course, to enter from the beach side. Not very safe, and in case of a getaway, it would slow the whole team down. You hadn’t asked how many people would be in the team for the task, but you figured it would be at least ten. There were at least fifty barrels there. They could spill or set them on fire, but it was certain that one person couldn’t handle it. If a fight broke out, someone would have to defend the others.Several minutes later, you stood by the stone slab, knowing there was no way they could use this entrance. You barely fit, let alone the muscle-bound brutes. You moved it slightly and began listening carefully. For a moment, your heart skipped a beat.You were healthy, but what if the mutations disappear or shrink? No, that’s not possible. It was a cellular-level change, something that couldn’t just be reversed. Your body might return to its previous state someday, and you might stop seeing better in the dark. No one could say why the shimmer had such an effect on you. You suspected that even the doctors might have trouble with that. As long as you could, you needed to use these skills for your cause. However, another visit to Rey awaited you...You didn’t hear any sounds from below. You forced out the fear of the mutations fading and jumped down to the next floor. Almost mechanically, you opened the door for yourself, leaving it open this time in case you needed to escape quickly. You told yourself to think. To the left was Zarys' old lab; you didn’t want to go back there yet, but to the right, the hallway ended with a steep drop. If you went down there, you wouldn’t get out of the sewers the same way. The shimmer mutated you, but unfortunately, it didn’t give you the ability to fly or walk on walls. One deep breath later, you turned left. You didn’t like how exposed you were. The lamps shone constantly, casting a cold, somewhat dim light on the walls. You had nowhere to hide if someone came from the opposite direction. You meticulously noted every branch and checked them immediately, knowing that the further you went, the more dangerous it would become. You hadn’t ventured this far before. Lately, you had been moving very instinctively.You found the first exit after an hour of searching. A spiral staircase led to the top. Through a grate in the ceiling, you could see the sky. You climbed slowly, trying to step as quietly as possible. The hatch was closed, but the lock shouldn’t be a problem. You hoped at least one person in the team would know how to pick locks. Despite your involvement, you preferred not to be here when things turned hostile. With your luck, something would probably go wrong.Once at the top, you saw houses through the gaps; nothing special, but your attention was drawn to a statue. It depicted a man holding a book in his hand. You couldn’t read who it was from where you were, but with a map later, you’d be able to find this entrance quickly. Flowers grew around it... Why did that suddenly come to mind? You shook your head, irritated by your own distraction. Going to the surface would be risky; you didn’t know what awaited you up there. You quickly jotted down the pros and cons of this exit and went back down.This wasn’t the end.You felt a little more confident in your role. You needed a little adrenaline rush to get back on track. You felt like you were doing something useful. You peeked around the corner and observed your surroundings for a moment. You thought you heard voices, but you weren’t sure. You moved cautiously forward. You stopped for a moment, remembering which direction you had been heading. If your memory wasn’t failing you and you had remembered the path correctly, you were heading north toward the university. The tunnels stretched beneath the entire city. This web of connections was both fascinating and dangerous. It was so easy to get lost in them.But your hearing didn’t fail you.You stood at a junction of two corridors, wondering which branch to check first, when you heard a soft hum of conversation. A slight excitement gave you strength, but you had to be careful not to provoke recklessness. You could hear better, but you didn’t know who was having the conversation. Confidence was one thing, safety – something else.You directed your steps toward the sounds, hoping to overhear something useful.“Give it to me before I smack you!”You stopped, clearly hearing the words. That was the limit – you shouldn’t approach any closer.“Get lost, you gave me that cigarette, so don’t try to grab me. Focus on guarding the entrance.”The voices fell silent, and you felt a strong sense of disappointment. You didn’t spend hours in the tunnels just to overhear a cigarette argument. You nervously shifted your weight from one leg to the other, knowing you should continue searching, but you deliberately hesitated, hoping they’d say something else. You sighed and took a step back just as they started talking again.“How long is she going to be there?” The man was clearly irritated.“Hell if I know. The boss called her up suddenly, probably something urgent.”“You think they… you know?”“Fuck no, I don’t even want to imagine it.”One of them chuckled grotesquely, and then you heard the sound of a lighter being flicked. You really shouldn’t be listening to this.“Hey, just tell me what exactly they’re after.”“Who? The boss?”“You haven’t been here recently, we keep getting new orders. Move this, don’t move that... how long is this going to go on!” he groaned loudly. “Tell me you know more about this.”You leaned in a little more. Marcus apparently hadn’t shared his plans with them, and their frustration had led to this conversation. God, you loved gossipers.“Well, this whole thing stinks. Do you even know what’s in those barrels?”“No, when Hugo grabbed one, the guy pointed a gun at him, told him not to come near the goods. How the hell are we supposed to move this stuff?”“I overheard a conversation between the boss and the chemist. It’s fucking shimmer, but apparently some other kind. Highly addictive.”Shimmer...You knew Marcus produced this stuff, but… it couldn’t be that version, right? It’s not the half-finished product you used… or was it? Your head spun. Fifty barrels filled to the brim with a substance that was addictive and deadly within days. And Marcus wanted to move it closer to the main pipeline and... blow it up.God, please don’t let this be what you think it is.“You’re kidding me? I don’t want to touch that shit! Let them carry it themselves. If he wants to make it explode, let him do it.”“I don’t like it either, but the money’s good. Wonder where the sheriff got the cash for this.”Impatience was tearing at your head. You could feel all your tense muscles itching to break into a run, grab one of them, and force them to talk about something useful instead of gossiping about what you already knew. You were wasting time listening to information you already had. But even if there was a small chance they’d say something else, you wanted to hold onto it. You justified your behavior by telling yourself that if they left, you’d have another entry to add to the report.You tried to push thoughts of Sevika, Silco, Vander – everything unrelated to what you were doing – out of your head. But it wasn’t that easy. The voices in your head seemed to grow louder. “Why did he do it? How could he? Was that the only way?” You took a deep breath, trying to focus on the hum of conversation coming from the end of the hallway. But the more you tried to quiet your mind, the louder Sevika’s words echoed in your head: “Don’t look at his words, look at his actions.” Actions that had brought him here. Actions that once seemed cold and heartless, but now... you weren’t so sure anymore."Focus, damn it," you whispered to yourself as you slowly moved toward the voices, making sure you didn't miss anything. You had no right to be distracted. Not here. Not now.You heard a faint creak, identical to the sound made by the door you entered the tunnels through nearly two hours ago. You strained your ears, waiting for answers."Alright, gentlemen, it's decided," a woman spoke. You didn't recognize her voice. "We're postponing the transport deadline."You felt a chill."Hold on, hold on, not so fast, ma'am. This is going to cost extra. Our people are in the lower city. It'll take us a while to gather them. We deserve some compensation for this rush, right?""That's a question for the boss. I'm just passing along orders. You'll set off with the shipment tomorrow before noon. A boat's been arranged for you; the previous route isn't safe anymore.""Shit, I hate swimming..." one of them groaned."Then quit and stop bothering me," she snarled. "You'll leave the barrels inside. Two of you will keep guard on the goods non-stop until the event.""What's the point of moving them now if you still want to blow it all up in two days?""I don't pay you to ask questions," she growled again, clearly exhausted."Exactly, your boss pays us. So if you want the job done right, you'll tell us everything we need to know, or you can carry those barrels on your own. I don't care."A silence fell. The woman must have been considering her conversation partner's words, searching for a bluff, but if they were from Zaun, like you suspected, they were telling the truth. You recognized that tone."Fine. What do you need to know?""Why the change in plans? We need to tell the rest of the team something.""After Zarys' death, his workshop was searched. Some of his notes and journals are missing. We suspect Zarys was working with Silco from the start. If he knows about our plans, we need to move the goods to a safer location."A few seconds later, one of them scoffed derisively."Seriously? That idiot was making deals with Silco? Lady, trust me. If Silco knew, he would have killed Zarys himself. Do you think he would have waited until you finished gathering supplies to set him up? You're attacking him, but you have no idea who you're fighting."You suppressed a snicker. That was true. Silco could be calm and think several steps ahead, but he was also impulsive and brutal—when the situation demanded it. You noticed that in his stance when you realized Marcus was behind everything. He wasn't angry; it was cold fury and calculated restraint, knowing how to stop Marcus. He didn't see Marcus as a worthy opponent, more like a spoiled child who wanted more, even though he'd already been smacked. Only the mutual connections kept him from going after Marcus directly. Before dealing with him, he had to take everything Marcus used to attack him. He needed to strip Marcus of any evidence of Silco's possible guilt."Not for me to decide. Is that all, or can I get back to matters that don't concern you?""Don't get so high and mighty. I got it. Tomorrow before noon. Boat. Guarding the goods," he added lightly. "Remember, we know who you are. If even a single coin is missing, we'll find you."Good old threats. You pressed yourself against one of the walls as you heard footsteps approaching. There was nowhere to run. You could only step back a little and try to blend into the wall, hoping she wouldn’t think to look around. You were in serious danger right now. Your heart was pounding wildly. The sound of heels clicking on the stone floor grew louder. She was alone—good. If necessary, you should be able to incapacitate her.You waited, breathless. Then, she appeared. She kept her head down, her gaze fixed on the documents she was carrying. You were tempted to sneak up behind her and knock her unconscious the way Sevika had shown you, but no one should know you were here. However, those documents might contain valuable information.No, you had to resist acting impulsively. You hadn't gotten anywhere good with impulsive actions before. You were supposed to check the routes and patrols, that was all. It was hard to break old habits, but you trusted Silco—he wouldn't give you this task without a reason. Although, in light of what you just learned, the task seemed less meaningful. You wanted to report back to him as soon as possible, but both exits were blocked. This couldn’t wait. But stumbling around aimlessly also didn’t make sense. You didn’t know if you'd find another exit or if you'd run into more people.It was a shame you didn't know more about the thugs Marcus had hired. You suspected their only value was money, and they’d work for whoever offered more. But just a name wouldn’t be enough to find them and bribe them. You didn’t even know what they looked like. You wished it was that simple.The safest option seemed to be to retrace your steps. You knew the route and had found an exit no one used. If you could make it there in one piece. Worst case, you'd have to escape to a narrow beach and maybe climb the wall.They were moving the goods..."Damn it," you muttered softly.You didn’t have time to analyze her words. Silco had to know before the day started. His people were on standby, and it didn’t make sense to wait for the goods in the tunnels if they were going to be taken away in a few hours. You had to attack the Magistral directly.You turned and walked down the same path you had come from. You trusted that the loud clicking of her heels would drown out your steps. Even at night, you knew how to get to Zaun using the exit you knew. You didn’t have time to sneak around Piltover. Not when you carried information that could change the whole game.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Why now?Those flowers grew everywhere. They were one of those resilient species that could sprout even between stones if given the slightest bit of space. She always brought them home when she returned from the city. That day, you waited at the table until late into the night. When you woke up in the morning, stiff from sleeping in the chair and chilled to the bone, you noticed the flowers were no longer in the vase. She was gone too.You didn’t know why she suddenly came to mind.You’d managed to slip back into Zaun unnoticed. You knew you had to report to Silco urgently and inform him of the transport date change. That was your task, your duty. But your legs refused to cooperate. "Just a moment longer," you kept telling yourself. You wanted to chase the thought down before it slipped away, drowned out by the next wave of urgent matters.You couldn’t even remember the name of those flowers. You stopped at the edge of the bridge and glanced sideways, as if to confirm you weren’t imagining things. But there they were—slightly wilted and damp. The blue petals had already begun to fall. You crouched beside them and tentatively picked one up from the ground. You wondered who had left them there. And for whom. They were so delicate you could barely feel their texture between your fingers. Too bad you couldn’t remember their scent.You lifted your gaze to the lanterns. The candles burned steadfastly despite the dreary sky and clammy air. The sight moved you, but not in the way you expected. Instead of nostalgia, you felt a rising irritation. You weren’t even sure who you were angry at. So many years had passed, and yet people still remembered. Someone must have been here, lighting a candle or leaving a note. So much blood, pain, and planning—for what? That rebellion had brought nothing but death and the loss of loved ones.It was easy to blame one man. Vander or Silco. You were starting to see the divide—two sides of the same coin. Both had wanted the same thing, but their methods differed. Vander understood that aggression begets aggression, that people, once subdued, wouldn’t be eager to sacrifice themselves. The enforcers, backed by the council, had the upper hand. Silco? He wanted results immediately, to demonstrate strength and deter Piltover.But dwelling on the past wouldn’t change anything. Now it was far easier to look ahead, unburdened by the constant specter of a torturous death. Before, you hadn’t even thought about his plans. All that had consumed your mind was vengeance against Zarys and ridding yourself of shimmer. Now all of that had suddenly become your problem.It felt like waking up. Like breaking free from a nightmare of violet liquid and seeing reality. You didn’t blame yourself—you’d done what you had to in order to survive. You’d been given a second chance. You couldn’t waste it.And yet you still couldn’t move.Frowning, you stared at the blue petals. Why did they draw you in like this? It was as if they wanted to remind you of something. You thought of the rebellion, but that wasn’t it.Was it about him? About the time he’d said everyone who got close to him ended up dead? Sevika had warned you, but you hadn’t paid attention then. You knew Silco had blood on his hands, but that was the first time you’d heard about someone he’d killed personally. It must have shaken him. Probably because they had once been close.Sometimes you regretted not knowing Vander. People always exaggerate the virtues of the dead in their stories. You’d only ever heard good things about him. He was respected, and people held back from acting unless he gave the order. Silco? The rumors about him were always the same—dangerous, ruthless, merciless. And they were right.But Vander’s actions had their cost too. Instead of rallying people who would follow him into the fire, he chose his children. Admirable... probably. You’d heard it was his children who caused the explosion in Piltover, enraging the council. His decision might have drawn the enforcers down upon you and other innocents. And the enforcers didn’t hesitate to throw children behind bars.Thinking about those choices, you began to shape your own stance. It was easy to detach from sentimentality since you hadn’t known Vander. The enforcers, though? You knew them all too well. Their brutality, their impunity. You knew what they did to people when they had a bad day.After everything you’d been through, you should have valued your own life above all else. But you’d faced death too many times to fear it anymore. You risked yourself to gather information that could save others.Then or now—knowing more about Vander and Silco—you’d still have chosen Silco.The thought stunned you. But you felt at peace. It was your decision, not one born of emotions but of clear calculation. You knew Silco had blood on his hands, but that was the price to pay to free Zaun from the enforcers and Marcus. You didn’t care for a long life. You only wanted to be able to look in the mirror and know you hadn’t been afraid to act. Besides, you weren’t innocent yourself. Maybe you didn’t have as much blood on your hands as he did, but your actions weren’t beyond reproach either. You’d long ago decided not to judge others if you weren’t spotless yourself.But that still wasn’t it.You snorted angrily and walked away from the spot. You didn’t have time to dwell on things that didn’t concern you then or now. So why were you feeling this strange anger? You’d chosen Silco... Once, that thought would have made you question your sanity. But now? You were starting to believe in this Nation of Zaun business. If your mother could see you now...“Damn it,” you growled, raising a hand to your face.It wasn’t raining, yet your cheek was wet. What nonsense. She had left you. She didn’t deserve your tears. You remembered the blue flowers on the table. They had smelled sweet too—it was the first scent that greeted you when you came home. When she was gone, all that remained was dust and the irritating stench of alcohol.It was her fault. If she hadn’t abandoned you, you wouldn’t have ended up on the streets. What you went through was brutal, cruel for a child your age. You’d never wondered what kind of person you might have been if life had turned out differently. Such musings weren’t your favorite pastime. You liked yourself—with your baggage, with everything you carried on your shoulders. You were proud you hadn’t broken under its weight.You didn’t miss her. You’d let go of that feeling long ago. But you knew it wasn’t about her as a person, but the idea of a mother itself. Oh well, it wasn’t the first or last time you’d go without. No point dwelling on it.You shook off the intrusive thoughts. This really wasn’t the time for them. You couldn’t think about yourself when hundreds of people were in danger!When you emerged from the tunnels, it was past midnight. Every time you went to him with information, you could never be certain if you’d find him in his office. It made working like this difficult, but asking where to find him felt inappropriate. If even Sevika sometimes struggled to locate him, it was clear he didn’t want to be sought out. Irresponsible, you thought, wrinkling your nose.The Last Drop loomed before you like a calm beacon. You knew Silco would want to hear the information from you, but you weren’t sure you were ready to talk to him now. You were weighed down by a wave of sudden memories, and he had an uncanny ability to sense when your thoughts were occupied by something other than work. It helped you sometimes, but it was also unsettling. One more conversation, one more exchange of information, and you could rest.The problem was that Sevika’s words still lingered in your mind. You wondered if she’d told him you’d been asking about him. Would he be angry that you wanted to know his past?You entered the Last Drop with a pensive expression etched on your face, paying little attention to your surroundings. The moment you crossed the threshold, you felt something was off. The place was nearly empty—a rare sight for this hour. A few tables were occupied by strangers whose faces you didn’t recognize. You could feel their gazes on you, though their expressions revealed no particular emotion. To them, you were just another customer.On one hand, you sometimes missed that anonymity. On the other hand, its coldness today sent a slight chill down your spine.You walked between the tables, heading toward the stairs leading to the upper floor, when a familiar voice broke your train of thought:“He’s not up there.”Relief washed over you as you turned to see Sevika, leaning against the frame of one of the side passages.“But you’re here,” you said, glancing behind her at a few curious onlookers who had their eyes fixed on you. Lowering your voice, you added, “It’s urgent.”Sevika raised an eyebrow, her gaze turning sharp.“Don’t tell me you’ve gotten yourself into trouble again.”“What? Of course not,” you retorted reflexively, though the thought of a small incident near the checkpoint flickered briefly in your mind. Still, you tried to look convincing.“So, what’s so urgent you have to tell me?” she asked, starting to walk toward the stairs.Taking that as encouragement, you followed her, skipping two steps at a time to catch up.“I’ve prepared a report, but... I’m afraid it doesn’t change anything.”Sevika stopped abruptly and turned to you.“What do you mean by that?” Her tone grew cautious.“They’ve changed the transport date. At the last minute,” you tried to speak calmly, but your words came out in a rush.Sevika narrowed her eyes, then grabbed your arm, forcing you to look her in the eye. For a moment, she scrutinized your posture—checking if you were hiding something or being overly dramatic. Finally, she cursed under her breath.“Is this some kind of joke?”You shook your head, feeling the weight of her gaze.“I don’t like it either. And if it’s what I think it is, we’re seriously screwed.”Sevika let out a heavy sigh and continued up the stairs, you trailing close behind until you both reached the upper floor. The corridor leading to Silco’s office seemed darker than usual. Sevika walked briskly, nearly ignoring you, until she stopped in front of a door that appeared closed.“Wait here,” she ordered.“But…” you began, only for Sevika to cut you off with an upraised hand.“No arguments. Stay here until we return. Don’t let anyone in, got it?”You nodded, surprised and slightly unsettled by the sharpness of her tone. She opened the door to Silco’s office and gestured for you to enter.“And don’t try anything.”It felt like she wanted to add something else, but she only shot you one last warning look before vanishing into the dim corridor, leaving you alone in the office.You stepped inside hesitantly, glancing around. The office felt lifeless, as though stripped of any vitality—only the faint glow of a desk lamp cast pale reflections on the dark wood and piles of paperwork. You heard the door shut softly behind you, cutting off the distant murmur of voices. A knot tightened in your stomach from the nerves.Finding Silco was beginning to feel like a fool’s errand. The man had a habit of vanishing and reappearing at the most unexpected times. It was unsettling, but if anyone could locate him, it was Sevika. You didn’t know how long it would take her, but you felt calmer knowing she was already informed about the transport.Exhaustion pulled at you, and the couch looked unusually inviting. You wanted to rest, but the stress drove you to pace the room, waiting to hear footsteps. Your thoughts revolved around the potential explosion. You often leaned toward pessimism, and this theory was especially grim. You needed someone rational to tell you that even a desperate man like Marcus wouldn’t dare to go that far. Yet the pieces seemed to fit together far too well.Eventually, you sat down and buried your face in your hands. This couldn’t be happening. You thought you were dealing with someone whose ego had grown too large, someone regretting their actions and seeking ways to avoid consequences. But this? This was sick.You had spent weeks trying to uncover who was behind the production of the drug. Simply discovering that Marcus was involved—and that he planned to use shimmer to blow up the main hub—had taken far too long. But what haunted you was how absurd the idea seemed. It bordered on insanity to use a drug as an explosive material. If Marcus wanted to frame Silco, there were far better, cleaner, and cheaper methods. Why bother with the hassle of creating a new variant?Today, when they mentioned the explosion, you started viewing the plan differently. No one had ever confirmed that shimmer was meant to serve as the detonator. You’d clung to that assumption without evidence. What nagged at you was the choice of the water hub as the target. There were better locations to bomb—however twisted that thought might be—places whose destruction would cause greater panic and chaos. Shimmer wasn’t even necessary for that.And yet, this variant had been created. A variant tested on prisoners. Why? Marcus clearly wanted to see how it affected people. You doubted it was some refined method of torture. This might mean the target wasn’t the water hub or the building itself but… people?At some point, you must have dozed off. The sound of the door opening pulled you out of a restless half-sleep. You leapt to your feet, not entirely awake.“I wasn’t sleeping!” you blurted instinctively, startled by the sudden need to explain yourself.Silco glanced at you sideways, raising an eyebrow slightly but refraining from any comment. Sevika, entering right behind him, looked noticeably more sullen. Without a word, she crossed the room and dropped heavily into one of the chairs.“From the beginning,” Silco’s voice was sharp, the undertone of authority forced you to pull yourself together instantly.Carefully, you sat down, aware that this would be a long conversation, followed by an even longer process of crafting a new plan. Rest loomed somewhere on the horizon, but for now, you had to focus on the task at hand.“I overheard a conversation while scouting for entrances. They’ve changed the transport date. It’s been moved to tomorrow. They plan to move the barrels by boat to the other side of the city.”“Do you know why?” he asked, his voice calm.You nodded but hesitated before answering. You shifted your gaze to him, trying to gauge how he might react to what you were about to say.“Marcus didn’t find Zarys’s notes in the lab—the ones he passed to me. He took that as proof that Zarys was working with you.”Sevika scoffed quietly, clearly amused by the absurdity of the thought, but Silco showed no emotion. In silence, he reached for a cigar, lit it, and sat still for a moment, blowing out the smoke."Do you know the exact time?" he asked finally."I only know it will be before noon. There will be at least six people there. Two will stay behind to guard the goods until the operation begins."Silco walked over to the desk, where a map was lying on top, and moved a few things aside to reveal the full layout."Even if they limit the number of boats and use the eastern beach, moving so many barrels through the city will take them half the day," he said, more to himself than to you, as if analyzing every possible scenario. After a moment, he raised his head. "We can't take the risk. A direct attack on the transport is out."He looked at Sevika."Gather the people. They need to be ready at dawn."Sevika immediately stood up, ready to follow orders, but before she could take a step, you spoke, almost instinctively:"Wait."She stopped, turning toward you with clear irritation."I have a theory. I could be wrong, but... I think I know what Marcus might be planning.""Go on," Silco raised his eyes from the map, signaling for you to continue.You took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in your head."Today, one of the men who was talking about the move said something strange. They don’t even know exactly what’s in the barrels. They only know it's a highly addictive drug. They're even afraid to touch it, so they don’t risk exposure to shimmer. It could be a half-product. The one I took."Sevika snorted, leaning back in her chair."We know that," her voice was harsh, as if she wanted to cut the conversation short. "It also burns and is easier to produce."You shook your head."No. It’s not that. Marcus tested versions developed by Zarys on prisoners. If he just wanted to burn it, he could have used the finished shimmer."You paused for a moment, trying to gather your thoughts."I didn’t understand why he needed new variants. And now... there was that explosion at the main junction...""Are you going to say it or not?" Sevika snapped.You clenched your fists and stood up to look her in the face."It doesn’t make sense to blow something up using a drug. What if they don’t want to take it out of the city? What if they want to distribute it throughout the city? Marcus didn’t test this on prisoners for no reason. What if his target is the citizens?"Silco slowly straightened, his eyes narrowing as if he analyzed your words in a fraction of a second. For a moment, it seemed you saw a flicker of panic in his gaze, but it was quickly replaced by something else—cold focus."How exactly would Marcus do that if he wants to blow it up?" Sevika looked at both of you with irritation, as if you were hiding facts from her.Silco nodded, allowing you to continue."Our theory is that they want to use it as an explosive material. This junction brings water to the entire city. Think about it—an explosion on the Chancellor’s birthday is the perfect moment for an attack. I’m starting to think that he doesn’t just want to blow up the pipeline, but use the moment to poison the water. Instead of several attacks, one in a specific place."As you said it out loud, you began to see the sense in it."Marcus operates discreetly, works with Finn, and hires people from Zaun. Even if he leaves behind traces, they’ll lead to the lower city," Silco observed. "Quite clever.""Clever?" you were outraged. "It’s the perfect way to frame someone from Zaun. No one will believe that the Piltover sheriff could have done something like this. The whole blame will fall on you! Who else is responsible for shimmer?"Silence rang in your ears. When you said those words out loud, you realized their weight. These were drastic measures—all to free yourself from Silco and, in the process, put him behind bars. You knew that for such an attack, he wouldn’t be getting out of there alive."No, Marcus isn’t brave enough to try something like that," Sevika interrupted."Marcus was manipulable, but power has given him too much confidence," Silco replied slowly, weighing his words. "He knows I have evidence that could destroy him. If he wants to get rid of me, he needs something strong, concrete evidence of my involvement in the attack. I expected more from him."You rolled your eyes, feeling your body begin to tremble from nerves. You didn’t understand why Silco was looking at this so calmly. You began pacing the office, hoping it would help ease the stress from the overload of thoughts."Alright, let’s say this is his plan," Sevika broke the silence, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Why bother with an explosion? Wouldn’t it be better to do it quietly?"That was a very good question. You turned to her, but didn’t have an answer. Indeed, why an explosion? Everyone would know when the accident happened. Doing it quietly wouldn’t risk discovery."Marcus needs a spectacle. Something that will shock the Council and terrify the citizens. A show that will not go unnoticed," Silco's voice was quiet, almost melodic, as if he were analyzing the situation from a detached perspective, as if it didn’t concern him. A shadow of a bitter smile appeared on his lips. "He’ll be able to rush in like a hero to save the day."His tone almost annoyed you. He sounded as if he admired Marcus for this crazy plan. But now was not the time to point out that Marcus wanted to destroy him, so he shouldn’t be admiring the complexity of his plan."The transport is handled by hired people," you observed after a moment of silence. "Even if they’re caught, no one will believe they were working for the sheriff. Marcus will take over the investigation and present the public with whatever he wants.""Exactly," Silco agreed with you and turned his attention to Sevika. "When this is handled, check if those were Finn’s people."Sevika nodded. It made sense. By using people from the Crime Lord, Marcus created himself a safe exit in case he couldn’t pin the blame on Silco. You doubted Finn was clever enough to notice the trickery in the sheriff’s behavior. He didn’t seem that way after your last meeting. You suspected he just needed the vision of getting Silco out of the picture."In my worst nightmares, I never suspected Marcus had the guts to dare something like this," Sevika spat through clenched teeth. "We should have gotten rid of him before he came to power. Marcus, the hero—good jokes."You shook your head, disgusted and terrified."So many people could die," you said quietly. "I know better than anyone else the pain that half-product causes. I wouldn’t lift a finger if it were just Piltover, but this also threatens our people."You bit the skin by your thumb, recalling how painful it was to prick behind your eyes. The muscle pain when you can't move, and you only dream of someone pouring more of that vile stuff into your throat.Out of the corner of your eye, you saw that Silco looked at you more intently, but you didn’t know what it could be about. Sevika also glanced at you with a strange expression on her face. You stopped in your tracks, focusing on them, but that feeling disappeared. You searched your words for something that might have triggered that reaction, but your mind went blank."Is something wrong?"Sevika shrugged and pulled out a cigarette."It took you a while," she muttered indistinctly, the object in her mouth. "About time."You blushed when you realized what she meant. A few days ago, she had pointed out, quite friendly, that you belonged to them. It was a comfortable thought, but you didn’t feel it strongly. You were glad that there was a place you could belong to, but only today did you begin to see the problems in Zaun differently. You froze a little when your thoughts began to take a dangerous turn. A certain thought was forming in you, but it was too frightening to even let it come close."Bit me," you retorted weakly, not wanting to show how her words hit the mark. You felt strangely about the idea that you were starting to lean toward ambitious plans of independence for the city."Back to our problem," Silco interrupted, ignoring your banter. "This is the main reason to stop him. Piltover will do everything for their own to save them. If this strain reaches us, it will be the beginning of Zaun's downfall."Why did it seem like it was getting darker with every passing second? In your mind’s eye, you saw hundreds of people frantically searching for their next dose to ease the pain. Piltover has doctors, scientists, and an entire academy ready to tackle the problem. When the first cases start, doctors will be scrambling to find an answer to their deteriorating condition. But you? No one would help you. You’d be left alone with this. Silco, as usual, was right. This would be the city's downfall.You remembered the man in the alley. If you don’t stop Marcus, there will be more of them, and in much worse condition. It wasn’t a pretty sight. Not everyone in Zaun was a good person, but you wouldn’t wish such pain on anyone. Well, almost no one...You managed to escape this by sheer chance. To think, the man who created the mixture was the one who helped you. You knew Zarys would return to you even after his death. But one good deed wouldn’t redeem his sins. He gave you a safe dose because he was tormented by guilt and looking for someone who could stop Marcus.That thought made you forget about breathing. Your heart pounded wildly. Right, there was still Zarys. The Zarys whose wife was in the hospital, just like his son. The son for whom he was developing the drug. You had to place your hands on your thighs and lean forward to keep from falling."And you? Gonna puke?" Sevika shot, as blunt as ever.You wanted to flip her off."We forgot something," you whispered, hoping you were wrong."What do you mean?" Silco asked, sensing you had come up with an idea."Marcus had Zarys at hand. We forgot about him because he’s dead," your words hung in the air. He looked at you with interest, giving you space to continue. You took a deep breath, trying to organize your thoughts."Remember what I said about Zarys’ experiments on prisoners?" you started slowly, weighing each word. "Zarys said Marcus was testing new strains on them. He probably didn’t do it because he has some weird kink. Zarys didn’t know what it was about. He got involved with modifying shimmer because he was looking for a cure for his son, you know?""Not at all," Sevika responded with a bored tone."Was there anything about this in his notes?" Silco asked seriously, knowing where you were heading.You reached back into your memory of his journals, but you couldn’t remember anything specific about the cure. Zarys was satisfied with the development of the drug, but that was probably it."No. Just what he told me and what I found in Marcus’s office. Silco, does he...""Want to poison the city and then save it? I’m afraid so.""Can you speak more clearly?" Sevika groaned, shifting her gaze between the two of you, clearly annoyed that she had missed something.Silco gave a slight nod, signaling for you to take over the explanation. You suspected that he preferred to focus on planning tomorrow's attack than on explaining facts he had figured out a moment earlier. But Sevika needed the answer, and you had to finish your thought."Shimmer only becomes drastic when someone starts taking too much too quickly," you said quickly, walking around the room trying to keep up with the rush of thoughts. "The half-product works instantly because of the impurities. Even a small amount can have an effect. Zarys gave me the drug. Or a different mixture, I don’t know... I took something that was one of the final versions. When I took that dose... it stopped the breakdown of cells. It worked.""Alright, and...?"Sevika looked at you with growing irritation. You continued, ignoring her:"If Marcus not only has this half-product, but also the antidote, the future of the city will depend entirely on him.""And he’ll give it only to those who can give him something," she whispered in disbelief, perfectly summarizing your statement.The silence that followed was heavy and filled to the brim with risk. Of course, you could be wrong. This whole conversation of yours was full of theories that you couldn’t confirm yet. You had to sit down from the shock. The thought made you feel nauseous."Marcus is blinded by his vision of revenge. He probably doesn’t realize how dangerous and risky what he’s doing is, and that makes him even more dangerous."You lifted your head, hearing his words. Great that he was aware of it, but wasn’t that a good enough reason to feel anger? His calmness was necessary to steer the conversation in the right direction, but you thought he was too calm."A city paralyzed by poisoned water, and he comes with the solution. He’ll have everyone in his grasp," Sevika thought aloud."This is cruel," you said with disgust. "What a monster.""Monster or not, he’s thought this through well," Silco interrupted your angry musings. "As sheriff, he’ll be obliged to handle the matter personally. The Council will give him everything he demands to end the catastrophe.""This guy has nerve. After everything we’ve done for him," Sevika growled."More likely because of what we’ve done to him. Marcus was always skeptical about cooperating with us. He found a way to free himself from us and gain favor with the residents. Who can resist the role of a hero?"You scoffed, irritated. He said it as if he didn’t care that the sheriff of Piltover was ready to sacrifice a lot of people just to get to him and find a reason to lock him away in the depths of Stillwater. Almost as if... it wasn’t the first time? You began to wonder if his calmness came from experience. You had no doubt that many people would gladly get rid of him and take the power for themselves. Marcus could have been next in line and probably, unlike the others, had different reasons than jealousy. You saw in your mind’s eye how the sheriff puffed himself up when everyone thanked him for saving the city. You sighed heavily, feeling the vast gap between the grudge Marcus had against Silco and the scale of the plot he was planning."Not just a hero. A savior," you added, feeling the fatigue slowly taking over. "Who would believe he could be responsible for anything bad then?"Silco leaned slightly back in his chair, his gaze cold, as if he were analyzing your words with surgical precision."And no evidence that could incriminate him will matter," he finished for you, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "He’ll get exactly what he wants: a reason to arrest me."He curled his lips into a contemptuous smile. You didn't see anger in him, only focused determination on the solution. Perhaps a slight admiration that someone had come up with such a crazy plan driven by revenge against him. Did Silco see it as a challenge? No, it was more likely fatigue from having to deal with an irritating opponent. You stared at him, trying to understand his calm demeanor. He was still sitting at the table, calmly finishing his cigar, as if everything was under control. Even Sevika seemed surprised by his reaction, but it was you who dared to break the silence."How can you be so calm? I know this theory borders on paranoia, and we’re turning Marcus into a criminal mastermind, but even if you doubt his intelligence, there are plenty of reasons to be concerned, right?""Someone has to, since you're getting worked up for the both of us," his response was cold, almost mocking, but the gaze he fixed on you left no room for argument. "The situation is urgent. There's no time for unnecessary emotions. You won’t achieve anything by thinking about his motives."His words stung a bit, but you knew they were connected to earlier comments about your impulsiveness. You clenched your lips, trying to stay calm, but you still couldn't comprehend his stoic approach."I never thought I’d say this, but the bastard really thought this through," Sevika suddenly spoke up, breaking the tension. She slowly stood up, stretching slightly. "I’ll gather the people. We’ll go according to the plan."You spread your arms, looking at both of them in disbelief."Seriously? This doesn't bother you?"Sevika gave you a pointed look."Calm down," her voice was calm but firm. "I know this is critical, but you're overreacting. You won’t do anything by panicking. We can only prevent this before it blows up."She stepped closer and patted you on the shoulder, as if to calm you down, but the effect was the opposite. Her indifference shocked you even more. Before you could say anything, she left the room, closing the door behind her.You stood for a moment in silence, trying to understand how it was possible that your theory was met with such indifference. After all, it was quite plausible – Marcus was planning to frame Silco for poisoning the city’s water, which would give him the perfect pretext to arrest him. And they? They just shrugged.You wanted to say something, but when you looked at Silco, you noticed he was watching you intently. His gaze was piercing, but it hid something more. Flustered, you looked away, trying to calm your racing thoughts."I don’t understand how you can approach this so coldly," your voice slightly cracked.You sat back down in your chair. It was true that you had never dealt with such a serious issue before, but they acted like it wasn’t the first time someone tried to frame him. Another arrogant opponent who thought they could outsmart him. In that case, their calm demeanor seemed justified. Still, you were shocked at how quickly they processed the facts and moved on to action."Sevika's right. Anger won’t help," he responded calmly, his eyes slightly vacant as he stared at the door Sevika had just walked through.You rubbed your tired eyes, which were burning from lack of sleep. Your whole body demanded rest, but you stubbornly ignored that need. You couldn’t afford it—not now."I find it hard to believe that this man is willing to risk so many lives just to imprison... a regular guy."Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Silco raise an eyebrow."Should I be concerned that you called me a 'regular guy'?" he asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.Before you could respond, you realized how it had sounded."You're nitpicking. You know what I meant.""Marcus was pliable, good for manipulation, but he became greedy once he got a taste of power. No doubt he needs to be removed. His plan is well thought out, as if he’s not working alone. Although I doubt anyone else is behind this. Still, I must admit, it’s impressive how much he’s willing to sacrifice to achieve his goal.""Isn't that mistaking ambition for obsession?""Marcus can be obsessed with me as much as he wants," he replied defiantly. "But he’s not as good a player as he thinks."He suddenly fell silent. His gaze seemed distant, as if he were analyzing something you didn’t have access to. Finally, he closed his eyes and rested his forehead on his hand. Something stirred inside you when you saw him like that. It was... unusual. The fact that he allowed you to see how fatigue was starting to get the better of him stirred up feelings inside you that were hard to describe.It made you go back to your earlier thoughts about him. Marcus was yet another problem that needed solving immediately, but how many more problems like this were piling up, making everything bend under their weight? You wanted to help him, but you didn’t know how. Silco lifted his head and reached for a piece of paper on the desk. Something inside you stirred when he used the word "remove." Did he show the same rationality in the case of Vander? No, after Sevika’s words, you knew that incident had a strong impact on him."We can keep speculating about Marcus's motives, but I think you’d rather rest before tomorrow’s operation," he extended the folded paper towards you. "This is for Sevika.""What?"Confused, you looked at him, not understanding what he meant. Since when did your rest matter for the success of the mission?"You didn’t think this was the end. You’re going with them. It’s pretty clear.""Me? Why do I need to go?""I promised you I wouldn’t keep you out of this problem," he said calmly, as if everything had already been decided. "Besides, your skills might come in handy.""A thief on the battlefield? Are you wishing me death?" you joked, trying to ease the tension."A thief with a keen ear," his voice was steady, and his gaze left no room for doubt that he was serious. "Sevika has a role prepared for you."It dawned on you that he wasn’t joking. You hadn’t thought you were needed there. Your tasks had always been in the shadows, not on the front lines. It surprised you that he remembered his words from a few weeks ago. It was simple... nice. A feeling you hadn’t had in a long time.You shifted nervously, unsure how to respond. You nodded, knowing that he had just given you something important – the chance to finish this personally. You wouldn’t have to wait for news, sitting on edge, fearing that something had gone wrong. That was precious. Both of you knew that you would be exposed to the drug. He trusted you to handle it. You couldn’t mess this up.You stood up, ready to leave. You wouldn’t have time to rest before the mission, but you needed a moment to clear your mind. You pushed the memories of your mother aside, not letting them take over. When the sun rises, you had to have a clear mind. You couldn’t afford a moment of weakness."Thank you... I’ll go now," your words sounded foreign, as if you weren’t sure of them yourself."I need you focused," his voice was firm, almost harsh. "Whatever’s on your mind, it can wait.""How...?" you asked, more surprised by his perceptiveness than the tone itself."I know when something's bothering you. Whatever it is, it has to wait."You were more surprised by how quickly he understood your feelings than by the fact that he knew your mind was preoccupied. You would have thought of this as an arrogant comment, pointing out your lack of focus, but now... He was watching you, waiting for your response. He wasn’t irritated; you saw genuine concern in his eyes. He needed your skills for this task, but he also cared about your safety. You knew yourself well enough to understand that you could rush after someone without thinking about the consequences for yourself. You dropped your shoulders and took a deep breath."I should be worried that you see all this so clearly," you replied calmly, with a hint of irony in your voice. "But I’m not going to put anyone at risk. I know what I need to do. I know how important this mission is."He nodded, as if accepting your words. But something in his gaze stopped you. It seemed like he hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more but wasn’t sure if it was the right moment.He slowly stood up, pushing his chair back with a soft scrape. The simple movement seemed to stretch on forever. You saw him step closer, almost shyly.The tension in the room grew with each passing second, filling the space between you. You felt your heart racing and your stomach tightening in a strange anticipation. You swallowed, trying to calm the tremor in your hands."For a while, I hoped that something simple would be enough and that I wouldn’t have to get involved, that I could escape from... you," he began quietly, slowly closing the distance between you. "But when you came in here with your monologue about my worth, I realized I couldn’t escape it... and, in a way, I don’t want to. I still think you know what you’re getting into, but I’m not going to stop you. And not because you need to learn a lesson. I don’t want to see you walk away."You blinked, trying to process his words. Did he just...? Not now. Not now, when you were about to dive into danger."You really have a great sense of timing," you remarked dryly, crossing your arms. "Why are you telling me this now?"He stopped right in front of you, his presence almost overwhelming. He looked at you, and in his eyes, there was a flicker of something difficult to name – maybe pain, maybe hope."Do I need a reason?" he asked softly.Instead of answering, you raised an eyebrow and gave him a challenging look. Slowly, he stepped even closer, until there were only a few centimeters between you. You could feel the warmth radiating from his body, the faint smell of smoke and something else – something that made your head spin.“Your words did not give me peace,” he continued, and his voice grew in intensity. “I didn't want to believe you were serious. It was easier to pretend you were wrong.  Somehow I didn't want to admit to myself that you were right. That I had found someone who was not afraid of me or my past.You furrowed your brow, feeling anger mixing with something you didn’t want to name yet."I’m not going to repeat myself," you said carefully, suppressing your irritation. "You should have given me this warning before you kissed me."He probably didn’t expect that response. You saw his eyes flash with something primal, unsettling, and dangerously enticing."You’re right," he admitted, lowering his voice.You didn’t know what to say. The atmosphere had become thick, as though the walls of the room were closing in on you. You felt the heat slowly erasing your caution."You throw me confessions like this, just before we go on a mission?" you said, trying to break the silence. Your voice was soft, almost trembling. "You’re getting inside my head, and you know I won’t be able to stop thinking about it. You know that... and still, you do this to me."He looked down at you, his gaze softening. You felt like the ground was slipping away from under you."I know," his voice was quiet, almost gentle. He leaned in slightly, his closeness making it hard to breathe. "I also know you’re too stubborn to listen to me. That’s why you have to come back. You have to come back and show me that you’re not wrong about your plan."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Morning in Piltover awakened lazily, with sunlight barely breaking through the tightly clustered buildings. The apartment you were in looked like any other, filled with traces of daily life belonging to someone who still hadn’t returned from the night shift. The kitchen table was set with an unfinished meal, the air carried the scent of cheap soap, and a chair leaned toward the window. When you entered, for a moment, it felt like you were breaking into someone’s home. But Sevika walked in as if it were her own and immediately sat on the empty spot on the couch, unfazed by who you were or where you were.You were accompanied by two other workers. If you’d ever seen them before, you must have erased them from your memory quickly because their faces meant nothing to you—tired and gray like everyone else’s. The woman was short, with mousey, cropped hair, and the man’s hunched shoulders gave the impression of a predatory bird. Not wanting to seem like an amateur, you followed their lead and took a seat, pretending you knew what you were doing. The problem was, you had no idea why Sevika had brought you along.You sat on a chair by the windowsill, observing the building below through the simple curtain. It wasn’t the view you had imagined when you first heard about the central hub. Honestly, it was hard to picture. What did "hub" even mean? Did someone tie and tangle the pipes to make the work harder? Nonsense.The main pipeline clearly stood out from the rest of Piltover—a stark, simple block that looked like someone had mistakenly shoved it into place. The white-and-gold buildings of the city sparkled in the morning sun, while this concrete relic drew attention with its blandness. Although it wasn’t damaged, it lacked the elegance and finesse characteristic of the city’s architecture. What might have been adorned with intricate carvings and ornate railings elsewhere was replaced here by simple, functional forms—everything subordinated to efficiency, not aesthetics.The pipes coiling around the building resembled the tangled veins of old hands, snaking upward and branching in various directions. Though modern, their presence disrupted the harmony of the surroundings, creating an almost grotesque image of chaos in Piltover’s orderly world. From the third-floor window, you could see workers in tidy uniforms slowly making their way toward the plaza exit. The sight seemed almost out of place—Piltover residents doing manual labor? Well, maybe not everything here shone as brightly as in the pictures.On the way to this staging point, Sevika had explained a bit about the location. The hub only operated at night due to the massive energy demands required to perform essential tasks. To avoid causing problems for the surrounding residents, the daytime shift had been abandoned. This made your job easier. Knowing this detail would help spot Marcus’s people—or rather, Finn’s men.The yard behind the building, though clean, showed signs of neglect. The chain-link fence was simple but far from perfect—bulging in places as if it could no longer withstand the pressure of its surroundings. Even the few barrels and crates stacked in the corner looked more like decoration than an essential part of the worksite. “It’s clear that Piltover’s elegance ends where the real work begins,” you thought, gripping the windowsill.No one said it outright, but you felt Sevika expected your full focus. Without a word, you sat by the window and observed the site. The scent of dust mixed with the smell of food, creating a strange combination. What was this place? Without realizing it, you asked the question aloud.“How many places like this do you think there are in Piltover?” you muttered, more to yourself than anyone else.“What are you on about now?” Sevika asked in a slightly weary tone.You shrugged without taking your eyes off the yard below.“Don’t you think it’s strange that Silco even has hideouts here?”Glancing over your shoulder, you were surprised to see the two workers exchanging uncertain looks. You furrowed your brows, not understanding their reaction. Irritation crept in, fueled by the minimal amount of sleep you’d gotten, and Silco’s words certainly hadn’t helped. Just when you thought sleep was finally within reach, you’d been dragged out of bed and stuffed into the back of a vehicle before you even remembered your own name. Every small gesture started to feel like an act of aggression toward you.“Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?”“More than once, and probably not for the last time,” you replied with a slight smirk.But you didn’t get an answer. The pair continued to exchange glances before pulling out a deck of cards and starting a game, as if this were just another ordinary morning. You bit your tongue, resisting the urge to press the topic further. You knew Silco’s web of connections stretched across the Undercity, but seeing its reach in Piltover was an intriguing experience. Silco hated Piltover, yet he knew he needed eyes even here. As you pondered who else might be working for him, you felt as if even the walls were watching you. A shiver ran down your spine.“Actually, why are we here so early?” you couldn’t stop yourself from asking. “We could’ve waited until everything started. No one’s going to mess with this during the day.”The couch creaked as Sevika shifted suddenly.“What am I going to do with you?” she sighed, exasperated. “Do you know what would happen if we came here at noon? Halfway through, we’d have a couple of patrols on our backs. I’m not in the mood to bust you out of jail again.”The pair playing cards exchanged glances once more, visibly surprised that anyone dared to make such remarks in Sevika’s presence. You clenched your jaw, remembering that incident. You wanted to point out that it hadn’t been your fault, but this time you let it go. You knew trying to explain yourself would be pointless. Pressing your lips together tighter, you looked back out the window, pretending her words hadn’t bothered you.Time passed slowly, heavily. The sounds of the waking city filled the silence, where every creak and tap echoed in your head. Sevika seemed distracted—maybe by memories, maybe by the plan—but she kept throwing quick, fleeting glances at the building you were watching. She couldn’t sit still for long, as if even thinking about waiting annoyed her.You, on the other hand, were on edge. You wondered about your place in all of this. It wasn’t easy. Despite Sevika’s training, you weren’t as good a fighter as the others. You could observe, track, and analyze, but fighting? No. That part of the job didn’t come naturally to you. The only fight you were waging now was with your own thoughts. Staying focused was becoming increasingly difficult because you felt Sevika didn’t want you here. That would explain her colder-than-usual behavior.Talking wasn’t an option. Not now. Sevika was entirely focused on the task, and you knew this wasn’t the kind of topic to discuss in front of others. You were left alone with your thoughts, which you couldn’t seem to escape. You were tempted to glance at her face—to check if that coldness was still there—but in the end, you stopped yourself. You couldn’t afford mistakes. There were more important things than your feelings.The words she spoke yesterday weighed heavily on your mind. You realized how much would depend on your actions today. You weren’t sure if her remark carried more than a casual jab, but you wanted to believe it did. Maybe it was a test. Or perhaps Sevika saw something in you that you hadn’t yet noticed yourself.You began making room in your mind for plans about the future. A future that had recently been leading you in one direction. Zaun. At first, it seemed absurd to you. You thought Silco had somehow gotten into your head, that he was the reason you didn’t want to leave. But there was something more—something you noticed only recently. What Marcus did made you realize that there was a space in your heart for your people. The people of Zaun. You wanted to help them, even if they’d never know how much you risked to protect them.Sevika was the key to that.A single word from her could remove you from the assignments. She wouldn’t defy Silco’s orders, but she could make your life in the team much harder. You didn’t want Silco to have to step in for you. That would feel like failure. No. You needed to earn your place on your own. Prove to her that you could be relied upon. But how could you do that when you didn’t even know what your role in this mission was?Finally, hours later, something changed.“They’re here,” you blurted, standing abruptly.Sevika quickly approached the window and looked outside. Two vehicles emerged from the building’s rear entrance. Men jumped out of the cabs and began carrying heavy barrels inside. They worked without haste, clearly confident that no one was watching them.“Gather the team,” she said curtly to a man.Finley—that was his name, you finally recalled—leapt to his feet, stuffed the playing cards into his pocket, and left the apartment faster than you could blink. You waited impatiently for her to give you an order, but she didn’t so much as glance your way. Instead, she turned to a woman and handed her a package.“For the drivers. Half now, half when they’re done. Stay downstairs until our people get in, then move. Got it?”The blonde nodded and left the apartment just as swiftly. Her footsteps in the corridor were barely audible. Now, it was just the two of you, and for the first time in a long while, you felt nervous in her presence.“You and I will deal with the guards.”You inhaled sharply, caught off guard. You weren’t quick enough to mask your reaction, and she gave you a questioning look. You pressed your lips together firmly, refusing to be provoked. This wasn’t the time for questions or defiance.You left the apartment in silence. Watching her straight back as she walked ahead, you realized this was the first time you’d be doing something together. You just hoped the stress wouldn’t overwhelm you to the point of distraction. You stumbled slightly as a thought struck you.“Sevika? What do you mean by ‘deal with them’?”“I knew you’d ask,” she muttered without even looking at you. “Neutralize them. They can’t interfere.”A chill ran through you. Of course, you knew this mission wouldn’t be bloodless—it was inevitable. But you’d secretly hoped you wouldn’t have to do it yourself. You didn’t respond. What was the point? You knew what you had signed up for. Silco always gave you a choice. You could have refused yesterday, told him you didn’t want to be part of this. But if you had known what awaited you, would you really have refused? No. You had to face this head-on. This wasn’t about them testing you. You were testing yourself.Thoughts about belonging were easier than proving you couldn’t be broken.You stopped at the edge of an alleyway. Ahead, you saw the side of the building, shielded by a rusty fence with several cracks in it. The surroundings were quiet, with only distant sounds of people heading to their duties. They couldn’t see you. Sevika grabbed the fence and lifted it effortlessly, as if it weighed no more than a sheet of paper. You slipped inside, hiding behind some barrels. The guards on the ramp were too engrossed in smoking cigarettes and watching the far side of the yard. They looked relaxed, confident.Good. They’d mistaken confidence for carelessness.Sevika crouched beside you. She pulled out a gun and checked it. The sight of the weapon in her hands made your heart race. You forced yourself not to show it, but she must have noticed. Her face, however, betrayed nothing—she was focused, as if nothing else existed but the mission.She looked up at you, and you saw that speck in her left pupil. You couldn’t stop staring until you felt something cold against your hand.“Even if you don’t use it, it’s better to have it,” she said quietly, pressing a gun into your hand.You wanted to throw it away. You didn’t want to have anything to do with this. But she was right. You swallowed hard and gripped the gun tightly. You took a deep breath, trying to calm yourself.“Let’s have some fun,” Sevika said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement.You moved closer to the ramp. The guards didn’t even glance your way, too absorbed in their conversation. Sevika touched your shoulder.“You take the one on the left,” she whispered, her voice as sharp as steel. “And do it quickly. We don’t want a spectacle.”You nodded, though you felt like you were boiling inside. Your hands clenched the gun too tightly. Sevika must have noticed. You expected a dry remark, some biting comment. But instead, her gaze pierced through you.“Not the time for this,” she said quietly, almost threateningly. “Don’t tell me Silco was wrong about his investment.”“What did you just say?” you blurted out, but Sevika had already turned away.She didn’t reply. That word—“investment”—rang in your ears. Why bring that up now? You didn’t have time to analyze her motives. You had no choice but to follow her lead.A few steps later, you were close enough to see the oil stains on their boots. You recalled all of Sevika’s lessons. Every move, every strike. You knew how to do this. A single knife thrust in the right place, and the one on the left wouldn’t get up again. But… did Sevika really expect you to kill him in cold blood?Before you could dwell on it, Sevika lunged at her target, and you, driven by adrenaline, did the same. The guard on the left barely had time to reach for his weapon before you kicked it out of his hand. The gun skittered across the platform, hitting the railing.Startled, he followed its path with his eyes. Those two seconds were all you needed. You struck him in the temple with the butt of your gun, and as he staggered, you hit him again. This time, he fell to his knees, then to the ground. The metal floor groaned softly as he hit it face-first. You heard a crunch. You hadn’t killed him, but you hadn’t been gentle either.You turned to see Sevika choking her opponent. The man flailed for a moment before his body went limp. Sevika let him drop to the ground without emotion."Stop staring," she said, wiping her hands. "We need to drag them somewhere."You tried to lift your guard, but he seemed to weigh a ton. Frustrated, you groaned, and Sevika rolled her eyes."Thanks, but I could handle it," you said indignantly as she moved to handle your guard."I don’t doubt it," she replied. "But I don’t have time to watch you struggle."You hid their bodies in a corner between some barrels. For a moment, you stared at the tangled limbs, trying to steady your breath."I didn’t kill him," you said quietly, not turning around.Sevika paused. You heard her holstering her weapon but not walking away."I know," she finally answered. Her voice was softer than you expected. "It’s good you’re starting to understand what working for him entails. But I wouldn’t force you to kill someone.""And what about them? They’ll wake up and spill everything.""Marcus will find out someone’s learned his plans regardless. What matters is they can’t link us to Silco."Her tone was calm, but in Sevika’s eyes, you saw something that momentarily took your breath away. Was it concern? Or just relief that the mission had gone as planned? It was hard to tell. You wiped your hands on your pants, though they only felt stickier. This wasn’t over yet. Forcing yourself to look away from the bodies, you noticed Sevika nodding toward the door, clearly ready to move to the next phase of the operation.You moved closer, careful not to make a sound. You knew operations like this in broad daylight were risky, and the margin for error was almost nonexistent."How much time do you need to open this?" she asked quietly, her hand already on the doorknob.You glanced at the lock, the corners of your mouth curling into a faint, almost cheeky smile."You’ve got to be kidding," you replied, stretching your arms, knowing even blindfolded you couldn’t mess this up.Kneeling before the door, you reached for your lockpick without even looking. Your fingers moved automatically, following a rhythm you knew by heart. Two seconds later, a soft click echoed in the silence. You raised your head smugly, tucking the lockpick back into your bag with exaggerated nonchalance."Did you say something?" you teased, glancing up at Sevika.You couldn’t resist, even though her mood seemed sour today. To your surprise, you caught a hint of something like approval in her eyes—though expressed in her usual stern, characteristic way."Well, maybe Silco didn’t make a mistake with his investment after all," she muttered with a half-smile, peering through the now-ajar door.The words made your stomach lurch. She did it again. This time, you were sure it was deliberate. You weren’t angry at Silco anymore for that conversation—you had cleared the air long ago. But Sevika? She knew exactly what emotions that one word would stir and chose to use it today when you wanted so badly to impress her."Could you not?" you hissed through clenched teeth, feeling your irritation grow.Sevika shrugged indifferently, her smile seeming to jab at you further."Just making sure you’re worth the trouble."You shot her a warning glare, but as always, she ignored it. She chuckled softly and pulled the door shut again, leading into the building. But that laugh was different this time. There was a bitterness to it, as if something kept her from fully enjoying the success."So this was some kind of test?" you asked, narrowing your eyes."Something like that," she replied calmly, lighting a cigarette with practiced ease, as if she didn’t have a care in the world.You scoffed under your breath, offended. Sevika always tested people—it was her nature. You understood that, as Silco’s right hand, she couldn’t afford mistakes when choosing collaborators. But understanding didn’t ease the sting of resentment that gnawed at you inside. Silco believed you were ready for more. Why did Sevika still have doubts?"I’d rather know when I’m under scrutiny," you said quietly, keeping your emotions in check, trying to suppress your anger.She fell silent for a moment, as if something in your words caught her off guard. She assessed you with a look that betrayed none of her thoughts before shrugging, as though deciding the matter wasn’t worth commenting on."Fair enough," she admitted after a pause.Her words were dry, but this time you caught something else in them. Was it an attempt to acknowledge your value? Or perhaps she’d simply confirmed you wouldn’t be a liability? It was hard to tell, but you knew one thing—this time, you had won."What’s next?" you asked, feeling the tension tighten around your throat. Time wasn’t on your side."You wait here," she said firmly, snuffing out her cigarette with her boot. Her voice was hard, as if to cut off any doubts. "When the rest arrive, let them in. Keep me informed. Got it?"You nodded, trying to take the task seriously. Sevika didn’t mince words. With one fluid motion, she adjusted her cloak and leapt gracefully to the ground, a movement that always irritated you—as if everything she did was destined for success."What’s the plan?" you blurted out before you could stop yourself. "What’s going to happen to the cargo?""That shouldn’t be your concern," she replied, not even turning toward you. Her voice was barely audible, strangely altered. "Just guard the entrance. That’s it."You wanted to say something—just one word that might express your disappointment. But Sevika was already out of reach, disappearing around the corner of the building as swiftly as she took control of every situation.Left alone, you sighed heavily and leaned against the cold railing. Her orders were clear: stay on lookout. You were to guard the entrance while she took care of everything else. But why had she sidelined you? Why didn’t she let you be part of the main action?Her decision seemed logical, but it planted a seed of doubt in your mind. Perhaps she thought the task was beyond your abilities. Even the guards had been too much for you because you froze at the thought of taking a life. Or maybe… maybe she simply didn’t trust you? Not completely. The thought that Sevika might question your reliability stung. But could you blame her? After all, you’d only recently beaten your addiction, and Sevika knew that better than anyone.You gripped the cold metal of the railing, trying to push away the growing doubts. Did she really think you couldn’t handle it? That you might fail if faced with what was inside? It made sense. That drug... It turned people into caricatures of themselves, gave the illusion of power, only to strip everything away in the end. Did Sevika truly believe you might break?You sighed softly, attempting to clear your head of the torrent of thoughts. Sevika had her reasons. That had to be enough. If her coldness was the price of entering their world, you had to accept it. Even if you felt more like a burden than a real part of the team.If she was to trust that you were fit for the job, you had to trust her too. Prove that you wouldn’t question her orders, even when they hurt. You would’ve agonized over this even more if it weren’t for the growing noise to your left. You lifted your head and saw a group of people slowly approaching the back gate. You crouched down, hoping they wouldn’t notice you. You were too exposed. Fortunately, a moment later, you spotted Sevika among them. You caught her gaze. She nodded in your direction. You opened the door, careful not to let it creak.The men began climbing the stairs. A few of them carried bags on their backs. Irregular shapes pressed against the fabric, and you couldn’t tell what was inside. They all wore the familiar gray coveralls, blending in with the other workers. You were curious, but you bitterly reminded yourself of her words—that transportation wasn’t your concern.Out of the corner of your eye, you watched the group enter. You counted twenty men and barely five packages. It was hard not to feel sidelined after spending weeks unraveling Marcus’s plans, only to be benched when the time came to stop him. Did Silco know what Sevika was planning when she told you there was a role for you? Your head felt like it would explode from the storm of thoughts. You leaned over the railing, trying to focus. Something told you there was a mismatch in their plans for you, but you couldn’t pinpoint where.You only lifted your head after the door closed behind the last man. Watching the yard, you leaned your forearms against the railing, resisting the urge to dwell on your resentment.You knew Sevika was standing beside you. She hadn’t gone inside with the others. You remained silent, trying to steady your breathing. You didn’t want to start a conversation yet. You needed to calm down first, to avoid saying something you’d regret.“I know it’s hard, but you need a harsh dose of reality,” she finally said. Her tone was serious, but not cold. “You say you know what you’ve signed up for, but your actions suggest otherwise.”“Don’t try to mother me, alright?” you interrupted sharply, clenching your fists. “I know exactly what it means to work for Silco.”“Listen—”“Save it, okay? I don’t need your reassurances,” you took a deep breath, trying to calm your growing irritation. “I know what you’re doing. I don’t trust myself when it comes to shimmer either. I don’t know how I’d react, but… I don’t blame you for sidelining me. I’m not questioning your decision. If you think I shouldn’t know, I accept that. No questions asked.”You felt your anger slowly give way to clarity. As you said those words aloud, without hesitation or trembling, you knew you were speaking from the heart.“So, you figured it out?” Sevika raised an eyebrow, though her voice remained neutral.“A child would’ve figured it out,” you replied, perhaps too dryly.Sevika fell silent, but this time she didn’t try to press you. She repeated the same message as Silco—you don’t know what you’re getting into. It was bitter and painful, that she couldn’t see your sincerity. Wasn’t what you’d already done proof enough of your commitment?“They’re setting up the equipment downstairs,” she said suddenly, changing the subject. Her voice was quieter, as if she were trying to diffuse the tension. “Two streets over, the rest of the team is waiting for the signal to start draining the shimmer. There’s a simple channel underneath us. That’s where we’ll run the pipe to draw the shimmer from the main line. We don’t have much time before the evening shift starts.”Her words sounded like a report, but you sensed something more. Maybe she was trying to calm you, to distract your thoughts so you wouldn’t act impulsively. She knew you well enough to anticipate that.“I understand,” you said curtly, knowing she was waiting for your response.In the silence, you heard the flick of a lighter, and a moment later, Sevika stood beside you. She leaned against the railing, mirroring your stance.“I’m not sidelining you,” she said after a moment, her voice surprisingly calm. “No one is ignoring your contribution. You were given this task because you’re the only one here I trust to do the job better than I ask. I know how much you’ve done, but you can’t be part of every operation.”There was something more in her words, something she was trying to convey but didn’t know how to put into words. You realized this wasn’t easy for her either.“I know what I’m doing,” you said quietly, your voice steady. “I’m not here just for him. I’m trying to show all of you that I want to belong. Completely.”You felt a little embarrassed at the gravity of your own words, but you knew they were true.“I know,” she replied, glancing at you out of the corner of her eye. “I see it. So does he.” She took a drag from her cigarette and looked away. “Do you know where your problem lies?” she asked suddenly, turning her back to the yard. “You’re too emotional about problems. Are you going to approach every task like this? A year of living like that and you’ll burn out completely. Learn to balance work and emotions before it destroys you.”She patted your shoulder and moved closer to the door. You heard her footsteps but not the sound of the door opening. You glanced back. Sevika stood in the doorway, as if hesitating.“This was my idea, not his,” she said suddenly, her voice lower, almost a whisper.“What?”“I insisted you shouldn’t come inside with us. Not because I don’t trust you… but because I don’t want you exposed to shimmer.”She didn’t wait for your response. She walked inside, almost slamming the door behind her. For a moment, you stared after her, surprised by the intensity of her reaction. Something in you broke, but it wasn’t your resolve—it was something deeper. You began to understand that Sevika was trying to protect you. She was afraid that even the faintest whiff of the drug might trigger something in you that would take you out of the fight.That, though painful, was strangely comforting.You didn’t want her treating you like fragile glass that might shatter at the slightest touch, but you knew her actions came from a place of care. Both of you understood the risks. Both of you knew how easily shimmer could take hold of you again. You weren’t going to let it happen a second time. There wouldn’t be another chance—Sevika was doing everything she could to tilt the scales in your favor.

You couldn’t stop wondering about her conversation with Silco. Had they talked about you after the plans were set, or perhaps before? Silco believed you could handle it—that was one thing he always said. But would he have told Sevika to test your resilience? Or was it her, not him, who convinced him you should be part of this operation?

You shouldn’t have done it, but as you analyzed her behavior, his image immediately surfaced in your mind. You shivered slightly, recalling your last meeting. "I don’t want to run from you"—his words came back to you unexpectedly. What was that supposed to mean?
From the very beginning, it was him constantly seeking contact with you, and now he said things like that. Those words seemed absurd, as if torn from another reality. Could he really have meant he wasn’t going to run from his feelings? Of course, he had to choose that moment to tell you. What a man…
You had the impression he was doing it on purpose—dragging things out as much as he could, just to torment you. You could barely keep yourself together in his presence, and he exploited that with almost irritating precision. You felt your frustration growing with every passing moment.
Exactly what you’d feared had happened—you were thinking about him when you needed focus the most.
No, you wouldn’t let yourself fall into that trap. If he was provoking you, you had to keep your thoughts in check. You couldn’t allow what he was trying to achieve to completely consume you. And yet, you felt there was something more behind his behavior than just playing on your emotions.
You suddenly lifted your head, recalling something he’d said. He’d mentioned some plan—he’d emphasized it clearly. Even his presence couldn’t erase that memory.
Was it about that plan? The entire operation—and placing the responsibility for its success on your shoulders—seemed strangely out of character for what you knew about him. You’d expect such an approach from Sevika, but from him? No, this was about something else.
Remembering the conversation about Marcus’s plans, you recalled how anxious you’d been back then. Your words had been pure chaos, but if he’d noticed any gap or mistake in them, he’d never have taken the risk. It wasn’t about the operation—it was something between you two. But what?
You couldn’t figure it out. And that was precisely what made you feel increasingly lost.
He’d told you to come back... what an absurdity. Of course, you’d come back. You had no intention of repeating yourself again. There was something more between you, but damn it, you still had a job to do.
You began to suspect he was provoking you into anger or irritation, so you’d want to return and tell him exactly what you thought of his games. Yes, that was very much your style.
The problem was, you didn’t want to argue with him. It hurt that he needed a pretext to indirectly ask for it. As if he couldn’t believe you’d want to come back for him alone.
How were you supposed to show him you weren’t wrong about your plan when you didn’t know anything? If only he’d start speaking more clearly, everything would be simpler.
Well, you’d known for a long time that nothing about Silco was ever simple.
Your thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. You quickly pressed yourself against the wall and reached for your weapon. Your fingers clutched the grip, trembling, as you waited. This wasn’t one of your people. Everyone was downstairs; Sevika kept them tightly in check. This was someone new. A potential enemy.
You didn’t have time to go inside and inform her. Whoever this person was, they were heading straight for the back entrance. You had to stop them and only then figure out what to do with the inconvenient hostage.
You cursed inwardly, knowing the situation was becoming complicated. You hadn’t considered the possibility that someone from Marcus’s side might come to check on the goods.
Crouching behind the pipes, you held your weapon at the ready. Your fingers felt stiff from tension, your breaths shallow. When the figure appeared in your line of sight, you immediately stood up and aimed.
"Stop!" the command escaped you before you could think.
The woman froze, raising her hands to shoulder height. Her eyes immediately darted to the barrel of your weapon aimed at her chest. She looked surprised but not frightened. Her expression was fierce, and there was a hint of defiance in her mouth, as if she were already crafting her reply.
"And here I thought we overestimated Silco..." she said in a low voice.
"Don’t move," you ordered, though you weren’t sure yourself what you were supposed to do next.
The woman narrowed her eyes, as if assessing your worth.
"You’ll regret this," she said coldly, taking a barely noticeable step to the side. "You don’t know who you’re messing with."
You didn’t respond. Your muscles were tense, your body ready for action, but chaos reigned in your mind. You should disable her. Subdue her. Do something. But how? With every fraction of a second, you felt hesitation taking control of you.
She saw it.
Her gaze flashed with triumph, and in the next moment, she darted to the side, trying to escape.
You fired.
The sound of the shot echoed off the walls of the buildings. The woman collapsed to the ground like a ragdoll. Her body hit the ground, kicking up clouds of dust.
Your heart pounded in your chest, and the air suddenly felt thicker, as if the surroundings had swallowed all sound except your heavy breathing.
You approached her slowly, as if your body couldn’t decide whether to retreat or step forward. The sight hit you like a punch to the gut. The shot hadn’t killed her instantly. She lay on her stomach, her head turned toward you, her mouth filled with blood spilling down her chin, forming a small crimson puddle. She was choking, gasping for air. The sound pierced your ears like a knife.
You looked into her eyes, where terror and pain were plain to see. Her hand lifted slowly, as if trying to reach you, but it fell heavily to the ground.
You held your breath as her body went limp, and her final breath escaped her lips. You couldn’t tear your gaze from her face. The dark, sticky pool beneath her grew wider, and you felt your legs turn to jelly. Your hands trembled so violently you could barely hold your weapon. You doubled over suddenly and vomited. Your breathing came in ragged gasps, as though you were drowning, and panic gripped your throat like a vice.
The sound of a door slamming open jolted you from your trance. Someone ran outside.
"What the fuck happened?" Sevika’s voice was rough but steady.
She knelt by the woman’s body, assessing the damage, while you stood paralyzed, unable to utter a single word.
"Was she alone?" she asked without looking at you.
"Sevika, I…" you tried to say something, but your voice broke.
She grabbed your shoulders and shook you lightly.
"Calm down! Was she alone or not?"
"Y-yes. Just her," you stammered. "Sevika, I killed her..."
She let go of you, gently took the weapon from your trembling hands—hands you hadn’t even realized were still holding it—and tucked it into her belt. Her face was tense, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"Yes, you killed her. Now we need to get her out of here."
You couldn’t move. Her words reached you as though through a fog. You knew she was right, but your body wouldn’t obey. The image of the woman’s face—her final moments as life left her—was seared into your mind.
Sevika shot you a quick glance, then grabbed the woman’s body by the arms and began dragging it aside. You were grateful, though you knew you shouldn’t be. This was your job. You were the one who had messed up.
When she returned to you, her face bore the weight of exhaustion, but her determination remained steadfast.
"Don’t zone out," she said firmly. "You hear me?"
You nodded, though your eyes were vacant.
"She tried to run… I didn’t know what to do… I didn’t mean to…" you started to explain, but Sevika cut you off with a sharp gesture.
"It’s done. Now listen. We need to clean up the blood before someone finds it. That gunshot might’ve been heard on the street."
You nodded again, trying to catch your breath. You knew she was right. There would be time later to process what had happened. Right now, you needed to act.
You scanned the area for something to cover or wipe away the blood. Your hands shook violently, but you didn’t want to lose more of her respect. Checking the barrels nearby, you found them empty. You remembered seeing bags piled near the building’s main entrance when you had been watching earlier. Even if they were empty, you could use them to wipe up the blood; the rest could be dealt with using dust and sand.
Pulling your scarf over your face, you tried to calm your nerves with its familiar scent. You walked to the front of the building, searching for anything that could erase the traces. Near the doors, you spotted the bags. You untied one, finding sand inside. Grasping the grains tightly in your hand, you felt their cold roughness. Without hesitation, you dragged the bag toward the back of the building. Keeping your hands and mind busy helped you momentarily forget what you had done.
Standing over the bloodstain, you tipped the bag over, letting the sand slowly spill out. Sevika gave you a sidelong glance.
"After some time, the blood will fade—it’ll look like an oil stain," you explained quietly, forcing your voice to sound calm.
"Good thinking," she said, nodding.
She helped you spread the sand around, though you could feel her watching you from the corner of her eye.
Your hands were trembling, but you were beginning to steady your breathing. The thought of killing someone still haunted you, but you knew you had to keep moving. Falling apart wasn’t an option—not now.
It all happened quickly. You were crouched in a visible spot from the main square. Sevika stood a few steps away, hidden in the shadows. She reached for an empty bag when you heard it—a metallic scraping sound that sent a chill down your spine.
You froze instantly. The familiar noise of metal brushing against metal filled the air. At least two guards were heading your way. They hadn’t spotted you yet, but if you stood or moved, they would. Looking up, you saw that Sevika had heard it too. She froze, weapon in hand. This was a last resort—you couldn’t afford to deal with the guards now. That would be too much.
The footsteps grew louder. You knew they had been drawn here by the gunshot. You had only seconds to act. You nodded slightly and gave a faint smile.
"Don’t even think about it," she growled.
"It’s the only option," you whispered, tensing your muscles. "I’ll distract them."
"That’s suicide," she hissed. "This wasn’t part of the plan."
"Good," you shot back, "because I’m not planning on dying."
You stood up before she could stop you. Sevika flinched, trying to grab you, but you were faster.
You bolted out onto the main square, feeling adrenaline flood your veins like ice. Two guards had just entered the area. When they saw you, they immediately drew their weapons.
"Stop! Who are you?!" one of them shouted, aiming his gun at you.
Raising your hands in a mock gesture of surrender, your heart pounded like a war drum. You watched them approach. Then, in one swift motion, you spun on your heel and vaulted over a fence.
"Take them down!" one of them yelled.
You didn’t wait to see how close they were. You knew they wouldn’t let up—not with a suspicious figure on the loose. You had to lure them as far away as possible from the back of the building, where Sevika was dealing with the mess. You ran south, toward the Green District.
You didn’t hear gunshots, which meant they weren’t planning to fire in the middle of the city—not yet. Your lungs burned with every breath, but stopping wasn’t an option. Each step brought you closer to the district’s border, where you could try to lose them.
You kept running, feeling the strain in your throat from the effort. Then it hit you, like tripping over an unseen root—you finally understood what he had meant. The realization came crashing down on you, echoing the same words you had thrown at Sevika moments earlier. Now, you knew what plan he had been talking about.
Gritting your teeth, you knew returning to him might not be as simple as you had thought. Still, it was too late to second-guess your choices now.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Running through unfamiliar terrain was nothing short of tempting fate.You knew that how far you could lead the guards would determine the success of the mission. Sevika hadn't said how long it would take them to drain the shimmer from the barrels. It was still too early for them to be even halfway done. The thought that there were fifty barrels of that stuff made your head spin. Surprisingly, you didn’t feel the pull towards it, your mind wasn’t filled with an uncontrollable desire.At one point, the houses ended, as if someone had drawn a clear line and said, "this is enough." You didn’t realize you had entered the green zones until you were already running through them. Panic gripped you at the sudden exposure. You didn’t know how to behave in such an environment. You were raised in the city, and it never crossed your mind to venture beyond it. You knew that Piltover and Zaun were connected by more than just bridges, but this area had remained unexplored. There were no people here to rob, only the dead and their memories.A few seconds, that's all it would take before they saw you in the open field and started shooting. That was certain—you wouldn’t stand a chance. Would you die like she did? With your mouth full of your own blood, because one of them hesitated to pull the trigger?You pushed off hard with your right leg and jumped into the trees, which, luckily, were dense enough. But nature was not known for cooperating. You quickly crouched between the roots, hoping they would lose your trail. They’d be looking for a lone fugitive, someone who was running through the city. They’d associate you with Zaun—of course, no one would think otherwise. After all, you were criminals, right?You adjusted yourself, relieved your knee, hoping it wouldn’t stiffen too soon. You cursed under your breath as a small branch snapped under your calf. You felt real fear for your life. This wasn’t a game or a small skirmish you could escape by climbing onto one of the roofs. You knew the guards were trained for such tasks. You froze, afraid to move.As you suspected, they ran out from the alley just a few seconds after you. You fought the instinct to hide even further. It might’ve worked in the city, not between trees where every leaf seemed to conspire against you. You had developed a few interesting rules during your time in Zaun. If someone didn’t expect you, there was a great chance they wouldn’t notice you, even if you were standing right next to them. They weren’t prepared to see your face among others, so they didn’t look for it and could easily overlook it. But they knew they were looking for someone. You had a scarf over your face, they didn’t realize it was the same person who had been at one of the outposts a while ago.In Zaun, there were many distractions for the enemy. Streetlights and the voices of passersby effectively masked footsteps. You could escape quickly, knowing they wouldn’t be able to track the direction you fled. This area wasn’t familiar to you; you had already made one mistake when you moved, and you couldn’t afford to do it again. You knew every move was an excuse for the animals to flee. A bird suddenly taking flight was a sign it had been startled.You stayed still, keeping an eye on them.You knew even the smallest movement could be noticed. Few people knew this, but sometimes a glance down could cause your head to drop slightly. You kept your gaze level, holding yourself firm, watching even the slightest twitch in your muscles.You saw them slow down as they came out from between the buildings. The blue uniforms shone in the sun. You saw the sunlight reflect off the metal parts of their rifles. You shuddered at the sight of them. You saw the destruction that weapon could cause. If they aimed it at you, you wouldn’t end up with just one bullet. They lowered their weapons, but they were still alert. You hid on the edge of the trees; it was risky, but thanks to that—and your hearing—you could hear them exchanging words."I told you to turn the other way.""I'm sure I heard footsteps from here," one of them denied, not changing course.They expected you to run as far away from them as possible. They hadn’t anticipated that you could hide. The urge to back away as they got closer was overwhelming."Listen, we don’t have time for this."They started to split up, the skeptical one staying at the edge of the buildings, while the other one got closer to your hiding spot."I’m sure it’s somewhere here...""Do whatever you want, I’m heading back to the outpost," the other shouted in response.Your heart stopped for a moment. Could it really be that simple? Would they just give up the search? You had to channel all your focus into willpower, not letting yourself jump up to flee at the sound of those words."And what are you going to tell the boss? That someone was here, but you couldn’t be bothered to move your ass to check?""God, do you always have to pick at everything? It’s just one person, what could they have done?"The one closer turned abruptly and raised his weapon slightly. Something was going on between them, you could feel that important words might be exchanged soon, but the blood rushed to your ears, nearly blocking your hearing."That one person was from the Undercity. They're filthy scum, what would they be doing this far from their own?""And what does that have to do with me? I’m not going to go crawling through holes chasing after some worthless prize."The guard turned his back on his partner and straightened, confident in his words."You heard the boss’s orders at the briefing. This place might be an attack."You nearly flinched at the mention of that. What was Marcus up to now?"Yeah, and one person planned the whole attack, give me a break.""Do you even have room in that empty head of yours for something like reconnaissance? They sent someone ahead to scout the area."The second one shook his head in clear disapproval, but to your misfortune, he followed his partner’s lead and started moving closer."Do whatever you want," he said in a low voice, and even from a distance, you could hear the light, irritated growl in his tone. "I’m going back to the city, I’m not crawling through the bushes looking for someone who’s probably not even here anymore."The more persistent one ignored his partner’s words. He nodded, clearly lost in thoughts of catching you."Your call. Tell whoever needs to know that we saw a suspicious person. I’ll search a little more."Now, when you should be running, you couldn’t move. Marcus was proving to be craftier than you had imagined. You didn’t know if he suspected Silco would send his men. He probably thought Zarys had spilled everything, but even to you, the last person he’d seen, he hadn’t said anything new about Marcus’s plans. Silco, even if he had opened his mouth, wouldn’t have said anything either—if he had the chance. Marcus was panicked and securing his plan wherever he could. There was also the possibility that he didn’t trust the hired men and had sent his own people, just in case, to keep an eye on the building. Sneaky bastard.The guard moved. You knew that if you allowed him to return to his post, the news would spread quickly and more guards would come to investigate the commotion.You couldn’t let them go. You didn’t stand a chance against them. If they saw you, they would start shooting. It was a fight, cruel and bitter, but you knew who the winner would be.You promised Silco you’d come back to him, but you weren’t so sure about that anymore.They had to pick up the trail again. Anything that would mess with their heads. They’d start chasing you, forgetting they were supposed to inform the others. At least that’s what you hoped. It hurt, you could almost feel the physical pain thinking about breaking your word to him. The stakes were higher. Your life, or the lives of all those people, and the success of the mission.The equation was simple.You quietly picked up the nearest stone and weighed it in your hand. You literally had seconds before they reloaded their weapons. Attacking them didn’t make sense; you wouldn’t defeat one, let alone the others aiming at you. You had to run. Lure them as far as possible. Buy Sevika as much time as you could.You threw the stone far ahead of you and then froze, your hand still raised. They immediately took notice. The one closer to you aimed his weapon at the spot where the stone had fallen and motioned for his partner to join him. The other raised his weapon as well and started moving toward the same spot. You took a deep breath. You had decided which way you would run.You broke into a sprint, using the element of surprise.Your heart pounded wildly. You kept your head low. The first shot whistled past you, embedding itself in a tree. Chunks of wood flew. You heard them shouting after you, but you didn’t have time to think about that. They had seen you. They were chasing you. The metal parts of their gear clanged together. You had no idea how far it was to the first buildings. If by some miracle you managed to draw them into Zaun, you knew the other residents wouldn’t let them roam the city with their guns raised.But Zaun was too far.Another bullet lodged itself in the ground next to your feet. You lost your balance for a moment. You stumbled, feeling your shoe slip on the wet leaves without your consent. Your heart leaped into your throat. You didn’t have time for mistakes.You tensed your muscles, forcing them to work. Each breath burned your lungs, and your leg muscles threatened to give out at any moment. Another shot rang out right behind you, sending a surge of adrenaline through you. You couldn’t stop—you knew that meant the end.The trees flashed before your eyes, creating a blurry image. You were running out of breath. Without the drug in your system, you couldn’t keep up the pace. They had the advantage over you. Taller, stronger, with longer strides. Just a little more, a few more seconds, so they’d have more time.Then you felt it—a strong grip on your shoulder. The guard grabbed you with full force, almost tearing your arm from its socket. You howled in pain. He held you in an iron grip, and there was no way to break free. Was this how your heroism would end? Or was it foolishness?He yanked you around, and you felt the darkness narrowing your field of vision. Everything happened in a split second—fear, pain, pure desperation.“Don’t move!” he snarled, digging his feet into the ground, trying to hold you in place. You saw his face—clenched teeth, a determined expression that told you no matter what you said, you wouldn’t convince him you were innocent.It couldn’t end like this. Thoughts flickered in your mind. Plans with memories. Marcus knew you. You wouldn’t walk free. No amount of money could buy you out of prison.
That’s why you have to come back.
It was an impulse. Anger and desperation. A desire to return to him. You didn’t think. You jerked your whole body backward, hoping the fall would force him to let go of your arm. You pulled him with you. A fraction of a second, a moment of balance that slipped out of control. A misstep you hadn’t noticed became your trap. The guard’s scream mixed with yours as you both tumbled down.The fall wasn’t long, but it was enough for the air to be knocked out of your lungs. Sharp branches and stones pierced your body as you slid down the slope. You tried to grab something, but your hands only slipped on the wet earth. Everything ended with a sudden crash—a pain that shot through you from your head down to your spine. You tried to get up, but your body refused to cooperate. You quickly looked around.You froze, seeing his limp body. Had you killed him? The thought hit you like lightning. You felt your heart pounding in your chest as you looked at his still form. But after a moment, you noticed his chest rising in a steady rhythm. He was alive. You breathed out, but the relief was bitter.You propped yourself up on your shoulders. The dizziness hit you. You groaned loudly as a sharp pain ran through your whole body. You saw the other guard running toward you. His eyes slid over you, then stopped at his fallen companion. He didn’t raise his weapon, but you could feel the tension in him. He bent over his colleague, checking his condition.He didn’t say a word. You braced yourself for the moment he would grab your wrist and drag you to the station. Instead, he lifted his companion, throwing his arm over his shoulder.He turned his back to you.A strange relief flooded your heart, weakening you completely. You felt your vision fogging. That pair was the last thing you saw before darkness consumed you. *** You didn’t know how much time had passed. When you finally opened your eyes, the world swirled and pulsed in the dim light. The air was heavy and damp. Breathing was difficult, and every muscle in your body throbbed with pain, as if they had gone on strike together. You weren’t sure if your vision had fully returned—everything was gray. You blinked a few times, but nothing changed. This wasn’t an illusion. It was reality.You tried to lift your hand to your face, but it quickly fell to the ground. Your fingers sank into the wet leaves. The sensation hit you like a blow. You flinched, trying to rise, but the movement sent another wave of pain through you. You froze for a moment, almost regretting trying at all.They hadn’t come back for you.They hadn’t locked you in a cell.Feeling a lump beneath your back, you struggled to remove your backpack. You dug out a flashlight. Its beam cut through the shadows, illuminating the spot where you last saw the guard. Your heart froze for a moment.You were alone.Where his body had been, you saw deep indentations in the earth and broken branches. He was gone. You furrowed your brow, trying to piece together the last events in your mind. The memories returned slowly, like fragments of a dream: the guard, his limp body... and then someone else. The second guard. He had taken his companion, ignoring your presence.You tried to stand, but the pain paralyzed you. You fell to the ground, clenching your teeth to avoid crying out. You didn’t know how many hours had passed, but you were aware of one thing: you had to go back. Panic flickered in your mind. Sevika. Had what you did been enough? The thought that you might have let them down sent an icy squeeze to your stomach.After a few attempts, you managed to get to your feet. Your body felt like it was made of cotton, each step pierced by pain. But you had to move. There was no time for hesitation.Every second you wasted here felt like another pang of guilt. They could be fighting now, risking their lives, and you? The thought of your own helplessness filled you with anger.You moved forward. The problem was, you had no idea where you were going. You only knew you had entered the area from Piltover. That was the limit of your orientation. The evening was coming to an end, and through the dense underbrush, you couldn't tell which way west was. You didn't know which direction you had fallen from. You sighed heavily, shaking your head. This was incredibly stupid.You kept moving forward, straining your ears. The sound of water – the river between the cities was your only point of reference. With every step, you felt yourself growing weaker. Your legs were refusing to obey, and your head was spinning more and more.Suddenly, you heard it – the familiar splash. Your heart skipped a beat. You leaned your hand against the cool bark of a tree, staring into the darkness. In the distance, you saw the outlines of familiar buildings. It was Zaun. The road ahead was still long, but at least you knew where you were headed.You pushed on, even though every step was a battle with your own body. You knew that if you entered the city in this state, you'd be an easy target. Robbery, assault – that would be the most likely scenario.At some point, you found yourself at a cemetery. You'd never been here before. You couldn't afford monuments or ceremonies. This place wasn't terrifying, just depressing. The dead and their memories.You were out of breath. You felt your strength draining away. You stumbled, reaching out to lean on something stable. Eventually, you collapsed onto the cool stone of a monument. You sat heavily on the ground. "Just for a moment," you kept repeating to yourself in your mind.Your back ached terribly, and the cold of the stone brought some temporary relief. The nausea still wouldn't subside, which worried you more and more. You took a deep breath and pulled out a flashlight. You swept the light around, but there was nothing but trees and gravestones in sight. You straightened up and glanced behind you, curiously checking whose grave you had used as support.Well, of all the people you could have expected—why her?Grayson looked down at you, as if trying to convey something with her lifeless stare. You rolled your eyes at the sight."Well, look at you," you muttered, as though that could offer you any comfort. "Are you going to judge me too?"One glance at her name engraved in the stone made your stomach tighten even more. Grayson. The golden icon of order and law. One of those who were supposed to protect the people—but she hadn't protected yours. And what was Vander thinking, making deals with the guards? You wanted to scoff, but all that came out of your mouth was a pathetic moan.It was easy, quick. To transfer your resentment onto those who could have done something but chose a different path. A peaceful path. Would your life have been different if they had succeeded? Perhaps. Perhaps there wouldn't have been the passive war between the cities. What you did today wouldn't have happened. But you wouldn't be able to live knowing that the peace came at the cost of silence. The council wouldn't allow Zaun to be independent. It would be better for you to shut up with the vision of order than to allow independent growth."The City of Progress, right."You knew that since shimmer entered the game, Piltover feared what you could do. It would even be funny if it weren't for the hundreds of lives at stake. One piece of evidence, one small element, could lead to the brutal subjugation of the "criminals from the lower city."Unless they've already done it.You pushed yourself up with difficulty. According to your calculations, you'd been here for about four hours. If they hadn't been caught, that should be enough time for them to escape the scene. How you felt now didn't matter. You thought about how terribly you could have screwed everything up. What mattered was the success of the mission and the team's safety. You felt responsible for them. You wouldn't know peace until you knew they made it home in one piece.Several minutes later, you crossed the short bridge connecting Zaun to the cemetery. Hiding among the familiar buildings, you felt safer.You wanted to prove something – show that you could act, that Sevika didn't have to clean up after you. But your impulsiveness had gotten you into trouble. If it weren't for the patrol shift change, no one would have heard the gunshot. Marcus, with his paranoia, had actually changed something. But did that matter? You could analyze your decisions now, but you knew it wouldn't change anything. There was only one thing that mattered – you had to get back to Silco.You were afraid of what you might hear. But fighting also comes with consequences. There could have been more between you two, but he was still your superior. If you made a mistake, you had to find the courage to look him in the eye and admit what you did.You were full of conflicting emotions. Every time you thought you were on the right track, that your relationship might finally be improving, you did something stupid. You knew it was your fault. You had one simple task: get back to him. Prove that he wasn't cursed and that not everyone who got close to him would die. Instead, like a self-appointed fool-hero, you took on the patrol.You pulled your hood over your head and adjusted your scarf over your face. You lowered your head slightly, focusing on the sounds around you. You caught fragments of conversations, but none of them had the information you needed. You waited for anything that might hint whether a larger group had been detained in the upper city. People loved gossip. You should be glad no one was spreading such news around the city. But until you hear it from him or from her, you wouldn't be sure.You felt fear mixing with anticipation. That guard wouldn't let you go so easily. Why had he let you walk away? Did his ignoring you mean he didn't take seriously the threat his colleague had mentioned? You didn't want to get your hopes up; you didn’t trust the guards, but his behavior was odd.Well, he probably wouldn't have been so lenient if he knew that just before meeting them, you had killed someone.You shuddered, feeling the cold on your neck. You wouldn't take back what you did. You wanted to know that you didn't take a life for nothing. You weren't the first – and definitely not the last – to kill so that Silco's plans could continue. That was the price, you knew it, but the image of the bloodstained puddle was burned too deeply under your eyelids. Were you strong enough to live with that?You hesitated for a fraction of a second as you stepped out of the alley. Before you stood the familiar Last Drop. You should have felt relief being on familiar ground, but the fear that you had ruined all the progress held you tightly.Oh well, here goes nothing.You entered and pulled your hood off your head. You looked around at the faces, and with pain, realized that you didn't recognize anyone. No one looked at you with reproach, but you felt judged."Here comes our lost one!"You jumped in surprise when someone touched your shoulder. You glanced to the side. It had been a long time since you felt such relief at the sight of a stranger. Tiana – the woman with mouse-colored hair who had a message for the drivers – was standing next to you, smiling widely as if you had just brought her a prize.Since she was here, it might mean the mission had finally been successful.“Wait, what? What loss?” you asked, confused.She pulled away from curious ears and took a large gulp from a bottle she held in her hand, then pressed it into your palm.“You’ll need it,” she laughed. “Drink while you can. Sevika is looking for you and she’s pissed.”The bottle slipped from your hands. The glass shattered on the floor. You knew it couldn’t be that easy. You shoved your hands into your pockets. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw several heads turned your way, but at that moment, only Tiana’s words mattered.“Is it about the today?” you asked quietly. “What went wrong? Did you get caught? Did someone die?”The woman was upset about losing her drink, but she sensed the worry in your voice. You had both been part of the task, but she didn’t know why you disappeared.“Everyone’s alive, but there were problems on the bridge,” she replied seriously. “I don’t know what Sevika wants from you, but I’d advise waiting until she calms down before you go to her.”“Fuck,” you gasped between breaths.You pressed a coin into her hand, a compensation for the lost drink, and headed for the stairs. At first, you thought if there were complications, they would happen near the building. But they managed to leave and drive off. Could it be that the guard filed a full report and they were looking for you among them? You knew you had messed up, but at least the blame was on you – it was you the guards were after.As you climbed the stairs, you no longer knew what to expect. Would Silco be angry at what you did? Once again, you threw yourself into the fray without thinking about the consequences. You didn’t want to make excuses or downplay your guilt by dismissing the problem. Even if no one was detained, it was unclear how Marcus would react to the woman’s death. She didn’t look like she was someone important to Finn. If you had killed a resident of the upper city, you were in big trouble.Still, you felt calm standing in front of his office door. He could punish you for causing more problems, he could pull you from future actions – he could do whatever he wanted. But you couldn’t be the reason he closed himself off even more.You raised your hand to knock. You didn’t wait for a response. You pushed the door slightly open and stepped inside quietly, searching for the right words.Silco was facing away from you. He was leaning over a map of the city. You saw a half-full glass next to him, filled with a familiar liquid. On the other side, smoke was rising from a cigar he had lit but not finished.“Not now,” he muttered briefly without turning around.You winced at the sound of his voice. He was tired and irritated. You knew Sevika must have told him what happened. More than his shouting or anger, you feared that you had let him down. He believed you could handle it, but you had acted so recklessly.“Silco, I…” you started, but your voice cracked halfway through the sentence.He stiffened in an instant. You could clearly see how tense he became when he heard his name from your lips. After a moment, his head dropped lower, as if he was collapsing inward. A sudden weight fell upon him. You knew it was about you and what you had done. You wanted to explain to him what happened, but you were afraid that anything you said would sound like a cheap excuse, something you said to avoid punishment.“I thought you weren’t coming back,” he whispered after a moment and raised his head.Your heart froze for a moment. His voice had changed due to the emotions he was feeling, and you could hear it right away. Guilt mixed with resentment.“Do you really think that after what happened, I could just run away?”You didn’t know how to interpret his words. If not for the recent events, you would have taken his words differently, but you weren’t one to keep your composure. You hoped you were wrong and your words had no foundation.Silco slowly turned toward you. There was something forced in his movements, as if he were trying to control his reactions. His face showed a hint of exhaustion, and in his eyes, you saw something more. Relief, raw and unmasked, which he couldn’t completely hide.You couldn’t look away from him. His gaze pierced through you. You felt faint at the sight of the mixture of anger, shock, and relief fighting for dominance in his eyes. You didn’t know how to react when he wasn’t trying to suppress those emotions inside himself.“Never again… don’t make me wait for you like that,” his tone was sharp, almost commanding, but in that sharpness, there was something more – care he was trying to mask. In an instant, you softened, forgetting your stubbornness.You saw the sudden movement in him as he stepped closer. It was as if he was losing control of himself and acting on instinct. He stopped right in front of you. His hand rose toward your face. You held your breath, unsure how to respond. You felt one cold, steady finger under your chin. Gently but firmly, he pushed it up, forcing you to lift your head, as if the gesture itself said there was no place for resistance. For a moment, he held you in that motionless position, as if he was examining every inch of your face while also watching your eyes and reactions. His hand on your skin mirrored the tension hanging in the air – hard, but not brutal, yet full of conscious strength. With every inch of that movement, you felt not only your body but your mind being pulled into that quiet, inevitable, tense gesture. It wasn’t just checking for wounds; it was something more, something that made you feel like what was happening now had no way back.“Aren’t you angry?” you asked in a probing voice, hoping he wouldn’t pull away from you when you broke the silence.He pressed his lips together but didn’t stop observing you. When his gaze shifted to your eyes, his hand stayed in place. Whatever was happening, you didn’t want it to end.“I’m glad you came back,” he replied softly and gently, but after a moment, the familiar seriousness returned. He stepped back reluctantly and added, “Sevika told me what happened.”You felt your face stiffen. She was here. You wanted him to hear from you what you did, but maybe it was better that Sevika introduced him to the details. She surely did it more calmly than you ever could.“I killed someone,” you said after a moment of silence, knowing there wouldn’t be a better time to confess.In your words, though brief, lay a range of emotions. You were grateful he hadn’t pulled away from you. You needed that confirmation that even in the face of such an act, he didn’t give up on you. You felt tired, your body yearning for rest, but it was your mind that had taken the hardest blow today.“I know,” he said calmly. “Taking lives is never easy. It’s not supposed to be.”You flinched hearing those words. You furrowed your brow, searching his face for any sign of disappointment in your actions, but you found nothing that could confirm your guilt.“How can you be so calm about it?” you asked, taking a step back. “I took someone’s life.”Your assertiveness surprised him. He raised his hand to his hair, brushing through it, then moved away, sitting on the edge of the desk. It was a difficult conversation for you; you were relieved that you wouldn’t be distracted by his proximity, but you began missing it the moment you stepped back.Silco reached for a cigar and lit it again. He spoke only when a new cloud of smoke hung over you both. You waited for his words, but you didn’t know what to expect from him, or what to expect from yourself."Because it will happen again. And the only way to survive this path is to accept that it will never get easier. This is the road you chose."It struck you exactly where it was meant to. Sharp and firm. His words were not cautious; he didn’t try to hurt you or lead you further. He was honest with you. He watched you, waiting for the moment when the meaning of his words would fully reach you.You needed a moment to calm your racing thoughts. You had expected to be shocked by the news that you had killed someone, but you had forgotten that what was the first time for you, they had been forced to do for a long time. Almost mechanically, you approached the couch and sank onto it heavily. What irritated you about all of this was the fact that you wanted to be guilty. Only in that way could you save yourself from being lost in brutality. Silco saw it differently. He didn’t ignore the death of that woman; it wasn’t a part of his everyday life. It was something he accepted as another element on the path.You looked at your hands. You saw red on them. Would you be able to sleep peacefully knowing what you had done?"It feels… wrong," you said slowly, not entirely sure what you were trying to express with those words. "I didn’t want this, but I know I won’t take back my actions. I know the operation went almost without a hitch, which is why her death seems unnecessary to me."You faded with each word, overwhelmed by guilt. She had died because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She died because she worked for the man you wanted to stop. That wasn’t right. It couldn’t be right."She didn’t die in vain. Zaun is built on sacrifices. What you did was instinctive. You saw a threat and eliminated it. That’s something I expect from my people."The way he spoke made your spine shiver. Unfortunately, he was right. You had chosen this path, you repeated it every time, but you needed confirmation of your words through actions. You wanted their trust, acceptance, and belief in your decisions. This was your life, your choices, and your consequences. No one would guide you through it by the hand. Silco didn’t need weak people. He had told you that—although in anger—but the message was clear. You couldn’t be a burden. If you broke under the weight of one death, the death of someone who would have killed you if she could, you’d show yourself and others that you were weak.He turned to put out the cigar, and it seemed like he wanted to return to his duties and that you should leave, but he interrupted your thoughts:"Next time, don’t play the hero, okay?" he asked, but it sounded more like an order. "I know you had good intentions, but you need to understand what would have happened if you had been caught. There were no witnesses now, but not every operation will go so smoothly."You nodded, but your thoughts were far away. You knew that behind his words wasn’t just concern for you. You had witnessed many important conversations; you carried valuable information that could ruin your plans if it fell into the wrong hands."I know, it won’t happen again," you answered defiantly, certain of your words. "I know what’s at stake in this fight. I don’t take back what I said, this is the path I chose for myself."Silco remained silent, but his posture said more than words could express. He stood by the desk, his hands resting on the surface, his back slightly bent as if bearing the entire weight of Zaun. His face, usually sharp and confident, now seemed tired. His clenched fingers and tense shoulders betrayed an internal struggle. But it was his eyes that caught your attention—devoid of anger or triumph, they showed something more human: doubt, regret, perhaps loneliness."What happened showed you what our world looks like. My world. You won’t escape these choices. Are you sure you want this life for yourself?"You looked at him in silence, suddenly seeing something you had never noticed before. Silco, whom you admired for his strength and determination, was also a man carrying the weight of his choices. He wasn’t a hero or a monster—he was everything at once: a leader, a strategist, a visionary, but also a prisoner of his own ambitions."You talk like I had a choice. This blood can’t be washed away, I can only try to live with it," you said sharply, standing up quickly. "Since I was left alone, I’ve been searching for a purpose, something to hold onto. I found it. Today, I did something terrible that will stay with me for a long time, but it’s not strong enough to disrupt my decisions. It’s hard, but no one said the fight for our city would be easy."You were one of many people on this side of the river who saw how dirty this fight was and had no intention of leaving. Sometimes, you had to get your hands dirty to achieve the goal. Every decision he made, though brutal, was directed towards something greater than himself. He wasn’t afraid to take matters into his own hands when the situation demanded it, and that impressed you more than it should have. Still… you wanted to stay, no matter what.Not for the illusion you had once seen in him, but for the man you were now beginning to truly understand. He wasn’t flawless—his hands were stained with blood, and his decisions left ruins. But he was still a man fighting for something he believed in—and paying the highest price for it.Your fascination turned into understanding. The strength he exuded was not innate. It was earned—paid for with daily struggles and sacrifices that left marks on his soul. You had once thought you knew him better than anyone, but now you realized how much he had hidden behind the mask of cold calculation."I don’t hesitate, if that’s what you’re thinking," you finally spoke, taking a step towards him. "This is the path I chose.""I know that whatever I say won’t change your mind." He smiled bitterly for a moment, breaking the seriousness he had tried to impose on the conversation. "I like that you’re stubborn. Maybe someone should be like that..."You swallowed hard, feeling the air around you grow thick. When he said you didn’t know what you were getting into, he wasn’t challenging you. He wasn’t trying to push you away but protect you from the world he represented and from the weight that came with the decision to stay with him."I know what you said, and I know what I’ve seen. But what you’re doing is important. I didn’t understand it back then, but now I see why you have to put Zaun first. I know I won’t take that place, and I have no problem with that."Silco shifted his gaze to you. Though he focused on you, you still saw a pensive look in his eyes, as if what troubled him wasn’t so easily dismissed. He blinked, and his gaze regained its former sharpness. A faint smile curved his lips, but you could see a bitterness in it—the smile didn’t reach his eyes.What you were doing to each other was cruel. You wanted to be able to touch him, show him that you weren’t afraid and that you knew what you were doing, but he still wouldn’t let you in. Not physically, emotionally."Don’t try to make me a hero. I’m not one."Instinctively, you took a step toward him, wanting to respond somehow. The sudden flash in his eyes stopped you in your tracks. It was hard to tell whether he wanted that or was warning you not to get closer to him. It disappeared too quickly for you to be sure. You froze, knowing it was probably the last time you could stop yourself from making contact with him. It hurt you that despite your feelings, you didn’t know how much you could allow yourself.“I’m not trying…”“I don’t want you to forget what you saw,” he interrupted you calmly, but his voice, although soft and gentle, carried a sharp tone. “How much blood was on that street. Every victory that you would call 'important' comes at the cost of the lives of people who had their own lives, their own dreams. I chose that. And I don’t know if I can be the person you want to see in me.”You wanted to scream that you understood. Blood was on your hands—hidden, yet tangible. He kept trying to push you away, showing from all sides that living with him meant an eternal struggle. But how was that different from what you’d been doing all along? Silco gave you a reason. He gave you a purpose. Or rather, he helped you step onto the path you’d been searching for all along. You needed it, but at that moment, you didn’t want to walk that path without him. You wanted Silco, and you saw only him, not an image of him.This was about him.Your shoulders slumped. You felt a mixture of calm and exhaustion. You felt certainty. For the first time in a long while, you had the impression that you were standing firm on the ground, knowing exactly what you wanted. Oh for fuck’s sake, you thought, sighing heavily. You were making this so difficult.“I know you’re not a hero,” you said quietly, returning to your place on the couch. “Zaun doesn’t need heroes. This city needs you, Silco. This is your life. Your fight. And I want to be a part of it.” Your words resonated in the silence, strong and certain. “I don’t want you to change for me. I want you as you are.”He looked at you as if trying to read every smallest detail of your face, every intention behind your words. In return, you saw suffering and desire in him. Two very contradictory emotions that constantly fought for dominance.Your words hung in the air. You could see him fighting with himself to accept them. You had no intention of helping him with that. He had to understand eventually that you weren’t going anywhere. There was no force in this world that could pull you away from him. For a moment, it seemed like the air in the room thickened. Silco leaned back slightly, his gaze still fixed on you. And then, with barely noticeable lifting of the corner of his mouth, he responded:“You are infuriating.”You smiled a little, realizing how absurd your conversations were. That phrase carried with it your past, feelings he couldn’t vocalize, but you knew.God, you wanted certainty.Why couldn’t you just settle this like adults, instead of stepping into the realm of ambiguous words, waiting for the other side to finally say something concrete? But could you have made it any clearer? Was it wrong that you wanted the same from him? You knew you had to watch his actions, not his words. The problem was, he gave you very contradictory signals. He touched you, showing that he wanted no one but you, only to withdraw as if regretting his gesture. You longed for him, more and more each day. You knew that only the last remnants of your willpower were holding you back. But you didn’t have the courage to get closer to him, not when he so quickly hid his feelings.Your tired mind began to exaggerate and distort every sensation, every word. You got up, feeling that this day had achieved much, yet nothing had truly progressed. You wanted to rest, to momentarily forget what had happened, and allow yourself a bit of fantasy.You took one step toward the door when you felt his hand on your arm. Your heart skipped a beat. You wanted to ask why he tormented you so, but he beat you to it, making your knees buckle beneath you.“Stay with me,” he said softly, and the tone of his voice revealed something he normally wouldn’t allow himself to show. It wasn’t a request, but it didn’t sound like an order either. Somewhere in between.You turned, looking at his hand firmly gripping your wrist. He had never held your hand like this before. You raised your head to observe him, waiting for something more. There was something almost painful in his gaze—like the words he had spoken hadn’t come easily. And yet, he had said them.You took a breath, but didn’t let on how deeply it affected you. You knew that if you showed too much tenderness, he might interpret it as weakness. And Silco would never admit to weakness.“I meant what I said before,” you replied calmly, though your voice was firm. “I’m staying.”He didn’t take his eyes off you, but he said nothing. Slowly, he nodded—such a delicate gesture that you almost didn’t notice it. But it was enough. He loosened his grip, leaving a burning mark on your skin. The uncertainty in his eyes told you that the question wasn’t just about this evening.With relief, you returned to your seat, knowing that returning to yourself in this state would be exceptionally difficult. A nap tempted you greatly, your head began to droop to the side as you struggled against the heaviness of your eyelids.You sensed his presence before he even sat down. The sound of footsteps on the wooden floor, the barely audible rustle of fabric as he approached the couch, was enough. When he sat down, your body immediately sensed his proximity.It wasn’t a meaningless gesture—he sat closer than ever before. Only a thin space remained between you, taut like a string but not oppressive. He didn’t look at you. He sat on the edge of the couch, slightly turned, setting documents on the table, but he seemed too distracted to engage with them at that moment. You could only see his back and the faint profile of his face when he glanced at you, as if to check if you were okay with this proximity.There was something almost symbolic about this closeness, so unusual for him. He didn’t have to say anything for you to know that just your presence meant something to him—more than perhaps he wanted to show.You allowed yourself to lean back deeper into the backrest, your body slowly relaxing. This gesture, simple yet full of meaningful intimacy, was enough to signal that, although no words were exchanged, he had allowed you to get closer than anyone else.You closed your eyes for a moment, feeling a mix of exhaustion and something else—a gentle warmth from this moment, which, despite everything, was hard to ignore. After a moment, quietly and without unnecessary emphasis, you spoke:“I know you’re not saying everything... But you don’t have to. All I need is for you to be next to me.”He froze for a split second. You felt his body tense briefly. You heard him try to control his breath to keep your words from showing how deeply they moved him.He didn’t answer. But when he tilted his head slightly, and the angle of light in the room allowed you to glimpse part of his face, you noticed something in his gaze—something he hid as carefully as his thoughts. Hope.You were already too tired to dwell on it. You closed your eyes, letting the weight of your eyelids soothe you, while the silence filled the remaining pieces of the conversation neither of you dared to finish.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It would have been funny if it wasn’t about you.Sometimes, you looked at people who gave in to the pressure of confrontation with pity. You thought about their lack of courage—what was so hard about it? Your hot-headedness and sharp tongue never stopped you from spitting out whatever was on your mind. You rolled your eyes thinking about how you would behave differently in their place.Now you were in their place. So, where was your courage?For a moment, you wondered if this was really an urgent matter, but you had delayed it for too long. The last time, you hadn’t managed to tell her the truth. You regretted not doing it then, when your determination was still strong enough. Now, the stinging guilt was winning. Once again, you had let yourself get so carried away that you forgot about the rest of the world. You shook your head, knowing there weren’t enough hours in the day to handle everything.So, Lacey was awake...She must have been asking about you—there was still the unresolved matter of her husband. It felt like so long ago, though it had only been a few days. With horror, you realized that Lacey would never be able to visit him after his death. Wherever Marcus had dumped his body remained a mystery. What a bitter and infuriating situation.You climbed the stairs to the upper floor, fully aware that a confrontation awaited you, whether you wanted it or not. Lacey was your responsibility. You were the one who had pulled her out of prison and promised to bring her husband back to her. Now it was time to face her reaction.You quickly registered another person sitting by Lacey’s door but didn’t pay him much attention. You reached for the handle and were surprised to find the door locked. You frowned, not expecting this.“I wouldn’t recommend it, but I know it’s about you,” said the guard.You glanced sideways. You had thought this man was asleep, but he had been alert enough to hear you, even though you moved with your usual quiet steps.“Should I even ask?”“Locked by the boss’s orders,” he yawned, pulling a key from his pocket. “Here, but think twice before you go in. It’s not a pretty sight.”“Why? What’s wrong with her?” you asked, feeling fear creeping into the corners of your mind.“Depends on how you look at it. She’s thrashing around, screaming, attacking whoever gets near. Keeps asking for you—did you do something to her?”You let your shoulders drop, suddenly realizing the full weight of the responsibility you’d taken on in a moment of reckless heroism. You took the key from him without a word. Nothing you could say would make this better. You knew Lacey remembered you, but you hadn’t expected her psyche to be so fragile. This could be more difficult than you thought.“I locked her in there,” you said coldly, almost hearing the guard tense beside you.You entered the room, feeling your courage fly out the window. Lacey stood by the window, looking down at Zaun from above. Even in her plain, loose clothes, you could see how thin she was. She had wrapped her arms tightly around herself, making her shoulders look grotesquely bent, like the wings of a bird that couldn’t take flight. She seemed deeply lost in her own thoughts, her own world, because she didn’t hear you come in.You noticed she was barefoot on the cold floor. Whatever was happening in her head had broken her. Strength of character was different for everyone. She had spent too much time in Stillwater. You suspected they hadn’t left her alone there. You feared Marcus had regularly used her as a bargaining chip to keep Zaryas in check. Pain is the most effective language in such cases.And now, you were about to break her even more by telling her about her husband’s death.It felt simply cruel.“Lacey?” you asked cautiously, unsure how the woman would react.She straightened at the sound of her name but didn’t turn to face you. You felt there was something hanging in the air, something you should have known before coming here, but it was too late for that now.“I was wondering if you’d dare show up,” she said slowly, her voice resonating with a strange mix of emotions.Something was wrong.“Lacey? Is everything okay?”Suddenly, the room was filled with horrible laughter, a sound that hurt your ears not just with its tone but with the sheer bitterness it carried. She turned toward you, and the look on her face sent chills down your spine. It was madness, insanity.“Where is he?”You flinched as though her words were a physical blow. Slowly, something began to dawn on you, but it was too early to grasp it fully. Something about her behavior felt off, but you couldn’t put your finger on it.That tone… It wasn’t a question."Before I say anything, you should know I did everything I could, but—""I don’t care about your cheap excuses," she spat. "Where is my husband?"She stood facing you, and between the two of you was a void. Something was growing, something gaining strength, and it would end tragically if you didn’t take control of the situation. Lacey wasn’t sad or frightened. No, beneath her madness, you saw anger. She knew. You had no idea how, but she already knew what had happened. Her words weren’t a question. She wanted to hear confirmation from you."Who told you?" you asked slowly, forcing a calm tone.Those weren’t the best words. You knew they could be interpreted in many ways, but you wanted to know who had delivered the news to her. You wanted her to hear it from you, not someone who might twist the truth. Yet you couldn’t hide the small relief you felt, knowing you didn’t have to be the first to break it to her."You promised me," she hissed. "You promised you’d bring him back!"Involuntarily, you stepped back, startled by the hostility in her voice. Many things didn’t add up, but dwelling on them was pointless. Not when Lacey looked seconds away from an attack.Strangely, you didn’t feel guilt. It had taken you a long time to realize you weren’t responsible for Zarys’ death. Many things could have gone differently, but you hadn’t pulled the trigger. You felt many things for Lacey, but you weren’t about to let her walk all over you."Lacey, careful," you said firmly, aware of your physical advantage, which you didn’t want to use. "I didn’t promise you anything. I said I’d do what I could to bring him back."You took two steps to the left, watching as Lacey slowly moved in an arc toward you. You felt your blood run cold. You’d been warned that Lacey had already attacked someone, but you hadn’t thought she’d dare to try it with you. Now, you weren’t so sure.There was a bitter taste at the back of your throat, all from the realization that you’d misjudged her. Damn it, you didn’t even know her! It was stupid to feel attached to her pain."You bitch," she snarled venomously. "Because of you, my family is broken!"Suddenly, she lunged at you. It wasn’t a calculated or precise move. It was a desperate attempt to punish you for her suffering. Fear mixed with anger as you jumped to the side, instinctively reaching for your knife. Your hand stopped halfway. You couldn’t—and wouldn’t—kill her. No matter how angry she was, you had no intention of attacking her.She threw herself at you with her whole body, trying to knock you off your feet, but you were much faster. You watched her collapse to her knees, groaning in pain. Her arms trembled with effort, but it didn’t stop her. Only then did you notice the red marks around her fingernails. You wanted to look away. You knew those were wounds from fighting with herself. Lacey was seeking another pain to replace the one she was already enduring.You stepped back two paces, raising your hands slightly."Calm down, and we’ll talk.""I have nothing to say to you," she spat, her words filled with venom that made you feel sick.You saw her crouch, poised to strike at the right moment, but you didn’t take your eyes off her. It hurt. Not her attack or her condition, but the fact that you’d come to her feeling obligated to give her answers. That was the only thing you could offer her. You wanted to give it to her, but wasn’t this just an attempt to soothe your own frayed nerves?Lacey lunged at you again, taking advantage of your distraction. She panted heavily, trying with all her might to find a gap in your defense, but the training with Sevika had finally paid off. You regretted having to use it on her.You felt her nails dig into your arm. Hissing in pain, you stepped back, shoving her away. You touched your arm, feeling the wet fabric of your shirt under your fingers. The torn skin burned, making it clear that Lacey wouldn’t stop until she succeeded.She wavered, stumbling slightly. She was weak and unaccustomed to fighting, which made her easy to overpower. But you didn’t want to be forced into that. You felt your disgust growing—for her, for yourself, for everything."Take my advice: don’t move," you warned calmly. "Don’t make me use force."Lacey laughed, but it didn’t stop her. She resumed her advance, this time trying to approach you from the right. Her bare feet slipped slightly on the floor, damp with her own sweat. She paid no attention to anything around her or to what was happening to her. She was at her breaking point, but her anger kept pushing her forward. This wasn’t just a fight for survival; in her eyes, you saw something more—a fury, a desperation, and a grief that hit you harder than any blow."What now? Are you going to kill me like you killed Zarys? Quietly, huh? That’s your whole tactic—deceit, betrayal. Typical for a low-life from the Undercity."You stepped back, hurt by her words. Her voice was low and hoarse, her questions interrupted by shallow breaths. It all gave this an even more horrifying character. It was cruel, and she knew it. You feared you might have no choice, but the thought of striking her seemed simply cruel. You wanted to justify her actions, to blame her madness, but in her eyes, you saw a cold focus, as if she’d been waiting for you."I didn’t kill him," you retorted sharply. "Marcus killed him, not me.""You’re the one who broke me out of prison!" she screamed, her voice betraying the depth of her rage toward you. "It’s your fault! You provoked him!"You straightened. Lacey was voicing all the thoughts you’d carried after Zarys’ death. Hearing them from someone else made you see how absurd it was to blame yourself for his death. Now that you truly had blood on your hands, now that you’d seen life slip away from someone, you knew Zarys wasn’t your first victim. Lacey’s words were sharp, deliberate, and almost accurate—if they hadn’t been wrong.She rushed at you again, but this time, you accepted her attack. Swiftly, you stepped to the left and grabbed her arm. She let out a muffled groan, surprised by your speed. You twisted her arm, and she howled in pain and shock. Gritting your teeth, you held on tightly. Lacey swung her free arm but couldn’t reach you."If it weren’t for me, you’d still be in prison, at the mercy of the guards," you said quietly, trying to keep your composure."Oh, maybe I should thank you, huh? For what? For killing my husband or for changing the cage I’m stuck in?"For a moment, you loosened your grip, which she immediately took advantage of, darting to the other side of the room. You looked at her, pained and unsure of what to do. You hadn’t planned to imprison her. You’d brought her to the Last Drop seeking shelter for her. You didn’t know they’d keep her locked up, but looking at her current state, it was safer for everyone that way. The words you’d spoken to the man on the other side were the truth."Marcus has been looking for you all over the city," you pointed out, feeling irritation building within you. "As soon as you leave, he’ll lock you up again or kill you on the spot, is that what you want?"“I want my husband back!”She jumped at you, putting all her strength into it. Her movements were too chaotic—she tripped over a cabinet, and papers scattered on the floor. She didn’t pay attention to it. Her eyes were fixed only on you.This had to end.You grabbed her by the wrists, blocking her hands before she could scratch your eyes out. It was close enough for you to see how bloodshot her eyes were. You wished you could feel pity for her, but the emptiness was slowly replacing everything else."Zarys knew exactly what he was getting into when he agreed to work for Marcus," you said with a calmness that even surprised you. "You think after all this, he'd let you walk away? Don't be stupid."The insult made her stop kicking for a moment. You thought it was over and that something had finally gotten through to her. Instead, she spat in your face. You pushed her away and wiped your sleeve across your face. You felt only coldness and the weight of the responsibility that had fallen on you at that moment. You wiped your face in disgust, knowing your misjudgment now had real consequences—consequences you had to deal with. Lacey lunged at you with all her force, but you reacted just in time. You raised your arm and swung. The blow wasn’t strong—you didn’t want to hurt her—but you had to stop her.Lacey was knocked aside, but just a bit too late. Her nails managed to scratch your cheek, leaving a burning scrape. You opened your mouth to say something, but you couldn’t find the words, as anger and fear tore at your insides. You didn’t want to hurt her, but with every movement, the situation was slipping out of control."Lacey, stop! This won’t change anything!" you tried to reason with her, but her eyes blazed with fury.She was no longer herself—there was pure desperation in her gaze, as if fighting you was her last way of regaining control over her life. When she lunged at you again, this time from a lower position, trying to trip you, you dodged quickly to the side and leaned down.You grabbed her wrist mid-air, squeezing hard, and with your other hand, you pushed her shoulder, causing her to crash onto her knees with a groan. It wasn’t graceful, but it worked—you used her own momentum to make her lose her balance. Instead of giving up, Lacey fell into even greater fury. She wrenched her arm out of your grip and tried to reach you again, this time slashing at you with her nails like claws. At the last second, you tilted your head back, narrowly avoiding a scratch, but you felt the adrenaline rush through your body, spurring you into action."Lacey, calm down!" you shouted, grabbing her wrist tighter and pressing it to the floor. "Don’t make me hurt you!"Her body arched in a desperate attempt to escape. She kicked at your thigh, but she was too weak to hit with any force. You seized the moment to shift your hand to her forearm and twisted her arm in a gentle but firm grip, pinning her to the ground. Her breathing quickened, and your heart pounded like a hammer."Enough!" you shouted, driving your knee into her back to pin her in place. "I won’t force you to fight, but if you don’t stop, I’ll have to stop you!"Lacey started to thrash, tears streaming down her cheeks."It’s your fault! Everything, everything... you promised me!" she yelled, her voice cracking, turning into something between a sob and a scream.The door to the room slammed open. A man on guard entered, weapon raised, ready for a fight."Don’t you dare," you snarled at him.Lacey also saw him, which made her scream like an injured animal in a trap. It hurt your ears, but you couldn’t let her go. The man watched you, shocked, unsure of what to do in this situation."I warned you," he said quietly, peeking out into the hallway. "Handle this before the doctors arrive."You nodded and returned your gaze to Lacey."I never promised everything would be fine!" you said sharply, feeling your hands start to sweat. "I promised I’d do everything I could. And I did! You have no idea what I went through to get you out of there!"Lacey stopped for a moment, her heavy breaths echoing against the floor. Your knee was pressing into her back, and your hands were gripping her wrists."Get it off me..." she hissed, trying to break free, but you wouldn’t let her.You couldn’t."I won’t let you go until you calm down," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady but firm.You weren’t sure how much longer you could keep this up. Your heart screamed for you to let her go, but your instincts told you that if you did, she’d attack you again. Her body started to tremble, and when she looked at you, something changed in her. You no longer saw anger, but pure despair."Zarys... why?" she whispered, her voice trembling.You weren’t sure if she was speaking to you or to herself. At that moment, holding her down, you felt emotions begin to push out the adrenaline. As her struggles began to weaken, something in you also broke. You realized she wasn’t fighting you—she was fighting herself, her own pain, the reality that had overwhelmed her. Unable to bear it any longer, you released her and slid down to the floor, feeling an immense fatigue.Lacey, free from your grip, crawled to the wall. She pulled her knees up to her chest and curled into a fetal position, hiding her head in her arms. You sat on the floor, battling your fury. You touched your cheek, wincing slightly. You should treat the wound before it gets infected, but you couldn’t take your eyes off her."They’re coming," the man warned as he entered the room to avoid blocking the way.You lifted your head at his words, but before you could fully comprehend them, three people rushed into the room. You watched as they lifted Lacey to her feet and led her toward the bed. She had lost her anger and desperation somewhere, which was overwhelming. You could clearly see the evidence of what her fury had caused, and how she cut herself off from it within seconds. She was dangerous to her surroundings, but most of all to herself."Out," the doctor ordered without looking at you.That was an order you followed gladly. There could be nothing more between you and Lacey. It was over. You had done everything you could, trying to make her understand that her life wouldn’t be the same, but she wasn’t in the right place mentally and emotionally to understand it. You saw your distorted reflection in her eyes. She wouldn’t change her mind about you, and trying to fix this could only make things worse. It hurt like hell, but you had to let go. Lacey shouldn’t see you again because you were a trigger for her bad memories. It was unclear if she’d ever get back on her feet. Still, you couldn’t leave the building. You stopped just outside her door and leaned against the wall, trying to quench the rising emotions. You were looking for a safe place to return to, but the pain in your shoulder reminded you that this wasn’t a nightmare."Are you holding up?"You opened your eyes, seeing the man take his place against the wall.“What does it matter to you?” he asked, a bit too harshly.He laughed dryly and crossed his arms over his chest, stretching his legs out in front of him.“Good technique,” he said calmly. “I’ve heard about you. Sevika rarely trains anyone.”You scoffed loudly, feeling the sheer absurdity of this conversation. You pushed off the wall and took a step before glancing over your shoulder.“Even the best technique won’t stop what’s already begun,” you replied vaguely, not having the strength to explain the past between you and Lacey.The rumor would spread like wildfire. Since you're already associated with Sevika's training, nothing would stop it from reaching the hospital. You knew it wouldn't go unnoticed, but you didn't want the label of a brute who uses force as a weapon.But what choice did you have?Physical wounds didn’t hurt as much as emotional ones. You didn’t regret pulling Lacey out of prison, but you had seriously misjudged your feelings and her character. What seemed like a good deed had little to do with altruism. From the beginning, you thought Lacey could be useful. If you had treated her that way from the start, you wouldn’t have gotten emotionally involved with what had happened to her.Stillwater breaks people just by being there. When you saw Lacey in that environment, something inside you snapped. A heroic part of you awoke, one you hadn’t even suspected existed. You saw in her the image of the harm Marcus did to people. She was so defenseless and open when you led her that day to Last Drop. It didn’t even occur to you to wonder who Lacey really was. You were naïve, thinking you were doing the right thing, though deep down you knew your motives weren’t entirely good. The truth was brutal—you simply couldn’t bear the thought that you were using her condition for your own purposes. And yet, Lacey had nothing for you but fury.It was foolish and naïve. Did you think Lacey would be grateful for your help? What a dumb idea! You growled to yourself as you walked down the street, ignoring the passersby. Just the night before, Silco had told you not to play the hero, because it would end tragically. You had sworn to yourself that you understood the cost of this fight, that Zaun didn’t need heroes, only people ready to act. And what did you do?You still didn’t know why Lacey was so important to you. You were ashamed to admit, even to yourself, that you had been waiting for words of thanks from her. Maybe that was what tormented you—realizing you were slowly closing yourself off from ordinary kindness. When you saw Lacey in that state, you wanted to help her, to lessen your part in this tragedy, but you only made things worse. You threw yourself into the rescue like a hero, doing exactly what Silco had warned you against. But back then, you didn’t see it.You regretted not having had that thought a few days ago. Lacey was from the upper city—she should’ve been your enemy, yet you stubbornly wanted to see something more in her. It was a painful misstep. Lacey didn’t even try to understand what had happened; she just jumped straight into accusations. You could blame yourself for Zarys's death, for everything that happened, but hearing those words from her lips was a different kind of pain.You weren’t guilty. It was a tragic accident. The real blame lay with Marcus—he was the one who tore her family apart. He was the one who forced Lacey's father to work. He was the one who threw her into prison. And yet, somehow, the blame fell on you. Not because you did something wrong, but because you were from Zaun.Her words were spoken in emotion, but you didn’t feel just anger. She really believed it. Her tone, her posture—all of it made it clear: she was convinced that your place was beneath hers. She attacked everyone at the hospital, and beneath the layers of anger, there was disgust. Fury tightened your stomach. You kicked a stone, watching it strike the wall, bounce back, and land in a puddle.It hurt. More than you thought it would. You knew how Piltover viewed you, but now you felt it in your bones—more than ever before.“Why the hell are we doing this?” you growled, directing the question into the emptiness ahead of you.A woman looked back at you, but you didn’t pay her any mind. Marcus was a threat to the city. You were doing everything you could to stop him, even though his first attack was aimed at the upper city residents. Why not just let them die? What was the point in saving those who hated you? After all, you were supposed to stop playing the hero. So why all this? All the secrecy, the tricks, the complicated plans—all to save the lives of people who would never do the same for you.What comforted you, though, was that Silco wanted to neutralize Marcus not out of altruism, but cold calculation—to avoid problems if someone tried to pin the poisoning on him. It was hard to believe that Silco had the well-being of Piltover residents in mind, but regardless of his motivations, you were saving them. You had no choice.Of course, Marcus had a factory in Zaun. Wasn’t that convenient? He used the people from your city, knowing that the allure of quick profit was too tempting for many. He designed his plan so others would dirty their hands while he remained clean. Anger surged through your veins.“Scheming bastard,” you muttered under your breath.It annoyed you that Piltover saw you as criminals, traitors, people willing to do anything just to survive, while their sheriff—a coward who couldn’t face the consequences of his own greed—was the real culprit. You clenched your fists, feeling the anger swell inside you at all this injustice.You made a huge mistake. You couldn’t admit it to anyone. You had to quickly suppress that bitterness and move on. There was no room for mistakes in Zaun, and this one could cost you your life. What Lacey turned out to be wasn’t anything new. It was your thoughts that were the problem. You had to forget about her and channel your anger into something concrete. Yet, the idea of throwing yourself into a whirlwind of tasks didn’t seem appealing now. Your cheek still ached from her attack. You knew you couldn’t stop the words when Sevika asked about it—she would definitely ask, seeing the reaction of the guard outside the hospital room.You stopped for a moment. They saw everything, every step you took, every decision you made. It was terrifying how quickly they figured out what you had done. Sevika wasn’t happy when you dumped the responsibility for Lacey on her, and Silco hadn’t said anything about it. You hadn’t talked about it, but the disapproval was palpable. You expected Sevika’s dry “didn’t I tell you so.” Lacey was a good lesson for you. You were naïve to think it could be different.You felt how your thoughts clashed with your emotions. You had to think, get everything in order in your head before you looked him in the eye. You didn’t want him to read into you what the fight with Lacey had left on you. You were afraid he might think it was too much for you or—worse—find insincerity in your words. No, after everything that happened between you, you couldn’t let him down. You saw something like hope in him. It seemed like he was beginning to believe there was a chance for something more between you. You couldn’t forgive yourself for ruining that.That’s why you left the center, heading for the only place that could still calm you down. The tower didn’t belong to you, but you didn’t see a problem visiting it. It was a return to the pattern you had followed just a few months ago. You hadn’t completely cut yourself off from your past, which was comforting. You were afraid you were losing yourself in the face of the ego you had agreed to. This place was better when it didn’t belong to you—it should remain that way.From the roof, you had a perfect view of both Piltover and Zaun. You hadn’t been here since the time when things started to change between you. You hoped that the spirit of that scene would help you find your way.You weren’t lying when you said you understood him. It was something you’d been working on ever since you met him. He shattered the image you had of yourself from the first moment he helped you in a tough situation instead of throwing you out onto the streets. Everything he did mattered. He impressed you, but you didn’t want to be like him. You wanted to be by his side, a strong character on his team, someone who would contribute during the work for the city. You were starting to find your place in this. It gave you comfort and a sense of security, like a semblance of home that you hadn’t had for a long time. You knew your choices could be questioned, but you wouldn’t change them for anything. Not when you knew him so well.Silco had earned his position in this place through strength, cunning, and ruthlessness. He knew when to act and when to let events unfold on their own. It was fascinating and terrifying. He had a plan or an answer for everything, and he seemed to see much more than you. What he was doing—the fight for Zaun—was a dirty game full of underhanded tactics, deceit, and death. He knew that people were afraid of him, and he used that to his advantage.Some people despised him for flooding the city with shimmer, but you knew this reality too well to see it in black and white. It wasn’t that simple. The effects of shimmer were horrifying—you’d seen people destroyed by addiction, barely functioning in a world that had rejected them. But you’d also seen something else: people for whom shimmer had saved lives. It was used in hospitals to alleviate pain, heal wounds, and help rebuild bodies shattered by hard work and lack of access to real medicine.You couldn’t forget what shimmer had done to you. The addiction that consumed you left you with little hope. This byproduct was like poison, spreading through your body. It seemed like there was no escape. And yet—you had found a cure. Another version of shimmer, properly modified, had saved your life. You had felt its destructive power firsthand and how it could be used to rebuild. Shimmer was a tool—it all depended on whose hands it was in.Marcus and the others who saw shimmer only as a curse would never understand your point of view. To them, it was just a drug, something that needed to be destroyed at all costs. You saw more. In the right hands, shimmer could be a salvation. For Zaun, it was a hope for progress in medicine, for survival in a world that had forgotten about you. But who, other than you, could see these nuances? No one understood how thin the line was between its uses. You were alone in this fight, and your theories sounded to others like justifying Silco’s actions.“It’s his fault,” you heard over and over. It was easy to blame Silco. Easier than admitting that Piltover had never invested in the lower city, that it was them who had driven people to the point where shimmer had become their last hope. Was Silco responsible for every person who reached for it? No, it was an individual’s choice. And yes, you agreed that shimmer was part of the problem, but it was also part of the solution. You were bending the boundaries of morality to achieve something that would give future generations a better life.Everyone warned you about Silco. Even he did. Not long ago, you wondered whether you were capable of acting in this zone of gray morality. It was hard—living with the knowledge that when people learned you were working for Silco, they would see you as crazy, or worse—a monster. But you could understand that. You didn’t care about their opinions, because now you truly believed that Zaun deserved independence. And if achieving that meant getting your hands dirty, you were ready for it. Not just for him. For all of you.You had a plan.You knew Marcus wouldn’t stop and would do whatever it took to catch Silco. You were afraid his next target wouldn’t be Piltover but Zaun directly. The upper city didn’t need much reason to hate you, so they’d accept any solution. Marcus wouldn’t stop the production of the half-product—you were certain of that. He wouldn’t give up such a powerful weapon. If he attacked your people with it, all of Zaun would turn against Silco and hand him over. This vision was even more terrifying than the previous one, especially since the threat was real.And you had the beginning of an answer in your room.Silco’s chemists were capable, and creating a safe version shouldn’t be difficult with the creator’s notes in hand. And now that Silco had a frightening amount of half-product, their research could begin. If anything were to happen in Zaun, the council wouldn’t lift a finger, pushing it aside as gang violence. Too many people would suffer for Zaun to ever recover.You had thought about this drug before, but you hadn’t seen how important it would become.“Damn you, Zarys,” you whispered quietly, feeling as if you could sense the chemist’s urging gaze on you.You couldn’t sit and pity yourself. Lacey was a mistake, and you wouldn’t do that again. Piltover didn’t even deserve one kind word from you. Now, it was about the people beside you. They were the ones you could help. *** It was interesting to return to yourself with a completely different mindset. The problem was, halfway there, you remembered that Sevika was looking for you. Panic hit like a thunderclap. She wouldn’t let you go without unloading everything that was on her chest. You didn’t have much time; you had to act here and now — beat Marcus to the punch before he started planning.Well, it wasn’t the first time, and probably not the last time you’d sneak into your own room. You’d face Sevika’s wrath once you calmed down, knowing the research was ongoing. You wrestled with your thoughts, looking at the building from a distance. You shouldn’t have ignored her like that — you respected her too much to do something like that. But on the other hand, she might’ve given you some task that would’ve required time and focus, making it impossible for you to meet with the scientists.You knew the cracks in the wall better than your own pocket. You had the feeling that months had passed since the last time you’d entered like this. Coming back to it was surprisingly comforting. You hadn’t lost your touch — you were upstairs in less than a minute. Confident, you grabbed the string you’d installed yourself to make it easier to open the window from the outside. The wings creaked a bit, but in the sounds of the city, that detail was lost. You threw your backpack inside and pulled yourself higher, searching for a better foothold for your legs.Suddenly, from the darkness, a hand shot out. It grabbed you by the collar and pulled you inside as if you weighed nothing. You screamed in terror, thrashing in all directions, but the attacker was unyielding. Suspended in the air, a second later, you landed painfully on the floor, hitting your back. You reached for the knife on your thigh, but your hand was immediately pressed to the ground by a knee. The figure blocked the window, so you couldn’t see who had attacked you. The room was poorly lit anyway, and its northern-facing position didn’t help.You thought it was the end when something suddenly gleamed in the light. Your heart was still racing, but now you recognized the attacker."I know you have your reasons, but for fuck’s sake, do you have to attack me like this every time?" you snarled angrily, struggling to catch your breath."Only when you stop acting like an idiot," she replied dryly, getting off you. "Where the fuck have you been?""What?" you stammered, getting on your knees."Do you have any idea how much trouble your disappearance caused me?" She was furious; it was evident from the first glance. No one would save you now.You cursed yourself for not just walking in like a normal person. There were no witnesses, so even if she beats you, no one would believe you didn’t deserve it. Because you did."Well, I know that much," you started to explain in a flurry. "Look, I didn’t know the patrol would react like that. The guard was weird when he walked away, but I didn’t think he’d report so quickly!"For a moment, there was silence, broken only by your terrified breathing and her furious panting. You saw something on her face that resembled confusion, as if you’d brought up a topic she had no clue about."What the hell are you talking about? I don’t give a shit about the patrol!" she spat loudly. "That was stupid, irresponsible, and I should take you off all assignments after you fucked up.""Sevika, I understand—""Understand shit!" she interrupted you sharply. "I had to go to Silco and tell him that the person he’s obsessed with ran off from the scene, pulling the patrol away. You think I like taking his wrath on myself?! Where the hell have you been all this time?!"You listened to her monologue, in which every other word was a curse. You were sure she was looking for you due to problems on the bridge. But was that really what she was angry about? That you disappeared? You thought she already knew you were back. After all, half the customers at the Last Drop and people at the hospital saw you. Didn’t anyone tell her? Were they afraid to approach, seeing how furious she was?"Wait, what?" you finally squeezed out.Sevika stepped away from the window, pulled out a cigarette, and lit it with trembling hands."Are you that blind, or are you just pretending?" she asked quietly, trying to regain control over herself. "I told you, if something happened to you and I had to deal with his moods, I’d find you even at the end of the world. I searched the whole city for you. Do you know when Silco is the scariest? When, fucking, he’s silent. He didn’t say a word when I gave him the report. He only asked about you once. Once. He looked like he wanted to kill someone when I told him what you did," she fell silent, trying to calm the tremor in her voice with another drag. "Of course, the responsibility for you fell on me. Fuck... I thought I was going to lose it when no one saw you around."This was... different. Sevika, exhausted, slumped into a chair, leaning heavily forward. When you saw her like this, guilt hit you twice as hard."I know it’s my fault.""Of course, it’s fucking your fault!" she exploded, raising her voice. "I don’t know what the hell you did to him, but without you, he told me not to come back. Me, you understand? I should be pissed at you, but all I feel is relief that you finally decided to show up," she sighed, then suddenly stood up and moved toward you. "Now you’ll go to him and explain yourself. You’re going to take all the blame. If I go there and find out you didn’t solve the problem, I swear to God...""I’ve already been to him!" you interrupted her quickly, before she could wind herself up even more."What?!" Her voice was sharper than before, and you could see the tension written all over her face."Where do you think I spent the night?" you rolled your eyes but quickly got embarrassed when you saw her raised eyebrows. "Not like that! I just... slept," you finished quietly, not wanting to dig yourself in deeper. "I thought you knew. They saw me at the Last Drop, and then at the hospital..."You didn’t finish because Sevika suddenly changed her expression. She stepped back, but didn’t take her eyes off you, as though she was afraid you'd disappear the moment she turned away."I’ll talk to them," she said slowly through gritted teeth.You didn’t know what was off about her behavior until her last words. Her anger had justification, but not where you thought it did. If she was only mad at you for causing problems with Silco, she wouldn’t have tried to explain herself — she would’ve just dragged you to him like a sack of potatoes. She felt relief when you returned... that should have made you uncomfortable or surprised, but instead, you felt guilty. Again. You were starting to believe that trouble followed you, no matter how much you wanted to get rid of it.She cared about you.That thought hit you suddenly as you watched her go back to her place at the table, even though the panic had passed. It was almost as if she needed some form of contact with you because you understood her fears. Whatever dynamic had developed between the three of you, you felt responsible for those bursts of anger. Sevika shouldn’t have been exposed to them just because you and Silco hadn’t settled things between you. But you’d be lying if you said that it didn’t give you at least a little bit of satisfaction.You quickly snapped out of your thoughts when your gaze fell on the notebooks behind Sevika. This couldn’t wait.“What guard? What was going on with him?” she asked unexpectedly.“What? Oh, right,” you mumbled, startled. “They caught up with me halfway to the cemetery. I didn’t know what to do, so I dragged him down the cliff with me.” You grimaced at the memory of that incident. “I thought I was done for, but instead of arresting me, one of them ignored me and preferred to take his partner.”Sevika waved her hand dismissively, as if deeming the whole situation not worth further discussion.“I expected more excitement, but maybe it’s for the best,” she sighed, leaning more comfortably against the table. “As for the mission—we had a little problem on the bridge. Some overzealous guy showed up, but a nice round sum shut him up.”You nodded, surprised at how calmly she was recounting the situation, even though just moments ago she had been seething with anger. Her current tone seemed almost indifferent, but you knew Sevika well—this was the calm before the storm. People preferred to keep their distance from her, and you didn’t blame them. Right now, she was like a ticking time bomb.“As for your problem, I took care of it,” she added suddenly, in that cold, impassive tone of hers.You flinched, hearing her speak so impersonally about the woman you had killed. Showing any emotion would be a weakness, though. How should you react? Thank her for disposing of the body? That would be grotesque, even repulsive. But the truth was, she had helped you—she did everything to prevent the problem from escalating. You could feel her scrutinizing gaze, as if she was analyzing every reaction, looking for a crack in your fragile character. You felt your new identity beginning to waver under the weight of all this. You needed to process the situation quickly to maintain your position.“This is your first time, right?” she suddenly asked, her tone calm.You looked at her questioningly, backing up slightly when you saw the seriousness in her eyes. Instead of the nervous laughter that naturally wanted to escape your lips, you couldn’t bring yourself to be insincere. Why pretend to be stronger than you were?“Yes,” you answered after a moment, surprisingly calm.You weren’t ashamed of it, but you weren’t proud either. It was a miracle that you had survived in Zaun for so many years without having to kill anyone. A grim necessity, nothing more. It was naive to believe you could avoid it forever—not working for him. Everyone warned that it was a path to perdition, to losing your humanity. You knew that, and you feared it. But you could just as easily stop pretending that this part of your life didn’t exist.“Shit,” Sevika muttered. “Alright, let’s go.”Before you could react, she quickly stood up, adjusting her cloak. You watched in surprise as she reached for the door handle, clearly confident that you would follow her. Your gaze fell on the notebooks, feeling torn inside. Sevika wasn’t in the mood for arguments, and after everything she’d been through because of you, you felt like you owed her. But at the same time, you knew there wouldn’t be another opportunity to talk to Rey anytime soon.“I’d love to, but I…” you began, trying to find an excuse.“You’ve got something else to do?” she cut you off sharply, her tone one that didn’t tolerate refusal.You fell silent, frightened. You shook your head and obediently followed her, casting a longing glance at the notes. You had no idea what plans she had for you, but you certainly weren’t in a position to question her.It was all the more surprising when you both went down the same path you had taken every day for the past few weeks. Why was she heading to the training room? You hoped she didn’t need a change of scenery to take out her frustrations on you again. What do you call a moment when you willingly follow someone who sees no problem with using violence against you? Masochism, or just a death wish?The training area was occupied by a group of people. When they saw you, they dispersed within seconds, not waiting for any order from her. It must have been an interesting feeling, to control people with just a glance. But that meant no witnesses. You hesitated for a moment before entering, but Sevika would have dragged you in if you made her. Maybe if you complied, it would hurt less.Sevika walked over to a wall lined with several cabinets and started looking for something. You watched her with mild curiosity, relieved that she didn’t immediately attack you when the door closed behind you.“I should have noticed this earlier, but there are always so many problems around you,” she began, not stopping her search. “I thought you were refusing to take a gun from me because you preferred knives or something. But when you turned pale after killing that woman, I realized you’d never shot anyone. Let alone killed someone.” She suddenly pulled something from the cabinet that looked like a mannequin on a stand with wheels and dragged it closer to you. “Well, there’s no better time to fix that mistake.”“Sevika, what are you scheming?”She rested her hands on the mannequin’s shoulders and pushed it even closer.“There are several places on a human body that guarantee a quick death. We’ll start with the head, then…”You sucked in a breath in horror when you realized what she meant.“Are you crazy?” you snarled. “Why are you showing me this?”It was disgusting. Inappropriate and entirely wrong. You took two steps back, unable to bear the calmness on her face. It was sick.“What did you think? That I’m showing you how to shoot and throw knives because we’ll win the fight for Zaun by aiming at targets?” she mocked, genuinely amused. “I told you that you needed a shock, but of course, you knew better. I didn’t think the circumstances would force you into this so quickly, but it’s actually better this way.”“And what? You think this is a good idea?” you asked, pointing at the mannequin’s likeness.Sevika stepped away from the mannequin and measured you with her gaze. She didn’t say anything, but you knew she was evaluating you. You had reacted emotionally, but what else could you have done? Abandon them and go back to normal life? It had been barely a day since her death. You didn’t intend to mourn her, but damn, wasn’t this cruel?Sevika looked at you for a moment, as if weighing whether she should continue. Finally, she spoke in a calm, cold tone:“We’re not monsters. Killing is the last resort, but this is about your life or theirs. Sooner or later, someone will aim at you. The only thing you can give them is a quick death.”Those words threw you off balance. They seemed both simple and brutally logical. You looked at Sevika, not knowing what to say. She was right—it was inevitable, and your pretending that you would never have to do this again was a lie you were telling yourself.You sighed heavily, not taking your eyes off the mannequin. It still felt repulsive, but you couldn’t take back your words.“So what do I do?” you asked, admitting your ignorance.Sevika took a marker from her pocket and stepped closer. She quickly marked the key points on the mannequin: head, neck, chest."Aim here if you have to. Head is the first choice. Neck—bleeding is fast and inevitable. Chest—heart or lungs. No half-measures, no warnings. You want this to be clean and quick. Do you understand?"Her voice was calm, almost mentoring, but the weight of her words pressed on you more and more. You nodded, feeling something inside you crack—a barrier that had kept you convinced you were better than this place. In front of your eyes, you saw the moment the woman fell. There was nothing pure about it—she died in pain and panic. You clenched your lips, knowing it was pointless to go back to that moment. You wouldn’t bring her back with your thoughts. Sevika noticed the change in your gaze."Alright. Try," she said, stepping away from the mannequin.You took a deep breath. You weren’t in a prepared training room. It was raw and impulsive. Any moment someone could walk in, and the sound of gunshots carried far. But in the real world, there would never be perfect conditions.Your hands trembled slightly as you grabbed the gun she had handed you. You forced yourself to raise it and aim. For a moment, you saw the face of that woman again, but you quickly pushed it from your mind. You had to focus. You pulled the trigger.The sound of the shot filled the room. Sevika stepped closer to assess your work. She looked at the hit, then at you, nodding approvingly."Not bad. You learn quickly. Next."You felt a strange sting of satisfaction. For the first time, Sevika wasn’t looking at you with superiority, but with recognition. Maybe even a bit of pride. You took a deep breath and took another shot. The sponge exploded in all directions as the bullet missed the target, piercing the mannequin below the point you aimed at. If it had been a person, they would have been bleeding out from a hole in their stomach. You felt nauseous but stood firm, legs spread, feeling your sweaty hands weakening on the grip.Sevika grabbed your elbow and gently guided your hands."Focus," she whispered. "A little higher."You nervously nodded and forced yourself to focus on the target. Calm didn’t come, so you shot instinctively. The bullet embedded softly into the dummy, causing minimal damage. You sighed in relief but quickly reprimanded yourself in your thoughts. Why did that calm you? After all, it was just a mannequin.You were done.Sevika was throwing you into the deep end, trusting you would manage, or worse, testing you to see how long you’d last before breaking. You lowered the gun, giving her a clear signal that it was over."Are you satisfied?" you asked dryly, handing her the gun."No," she replied, ignoring your attempts to return the pistol. "And you shouldn’t be either. Killing is nothing pleasant, and if it gives you satisfaction, you’re no different from the ones we fight," she said calmly, throwing you off track.You wanted to scoff, to react in some way, but deep down, you knew she was right. Your heart hadn’t reconciled with it yet, but your mind was starting to understand."I’m not like you," you said suddenly, feeling how those words lifted a strange weight off your shoulders.Sevika raised an eyebrow but didn’t seem surprised."Good," she answered seriously. "You’re not supposed to be me. You’re supposed to be yourself."That statement was simple, as if said by a child, but it carried something you couldn’t quite name. You wanted to be beside her, but life didn’t give you time to accept one change before throwing you into the deep end of the next.The gun felt like it weighed a ton in your hands, yet its weight was strangely comforting."People like us are needed because Silco can’t fight on all fronts at once," she added, seeing you struggling with yourself.You lifted your head, knowing how many meanings this statement carried. Sevika was showing you that she accepted you. That was... nice. Something warm spread inside you, something you hadn’t felt in a long time. Your throat tightened slightly, afraid that you were weakening and that emotion would take over. You cleared your throat quickly, knowing you had to change the subject before you ventured into areas you weren’t ready to talk about."I appreciate what you’re doing for me, but I don’t know if this is the weapon for me," you said calmly, handing her the pistol again.This time she took it from you, but instead of putting it away, she reached behind herself and handed you another one. For a moment, you thought it was a sign to continue the training, but it was something more. At the sight of it, your breath faltered, and your fingers hovered in the air. You didn’t hesitate to look at Sevika, but you hesitated before touching the gun.It was that gun. The same one you had used to shoot that woman."I’m not making you hold it," Sevika said coldly, watching your reaction. "But it’s just a tool, nothing more. It doesn’t define you, unless you let it. You decide who you are."Her words cut through your hesitation like a blade. You swallowed and raised your hand to take the gun. Its weight in your hand seemed bigger than it should have been.You looked at it in shock, and Sevika, seeing your reaction, gave you a crooked smile."You’re one of us now, and that means Silco’s enemies are now your enemies too," she said, pressing the gun into your hand with suggestion. "Don’t pity yourself. It’s a tool to help you defend our plans."You wanted to say something, but you couldn’t find the words. Thanking her seemed inappropriate, and apologizing would be pointless. Sevika watched you closely, as if trying to assess whether you’d survive all of this."Sevika, I..." you began uncertainly.She raised an eyebrow and interrupted you in a cold, bitter tone:"Not everyone is strong enough to get back up every time they’re hit.""Do you think I am?" you asked, turning the gun in your hands, watching the play of light on the metal parts.Sevika shrugged."You’re the first person who’s pushing into a relationship with Silco. Tell me yourself," she said loosely, then fell silent for a moment, as if wondering whether she should add this, but ultimately didn’t keep it to herself. "I thought Silco would break you, but it turns out you’re tougher than I thought. With him, either you die, or you get tougher. You made the right choice."It wasn’t a direct compliment, but the tone of her voice expressed more than you’d ever expected. You nodded slightly, not wanting to reveal how much those words meant to you.Sevika pointed to the gun in your hand. When the weapon rested in your palm, its weight felt heavier than it actually was."It’s not meant to burden you," she added. "It’s supposed to remind you of what’s important. And who you are."You looked at the gun, then at Sevika. There was no pity in her eyes, only a firm belief that you were strong enough to walk this path."Don’t waste this," she said, turning to leave.You stood alone for a moment in the silence, staring at the gun, as thoughts slowly began to overwhelm you. You were filled with a mix of sadness, anger, and the bitter realization that you weren’t sure if you’d ever get used to this.You tightened your fingers around the gun, as if it could give you the confidence you were so lacking. The image of your mother appeared in your mind—her face, her voice, then the long silence that had been your everyday life for years. For a moment, you felt like a child again, searching for her presence in every dark alley.You lowered your gaze, feeling the weight in your heart."See?" you whispered almost soundlessly. "I found a home without you."But those words didn’t bring you relief.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It would have been easier to be angry at her for that cold demonstration of how to kill than to understand what lay behind it. But when you finally grasped it, that awareness overwhelmed you to the point that you forgot your own plans. Sevika had left you alone in that room, in shock, but with a strange feeling... comfort? It was unexpected. Only when you felt it did you realize how much you had needed it.You returned to the room, unable to focus on anything, distracted by her words. Zarys’s notes lay on the table, almost staring at you expectantly, as if they were begging you to take them and finally put them to use. In a strange way, you couldn’t bear their sight. You had a plan and you should have made a move before doubts ruined your progress, but your body seemed frozen. “You belong to them”—those words resonated in your head like a hammer strike, vibrating in your bones and refusing to be drowned out.You nervously walked around the room, your movements chaotic. For the first time in a long while, you felt like you were losing your footing. You shook your head, knowing you had to return to what you knew before taking another step. You ran your hand along the windowsill, then climbed up to the window. Gripping the frame, you felt the wood differently under your fingers—as if the entire reality had changed its texture. You furrowed your brow, sensing that what was happening inside you was pulling you too far away from what you had known.You stepped out onto the roof, searching for solace. It always helped, right? To let the wind brush your face, slip under your clothes, and carry away the unnecessary. You sat on the slightly damp ground, focusing your gaze on the horizon. The wind tried to clear the chaos from your mind, but this time it didn’t work. It was supposed to be your ally, but it couldn’t bear the weight of your fears. If it always helped, then why not now?“You’re one of us.”Those words hit you over and over again. You collapsed onto your back, feeling the weight of them, as if they were keeping you from getting up. You should have felt terror at the responsibility placed on you—after all, “Silco’s enemies are now your enemies.” But all you felt was peace. The comfort you had forgotten about for years. The more that feeling settled inside you, the more a greedy need for more began to grow. Wasn’t that absurd? You weren’t in a position to demand anything from them.You sighed heavily and propped yourself up on your elbows. Your gaze wandered across the sky, but your thoughts refused to calm. Finally, you sat up suddenly and shook your head, frustrated with yourself. You couldn’t keep wallowing in place, pitying yourself. If Sevika said you were one of them, it had to mean something. These weren’t just empty words—you knew she wouldn’t have said them without a reason.You climbed down from the roof and returned to the room. Taking the notes now felt almost like a heroic effort—as if what lay on the table weighed more than it should. You put them in your backpack, feeling that their weight was not just paper, but your responsibility.Your room sharply separated you from reality, so when you stepped out and saw the faces of people, it felt like you were seeing them anew. It was irritating; you didn’t like such changes. It seemed like their gazes burned a hole in your back, as if they knew exactly what you were planning. Yet, you didn’t know whether those eyes were full of approval or disappointment at your latest decision.But no one stopped you. You were one of them—they had no reason to.The quiet, damp streets of Zaun wrapped you in a heavy atmosphere, but in your head, there was even more chaos. Damn Zarys... That man still haunted you, even after his death. It was as if you had bound yourself to him forever through that damn drug. You remembered the way to the laboratory. You didn’t know the scientists' working hours, but sitting locked in your room with your thoughts, you would have gone crazy waiting for the next day. No, this couldn’t wait—not just because of your mental state.Not long ago, you saw yourself as an anonymous element in Silco’s plans. Someone who hid in the shadows, doing their job. When you started working for him, you were immediately thrown into the deep end. You had only gotten close to him by accident—only because you allowed yourself to indulge and thought a drink was a good reward for finding that cursed trophy. If you had gone back to yourself the way you should have, you would have just been a cog—a small, insignificant element in the machine Silco drove. But that no longer mattered.Sevika’s words had changed something in you. She showed you that they had seen you, noticed you. They were criminals, people living outside the law. They probably didn’t even know what this game was really about, but they still participated for the money, the adrenaline, or the prestige. People who were hard to impress because of the number of crimes they had committed. And yet, you found your place among them. Only back then, you were anonymous. They saw who you were and what you were capable of—they accepted you, just as you accepted them. You weren’t anonymous anymore. You were one of them. You belonged to them. And yet, you still felt that you didn’t deserve that place.Time and again, they had given you chances. It would have been easy to get rid of you when you were in the throes of addiction. Who would want to deal with another junkie? And yet Silco had kept you. Sevika had given you a chance. You did everything you could to not mess it up, but of course, not everything went according to plan—sometimes, it was because of you.Now, you had more space in your mind. You saw your sins. You noticed how reckless you had been back then. Addicted, broken, unpredictable. You had nothing to offer except a pair of hands and the desperation that pushed you forward. And yet, Silco had never turned away from you.Why?Did he see something more in you from the very beginning? His words from that night, right after that absurd gift, sometimes returned to you. “I don’t want you to leave.” They still sounded as incredible as ever. The thought that he was the first to see your worth was intoxicating, almost addictive. And yet, you knew it was unlikely. Maybe it was just instinct. He wanted to keep you, but didn’t know why? Silco didn’t seem like the type to not know what he wanted. But recently, it had been happening more often, so you weren’t so sure. Maybe back then, he saw you as just a tool to solve a problem.Or maybe not.A few weeks ago, everything was simpler. If things had gone differently, you might have never entered this business. God… how foolish you had been back then. You thought you knew better than him. Maybe you should apologize for that? Now you saw that every step he took, every word he said, was part of a bigger puzzle. Was that why he kept you? Did he know that one day you would see more and understand?You were a problem. You were addicted, broken, unbearable. If you were in his place, you probably would have given up. And yet, Silco hadn’t. He hadn’t turned his back on you, even though he had every right to.You didn’t know. Maybe you’d never find out. But now, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that thanks to him, you started to see more. That he gave you the time to find your place—even if at first, you would have thrown yourself out.The road to the abandoned building seemed different as the day slowly ended. You hoped you would meet Rey.You needed a familiar face, someone who knew the problem and could look at it differently. Because right now, you sounded like someone still addicted, trying to justify shimmer at any cost.Your thoughts focused on the variant. Its potential, what it could mean for the people here—people like you. A new variant, a better variant, was the answer to your problem. It could change everything. Not for you anymore, but for others. Pulling someone out of that trap, giving them a second chance—this was what gave meaning to your presence here.Because right now, you felt like nothing more than an obstacle.Sevika would most likely have ignored the topic, and Silco would have approached it very carefully. Each method had its pros, but only you knew the pain caused by the intermediate product. You had gone through that hell. You knew addiction, humiliation, helplessness. You knew what it was to hit rock bottom and desperately search for salvation.“Happy?” you asked the space in front of you, turning into a dark alley. “You won’t let go of me until I finish your research, will you?”To think what Zarys could have done if he worked for you...You entered with relief, noticing the lack of changes and the open doors. The room on the ground floor had been tidied up, but the scent of earth still lingered in the air. The last time, it was the smell of shimmer that had stopped you. You felt more confident descending the stairs, knowing what to expect, but you froze on the last step, surprised by the number of voices echoing below.It was good that they were still working, but why was it suddenly so crowded?When you entered, no one paid attention to you. At first, what you thought was chaos turned out to be a well-organized plan in its own way. You saw people running past each other, each busy with something—talking, taking notes, or handling samples. Everywhere you saw flashes of purple, which made your stomach tighten. Although it was more of a fear caused by memories than the real fear that it still had an effect on you. Suddenly, you felt like an uninvited guest who was showing up with a strange proposal. But if not now, then when? When people on the streets start dying?You didn’t see him, didn’t know where to look. Stopping people didn’t seem like a good idea. Walking among them didn’t either. But standing still wouldn’t get you far. You were looking for a gap to slip through when suddenly someone touched your shoulder. You jumped, startled, instinctively reaching for your knife.Rey stood next to you, looking expectantly, as if he was expecting important news from you. There was something strange in his excitement—like the work on the drug was awakening a childlike fascination with science in him. Well, people are driven by different things...“Oh, I remember you!” he greeted you with more enthusiasm than before. “Did you come for the research?”No wonder he was so happy—Silco wasn’t hovering over him, watching his every move.“What? No... Listen…” you started, slightly confused, but he interrupted you, digging through a stack of papers he had under his arm.“I’ve got something you’ll like.” he said in a tone as if he was revealing a big secret, then turned on his heel and moved ahead.You spread your arms out, then—resigned—followed him. You put your hands in your pockets and tried to maneuver through the people. Unfortunately, you kept getting in someone’s way, receiving irritated glances. Rey, however, moved between his coworkers with grace, as if they were invisible to him.Finally, you turned into a narrow, little-used hallway, where it finally became quieter.“Quite a few of you here today,” you remarked, trying to catch your breath.Rey glanced over his shoulder and smiled slightly. Yes, he was clearly pleased.“You noticed?” he asked but didn’t wait for a reply. “Finally, we got a mission. I was getting worried they were going to shut down our department.”“Shut down? Why?” you asked, surprised.He sighed, stopping in front of a door. It looked familiar, but it wasn’t the room where your tests were done. He reached for the handle but hesitated, as if unsure whether he should say more. Finally, he confessed:“We’re testing shimmer. Since it’s in its ‘final’ form, there’s not much to work on. We’re creating some boosters, but it’s not work for this many people.”“I see,” you responded cautiously, having no idea where this conversation was headed. Rey seemed friendly, but his obsession with shimmer was at times... unsettling.He opened the door and stepped inside, leaving it ajar, as if waiting for you to join him. Inside, there was a lonely desk and a wooden bench against the wall. The furniture looked worn, and a thin layer of dust on the floor suggested that this room wasn’t visited often. Rey threw the papers onto the desk, as if emphasizing that it was time to get down to business.“We’ve got a serious task now,” he continued with unwavering enthusiasm. “The boss had to bring in extra people to speed up the work.”“I should ask if it’s better I don’t?” you said with a slight amusement.“Probably, you already know more than most of us,” he shrugged. “We’re looking for a way to neutralize this new shimmer variant. It’s resistant to most of our methods. But listen, that’s not all. I think I’ve got the answer to your question about mutations.”You inhaled sharply.“What? How? I haven’t had any tests,” you replied, trying to gather your thoughts.Rey sat on the edge of the desk and pointed to the chair next to him. You sighed, feeling that this would be a heavy conversation. You sat down resignedly, knowing there was no point in trying to move to your own topic while he was stuck in his world.“It turns out you don’t need tests. We’ve got some of your blood left from previous tests. Something was bothering me…” as he said this, he pulled a document from the very bottom of the stack. “Now that we have the intermediate product, I could run further tests on your sample. But listen—you're not going to like this.”“I’ve survived worse than bad test results. Spit it out.”Rey fell silent for a moment. You could tell he was hesitating, as if wondering if he should really say it.“You did it to yourself,” he finally spat out.The words reached you slowly, as if they had to cut through a thick fog of disbelief.“What?” you croaked, unsure if you had heard correctly.“Shimmer mutated in you because you let it,” he explained, looking at you with deadly seriousness.You nervously snorted, then jumped to your feet.“What? How the hell was I supposed to do that?”"I'm getting to that," he replied calmly, as if your reaction was perfectly natural. "The half-product is pure poison. It kills slowly and painfully. But it’s still shimmer – something that both kills and heals at the same time. When you took it in small doses, your body tried to regenerate, but instead, it created mutated cells."His explanation was barely understandable to you. You were listening, but it all seemed so abstract that you couldn’t interrupt him. You took a deep breath, trying to gather your thoughts."Wait," you started slowly. "If I understand correctly, I was taking these doses too infrequently to kill me, but often enough to cause mutations?""Exactly!" he exclaimed triumphantly. "But this variant doesn't work like shimmer. We know that with large amounts, physical changes occur. You've definitely seen the effects of overdosing on the streets. That’s what we expected, maybe even worse things. But not the kinds of changes that occurred in you. No one suspected that the mutation would target the senses.""I’m getting lost in this," you groaned, barely processing the new information.Rey cleared his throat and adjusted in his chair as if preparing for another explanation. He had that characteristic sparkle in his eye – you recognized it immediately. For him, this conversation was like another exciting lecture, and your situation was just an interesting case to analyze. He was the type to talk about his passion for hours. This time, his passion was shimmer – and you were his "case.""I can’t blame you for being confused," he said in a softer tone, as if trying to reassure you. "It’s all complicated. Without the drug, you would have died. Each dose extended your time, but it led to irreversible changes. The mutations might never have occurred if you'd taken smaller amounts, but then shimmer would have killed you faster. And you were lucky that you got your hands on this last variant."You knew that this "luck" wasn’t really yours. Everything had happened by chance, and yet, here you were, alive. The memory of those days when you were teetering on the edge sent a cold shiver through you. You were beginning to realize how close you had been to death.Slowly, you sat down, trying to bear the weight of it. Memories came flooding back, and one hit harder than the others: Silco knew. He was fully aware of your condition. That’s why your earlier words about coming to terms with death triggered such a reaction from him. You thought about his anger – now you understood that it was frustration, maybe even fear. Only now could you imagine his distress."Thanks… I guess," you said quietly, more to yourself than to him.However, Rey didn't seem to notice. He kept speaking, absorbed in his thoughts."It’s fascinating," he added with a gleam in his eye. "If I could take another sample from you, maybe I'd learn more. It’s a unique opportunity. We’ve never tested this on humans before. This new variant..."You nervously laughed, seeing how obsessively he was staring at you – or rather, at what your blood might contain. He looked more like a scientist than a person. His gaze was unsettling, even predatory. It made your skin crawl."I don’t know whether I should admire you or be scared when you talk about it with such passion, as if it were the best puzzle of your life," you said with a forced smile, trying to maintain distance."Because it is the best puzzle of my life!" he shouted, raising his arms with childlike excitement. "I’ve been studying shimmer for three years. I know what it can do. People only see the addiction, but it can do much more – heal, enhance, change. If only others saw its potential instead of getting high off of it..."Rey was like an open book. His face revealed every emotion, every thought. He was fascinated, determined, and completely absorbed in his research. But also, in a strange way, pure. Shimmer didn't lure him the way it did with most people. To him, it was something to study and improve, nothing more.That made you think. If shimmer didn’t tempt him, maybe this new variant wouldn’t be a temptation for him either? Maybe his enthusiasm could be used for something greater. Maybe he could work on the Zarys project, since he was already interested in what you consumed."And what if..." you started slowly, spontaneously, not yet sure how to phrase it. "What if you had a chance to study something else?"Rey looked up from the papers, clearly intrigued by your tone. You could tell he quickly grasped that there was something more behind your words."What do you mean?" he asked cautiously."I see shimmer fascinates you," you continued, trying to sound confident. "If you had the chance to create something better – would you do it?"A shadow of hesitation crossed his face."In this job, I don’t have time to pursue personal ambitions. I won’t take shimmer outside the lab without the boss's permission. And that... that’s not happening."You couldn’t help but show a slight grimace of disappointment, though you tried to hide it. You understood his concerns – Silco instilled a fear in him that even suppressed his biggest fascinations."What if you could do it in your free time?" you suggested, trying to find a way to stir his interest.He squinted as if weighing your words. He was cautious – no surprise there. To him, you were still an addict, someone hard to trust. And he wasn’t wrong to feel that way."We’ll get back to this," he suddenly said, standing up. "I have to take these results. Wait here for me, okay?"His sudden withdrawal surprised you, but you nodded."Okay," you mumbled.Rey disappeared through the door, leaving you alone. You felt like you’d taken a step forward, though you still didn’t know how to proceed with the game. At least you had time to think about it. Silco and Sevika hadn’t assigned you any tasks – you could wait here instead of going back to the empty room.You didn’t know how long you would have to wait for him, but you were determined. If he thought that sitting alone in the room waiting for his return would make you give up, he was gravely mistaken. You pulled out your notes from your bag. Of course, reading them made no sense. What you had to understand, you had already understood at the beginning. The rest was scientific babble that didn’t reach you no matter how hard you tried. Looking at them, you felt motivation, the awareness that your decision had been the right one.What you were about to do wasn’t an act of heroism. You weren’t doing it for recognition. You were doing it because you knew you had to. It was no longer about you. It wasn’t even about Silco. It was about the city. About its people. About the future you could now see more clearly than ever before. Zaun didn’t need another monster. Or a hero. It needed someone who was ready to act, to dirty their hands if it meant others would be safe.You thought that maybe Rey had been interested in your research because it could help him find the answer to destroying the half-product. Whatever was in those notebooks was too valuable to ignore. *** Sitting idly was starting to annoy you. After a moment, you absentmindedly put your feet on the desk and pulled your set of lockpicks from your backpack. You hadn’t cleaned them in a long time, and now it seemed like there was no better opportunity. However, with each passing minute, your impatience grew. Something had to stop Rey, but you had no idea what. The thought of going out and looking for him yourself was becoming more appealing by the minute, but something held you back from leaving the room.More than an hour had passed. You mentally analyzed how to approach Rey without sounding like a desperate addict to shimmer. Suddenly, you heard the sound of the door opening. Instinctively, you lifted your head, ready to ask Rey what had kept him so long – but it wasn’t him."I knew it was about you when someone told me one of my people was up to something," came the familiar voice.You hadn’t expected Silco. His presence was a surprise, but the tone he used clearly suggested he wasn’t particularly happy with your presence here. The fatigue on his face was something you knew all too well."What?" you stammered, slowly standing up. "I'm not up to anything."Silco moved closer, but his movements were strangely restrained. He stopped a few steps from you, eyeing you with a gaze full of unspoken questions."What are you doing here?" he asked in a calm but tense voice.You felt the words hit you like a blow. His tone, though controlled, carried something hard to identify – disappointment? Maybe anger? You took a deep breath, trying to gather your thoughts."I was talking to Rey about mutations," you explained cautiously. "I learned more than I wanted to, but it confirmed my idea. I asked him if he would try creating something new if he had the chance. Nothing more."His face remained still, betraying no emotion, which was even more unsettling. Silco sat on the edge of the desk, avoiding your gaze. You felt like something was wrong – something you couldn’t quite grasp."Why did you do that?" he asked softly after a pause.There was something in his voice you didn’t know. His usual assertiveness seemed to have disappeared, replaced by something more elusive – maybe disappointment? Something in you tensed. You stepped back a step, trying to understand this sudden change in his behavior."Rey knows about the variant," you began carefully. "You told me I could tell him about it.""Yes, Rey knows," he interrupted, his tone firmer than before. "He’s been given a specific task – to neutralize the semi-finished product."You watched as he pulled out the familiar cigarette box. His hand’s movement was a bit stiff, betraying the tension he wasn’t showing on a regular basis."I’m not trying to pull him off the task, if that’s what you mean," you said, with a hint of irritation."The semi-finished product is ours, but that doesn’t mean the problems are over," he replied, lighting the cigarette. He slowly exhaled, as if buying time to collect his thoughts. "Rey and the rest are working on a way to safely dispose of it. Pouring it out or burning it isn’t an option."It seemed to you that everyone you told this to didn’t see your approach. Why bother trying to come up with new ways when the solution was literally at hand?"But this variant is the answer!" you said, a little too loudly, feeling growing frustration. "If they work it out, destroying the semi-finished product will go faster."The silence that followed was heavy. Silco watched you intently, as if weighing your words. There was something more in his gaze – something beyond mere fatigue. Finally, he looked away and took another drag from his cigarette."This variant is dangerous and unstable," he said at last, with clear emphasis on each word. "You’re ahead of my plans. Creating the variant that saved your life is a last resort. Before I make another move, I need to know if there are other ways.""But why wait?" you retorted, frustrated."Because temptation can be stronger than loyalty," he responded, his tone noticeably colder. "Even being in contact with the semi-finished product is dangerous. I can’t risk betrayal."You clenched your fists. Thoughts were swirling in your head. Finally, you spoke, trying to stay calm, but a hint of anger was in your voice."It’s not just about the research. I know exactly what it means to be addicted," you said firmly. "I don’t think any of you can imagine the suffering it brings. I know. I don’t want anyone else to go through it. And Marcus? He doesn’t have any supplies right now, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stop planning! I don’t think he’ll attack Zaun directly, but it’s worth being prepared if he dares to!"You paced nervously around the room, trying to calm the storm of thoughts and emotions that seemed to rise with each passing moment. Silco was still standing in place, leaning on the desk with a cigarette between his fingers. In silence, he exhaled smoke, as if carefully weighing the words he was about to say. The silence was louder than any shout, and its weight nearly overwhelmed you.Finally, he spoke. His voice was calm but firm, as if weighed in every word."I understand. I appreciate that you want to help, but you can’t act like this."Those words hit you harder than you expected. His tone wasn’t angry, but there was something that hurt more – disapproval. You stepped back a pace, as if more distance could help you regain your balance."Is it bad that I want to help others?" you asked, trying to make your voice sound confident, though inside you felt smaller and smaller."I told you not to play the hero," he reminded you quietly, without raising his voice, but his gaze seemed to pierce through you. "Even if we develop a cure, the people in Zaun won’t trust me enough to take it. Shimmer is my product, everyone knows that. You know what they think of me. Do you think they’ll believe me when I say this variant isn’t part of my game? They won’t. That’s why it’s safer and quicker to prevent than to cure."The way he put it, you began to see the logic that was missing in your thinking. You had known this world from a completely different perspective – not so long ago, you were one of those people who thought of Silco as the worst man alive. Would you have accepted a cure from him back then? Absolutely not."I’m holding you to your word," he continued, still not taking his eyes off you. "You say you know what the game is about, but do you really understand? Your actions undermine my authority and plans. I can’t afford such behavior in my team."Each of his words hit you with surgical precision. You began to see the mistakes you had made, and it hurt even more, especially after what Sevika had said to you. You were supposed to stop causing problems, but here you were. You thought you were acting for the right cause, but along the way, you missed several key steps that Silco was now clearly pointing out.What overwhelmed you the most was that he wasn’t angry with you. He didn’t raise his voice, didn’t criticize you emotionally – he was tired, but still unwavering.In his eyes, there was care, though it was hidden deep beneath layers of cold logic and leadership pragmatism. It was this contrast between who he was to you as a person and who he had to remain as a boss that made the pain hit harder."I should remove you from working on shimmer. Give me something so I don’t have to do that."These words hung in the air, filling the silence between you with a weight that you couldn’t ignore. His tone was not threatening, but there was determination in his voice—and something else. Something more subtle. Hope?You looked at him, trying to find any hint in his face of what he really meant. But Silco was a master at masking emotions. He looked at you with something between disappointment and expectation, as if desperately searching for a reason not to carry out his threat. Not to place you on the same level as the others, even though he should.You could feel your thoughts running chaotically, jumping from one emotion to another. A mistake. That much was clear. Now that Silco had put a mirror before you, you began to see everything more clearly. Your idea was good—you had good intentions—but it wasn’t enough. You had acted too quickly, driven by emotions instead of logic. You hadn’t thought about the consequences.What hurt the most was that no one had shown you this before. You had been tossed between Silco and Sevika, so the usual way of passing on information never appeared in conversations. You and he had gotten used to your directness, but that usually only concerned the two of you and your problems. Never had something like this happened with his other employees. But you also knew it didn’t matter. You had no right to blame anyone else. You were part of the game, and you had to play by its rules—rules that Silco knew inside out, and that you were only beginning to understand.It was something you should have learned on your own. Something you needed to learn. Silco was more to you than just a boss, and maybe that’s why you now felt so strongly that your relationship with him couldn’t protect you from mistakes. Or their consequences.You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his gaze settle on your shoulders. He was patient. He didn’t push, but his expectation was almost tangible."I have nothing," you finally said, and your words seemed to shatter the silence into a thousand sharp pieces. You lifted your head, looking at him with determination, even though inside you felt like a child who had just realized the scale of her own mistakes. "I see what I did. I didn’t think about how it would be perceived. How it could affect you, Zaun, all of us" you took a deeper breath, suppressing the rising emotions. "I'm yours to decide."The silence that followed these words was different. This time, it didn’t weigh down on you. It was more like it freed you. You looked at Silco, seeing in his eyes something more human than anything he had shown you before. There was no anger in him. Tiredness and relief clashed with some impulse."I don’t intend to punish you," he said after a moment of silence, and his voice seemed to vibrate with unspoken emotions. "I’m glad you finally understand, but this can’t happen again."It was as if with each word he was handing you his exhaustion. You sat down on the bench, hiding your face in your hands. With you two, nothing was simple. You knew that if your relationship were different, this conversation would have ended differently. You should have been happy that Silco’s feelings prevented him from punishing you properly, but it left a strange, bitter taste in your mouth. You didn’t want to be treated differently. You didn’t want to work knowing you hadn’t worked hard enough to earn respect."Maybe you should," you muttered barely audibly.You heard Silco stand up, but he didn’t come closer."I don’t intend to make an example of you.""Rey is probably expecting some results," you said with your voice muffled by your hands.No, you didn’t blame him either. It was good that he was loyal to Silco and saw something in you that needed to be reported. Maybe he really saw traces of addiction in you? Maybe that’s what spoke through you when you began to think about change?"He doesn’t concern me," Silco said softly. "The important thing is that you see your mistake."No, he shouldn’t be kind and understanding toward you. He should be angry. He should be furious. He was giving you understanding and space to learn everything at your pace, which, in a strangely specific way, irritated you more than you wanted to admit. You saw feelings in him that he hadn’t spoken yet, and you were afraid of their strength."I didn’t do this for myself. I’m not trying to be a hero..." you replied weakly, falling silent for a moment, trying to gather your thoughts. "I’ve never had anything, I’ve always been alone. It’s no excuse, but I don’t know how to find my place in all this," you groaned faintly, feeling how your own words began to overwhelm you. "I don’t understand any of you. You’ve given me so much, and in return, you got nothing—only chaos," the words burned in your throat. You could feel your stomach tighten, as if you were saying something you didn’t want to say but that had to come to light. "Sometimes I’m afraid I can’t give any more. Because... I don’t know how," your voice trembled, and you fell silent, as if speaking further would break something—not only inside you but something between you two. "That belonging Sevika talked about... It was never a part of my life," you felt yourself shaking, though you weren’t sure whether it was from fear or because you were finally saying something you had held inside for so long. "This is all I know. I’m learning it, but it’s harder than I thought, which is causing you more trouble than I want. I respect Sevika’s words, but I don’t know why you still want me to stay. What do you get out of it?" you asked, but you weren’t sure if you wanted to know the answer.You frowned slightly. This wasn’t the moment for sentimental explanations. You took a deep breath and finished with a still trembling voice:"My word is all I have, and it’s all I can give you. I promise it won’t happen again."For a long moment, he said nothing, and at first, you didn’t notice because you were lost in your thoughts. Only when you looked at him did you realize something was wrong. Silco looked lost in thought, as if his mind was reaching far beyond what was happening here and now. He didn’t look angry, though—more... moved. Maybe even frightened. Yet the silence between you wasn’t tense. It was... comfortable. As if you both knew that nothing needed to be said right now. That words would only disturb what you could feel in the air."I know what happened today. I know what Lacey did," his voice was calm, almost too calm, as if he was trying to hide something more in it. He lowered his gaze to his hands, and you noticed that they were slightly trembling. "What you just said… for a moment, I doubted you."Your heart froze, and your hands clenched around the fabric of your clothing as if it would protect you from what you would hear next. But he didn’t look at you—he couldn’t.You jerked, feeling the worst fear—disappointment—rise to the surface, taking control of you. Silco didn’t notice, too absorbed in his words, as if he couldn’t control them."I was afraid it was just another reckless idea you were using to push away the guilt. That you wanted to give her something to fill the gap left by her husband. I’m sorry, I should never have doubted your commitment."It was like a blow. You bent over, struggling to breathe. You clenched your teeth, knowing that only seconds separated you from the first tears. What he said hurt, but only because he had every right to think that way. From the start, he had considered saving Lacey and Zarys to be a foolish idea. It was your responsibility and your punishment for your recklessness. You wouldn’t have held it against him if he used that moment as a lesson for you. Did you give him any reason to think otherwise?You felt something inside you breaking. So many problems, yet he was still beside you..."I'm sorry," the words slipped from your lips quietly, almost unconsciously. You felt your emotions beginning to overwhelm you, and the tears were no longer so far away, as if they were about to find an outlet. "I’m trying," your voice trembled, but you continued. "I don’t want to be a burden to you. I know you don’t need weak people. I wanted to help, but I only made things worse."You were glad that the honesty between you had stopped being artificial, like something that didn’t belong to you. But when you opened your mouths to share something, a lot of darkness and pain came out, connecting you too tightly.Then you saw a movement—Silco, seemingly driven by a sudden impulse, crouched down in front of you. You quickly stood up, surprised by the sudden movement. His face was at the level of yours, and his eyes were almost devoid of emotion—as if he had seen something in your words that shook him to the core. You were only a few centimeters apart. You could clearly smell the smoke around him. At the same time, you wanted to close your eyes and surrender, yet not interrupt what was happening. Because it was something more than a mere desire, an impulse. You saw the emotions swirling in his eyes.All of them too strong for any one to win.Once again, you felt it—mistake. Your mistake, when you asked him for words, when he was giving it all to you. All it took was reaching out, opening your mouth, and..."I thought I could..." Rey suddenly barged into the room without knocking, destroying everything you had managed to build in that moment.You felt like strangling him.In an instant, the coldness and composure returned to Silco’s face. He glanced aside. His voice was threatening when he spoke:"Not now. Leave."You heard Rey gasp slightly, but you didn’t know if it was because of what he had seen or because of the clear anger in Silco’s voice. He quickly left, as if the devil himself was chasing him. The moment Rey slammed the door shut, the silence was almost palpable. Silco stood up and stepped back, trying to maintain the appropriate distance, but—truth be told—you had already burned all your bridges long ago. He straightened up, and his gaze fell on you. You felt your heart beating faster, but you had to say something."Well… at least we know Rey has perfect timing," you said half-jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. You smiled weakly but didn’t look away.Silco raised an eyebrow—subtly enough that you wondered if it had really happened—but didn’t respond."I know I made a mistake," you added in a more serious tone, standing up to give your words the weight they deserved. "I won’t let my mistakes put you in a difficult position," you took a deep breath, stepping closer to him. "Everyone told me to watch your gestures, and I... I guess I waited too much for the words. I’m sorry."Your words were sincere, and you spoke straight from the heart, not trying to hide or justify anything.For a moment, Silco only looked at you—his eyes filled with emotions, but none of them broke through the surface. Finally, he sighed quietly and looked away, as if searching for the right words to say."I wasn’t prepared for what’s happening," his voice was calm, honest, but still firm. "When you gave me your loyalty and understanding, you took a huge weight off my shoulders."You hadn’t heard that tone in a long time; you didn’t realize how much you had missed it until he spoke to you this way. You saw a slight movement, as if he was trying to return to the closeness that had seemed natural just moments ago, but something held him back. He avoided looking at you, but still, you saw something in his gaze that caught your attention—uncertainty, as if for the first time he was revealing a part of himself that he had always kept hidden."I want you to know that you’re not just another person on the team. You’re more than that. If we had a choice...or time... But we don’t have this or another reality. There’s only what we have now."You felt your heart stop for a moment and then start beating at a dizzying speed. For a moment, it felt like time had stopped. What he was saying sounded like something you had been waiting for—and at the same time, like something you were afraid to hear."I’ve been waiting for you to say something like that. But... I don’t want it to be something I’m forcing on you. Do you know what this means to me? This is not something that can be undone."The tension in his gaze made you feel faint. He pierced you with his eyes, making you forget everything, and the only thing that mattered was him. His face momentarily became almost completely devoid of the mask he usually wore. You saw that he weighed every word as if it were worth its weight in gold."I know," he replied quietly, softly. "And I’m not going to take it back."At that moment, Zaun could have come inside, and you would still have seen and heard only him. It was both degrading and decisive at the same time. You wanted to take a step towards him, to show how much you cared, how much you wanted everything he was offering you. But you couldn’t move under the weight of his words.That thought hit you as hard as anything, making you lose your breath.
I promised I wouldn’t do anything without your consent.
Silco never threw words away carelessly, and every sentence had a purpose and destiny. You could fill in the gaps now, but if there was one thing you knew about him, it was that he would never get closer to you this way without explicit consent. No matter how badly you wanted it, he needed your words.You were walking straight into perdition."I don’t want anything easy," you replied, fighting with your voice so that the trembling wouldn’t distort the words. "I wanna be yours."It was too little and too much at the same time. If there were words that could show him that he had you in his grasp from the start, you just said them. You wanted to belong to him in every sense. As a worker, as a companion, as a partner. Whatever role he saw for you, your answer was: yes.Your words lingered in the room for a moment. You heard how, in their rhythm, something changed in him. No, it wasn’t tenderness. It was something more. Something more dangerous and raw. As if he had been waiting for this, and the moment he heard it from your lips, some of his brakes let go.You didn’t notice when he was in front of you. You drew in a breath, intimidated by the raw desire written on his face. This couldn’t be stopped.He raised his hand and placed it on your cheek, running his thumb just near the edge of your lips. The gesture was too bold, too full of intention to ignore. You felt your whole body tighten under his touch, as if every rule you had imposed on yourself until then was starting to crack.That touch, though brief, spoke more than both of you could say aloud. It wasn’t a light brush, Silco never touched you gently. His movements were nervous, as if he wasn’t sure what he was doing.You could see in him that this was something he hadn’t planned. His gaze was focused on your lips. You could see in his eyes a desire that couldn’t be satisfied by touch alone.Unconsciously, you parted your lips.Something flashed in his eyes, something he didn’t suppress immediately. His hand pressed a bit harder. As if he was testing your boundaries. As if he was waiting for you to say “stop,” but with your entire being, you were screaming for him not to stop. His hand was slightly rough. You trembled, waiting for his next move. You felt his touch just at the edge of your neck. Just millimeters lower and you would have lost all control. The rest of his fingers were at the edge of your hair. You felt a dangerous urge for him to grip you harder and show his desires. You fought the temptation to turn your head slightly, brushing your lips against his hand to give him a signal.What he dared to do was too fragile. You had the feeling that even though his touch was so firm, he wasn’t really there. Wherever his thoughts had wandered, it was a place you couldn’t reach. His touch was addictive, metered out to you, and with every bit, you begged for more, feeling all resistance fall away.But the touch disappeared.It stopped. He didn’t pull away abruptly, but you could see he was fighting with himself. He stepped back one step, then another. His gaze, which had just been full of desire, dimmed, replaced by something more controlled—almost indifferent.“Not like that,” he said in a hoarse voice that sent shivers down your spine.You nodded, unable to reply. Your reaction wasn’t new, but it was terrifying at the same time. You were ready. For him, you were ready to break every rule you’d set for yourself. And yet, he was the one who gave up—in the moment when you were sure you wouldn’t be able to pull away from him. You felt disappointed, but also relieved. You didn’t know if you would have been able to stop yourself if he hadn’t.You tried to control your breath and everything that was happening inside of you. You weren’t sure if you were more angry that he had interrupted what might have happened, or if you were grateful. However, you couldn’t deny that this moment had left something in you that didn’t want to go away. Despite the lingering desire, you knew you had heard those words. Some time ago. From your lips. You should have been ashamed that you had so weakly melted under his touch, and that once again, he had to take control of the situation. Surprisingly, it didn’t hurt that you wanted to break the rule. You wanted to break everything for him, every rule, every boundary, just to stay in this suspended moment longer. But Silco didn’t need weak people. The way his respect for your words won over his desire made you feel a sharp sting of shame for your actions. But only for a moment; everything quickly burned away in the fire that awoke inside you whenever Silco came closer.Yes, it was playing with fire, but you wanted to burn yourself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

You watched him retreat—not just taking a step back, but also putting his mask of composure back on. It should have been terrifying, how quickly he could slip back into his role, as if he had never taken it off. And yet, you only felt sadness at the thought of the chains he imposed on himself, as if he didn’t want to allow himself more.Every gesture, every movement... You couldn’t take your eyes off him. There was something almost intimate in the way he let you see it all, as if he didn’t notice that every detail of him was embedding itself in your memory. Slim fingers slipping through strands of dark hair. A gesture that momentarily softened the sharp lines of his image. The strands fell back into place, and at the same moment, he reached for his tie, tightening it under his neck in that familiar, orderly gesture. As if he were finishing getting dressed after...You closed your eyes, struck by your own imaginings.It irritated you. More than you'd like to admit. Everything in his behavior—that apparent normalcy, as if nothing had happened, as if his touch wasn’t enough of a reason for his calm to crumble—made your thoughts burn. There was something too silent about this moment, too full of tension. As if you were witnessing something forbidden.You felt hot. The awareness that you had thrown him off balance—even just for a moment—was unbearable. Your thoughts slipped out of control, and in your mind, you saw your hands tangled in his hair. You’d dreamed of doing it for a long time, but he always controlled everything. You were too unsure of everything to act on it, too aware of the consequences. Would you ever be allowed to do it?You couldn’t speak. You could still feel his touch on you, still vivid, though it had long since faded. And yet, you already missed it. You were pathetic in your own lack of self-control, in your desire to hold onto that moment just a little longer. And still, you couldn’t move. You didn’t trust your legs—or yourself.The silence between you was heavy with unspoken words, and yet, it felt as if your words echoed, stretching the moment even further. But perhaps only you saw it. He walked to the door, opened it slightly, letting in not only brighter light and noise but also... him.Rey slipped through the slightly ajar door, casting a curious glance your way. You wanted to tell him not to stick his nose into matters that weren’t his, but if it hadn’t been for his entrance, perhaps Silco wouldn’t have dared that gesture. Still, you looked at him resentfully, as if he had just betrayed you when you needed him the most.Silco reached for Zarys’s journal and silently began flipping through it. The man waited patiently for his superior’s words, but his posture betrayed uncertainty. You watched his back, wondering if you should leave. Silco searched for something among the notes of the dead scientist, then handed the journal to Rey, lightly tapping him on the chest with the notebook.“These notes cannot fall into the wrong hands. Understand?” he said, reaching into his coat pocket for a cigar box. He pulled one out and lit it leisurely.“Yes, sir,” Rey replied, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. “Should I send him a message?”Silco lifted his gaze to him, but his eyes slid over him and landed on you. It seemed like he didn’t see his subordinate anymore, only you. Yet, it was too fleeting, too naïve to be true. You couldn’t read it, he returned to his old, cold, and composed self.“No. I’ll do it,” he replied quietly, his voice firm. “I think our problem will capture his attention.”Rey nodded, though something clearly bothered him. Silco didn’t notice his hesitation. You were still lost in memories, making it hard to watch him calmly give orders. You took a step toward the door, hoping no one would stop you.“Is this really... a good idea, sir?” Rey asked in a lowered voice.Yes, this was definitely a conversation you shouldn’t have overheard. Whoever that man was, it was no longer your concern. You stepped over the threshold. You still managed to hear Silco say:“I’m not asking for your opinion, Rey. Follow the order.”He didn’t stop you as you crossed the corridor. You knew why. He couldn’t do that, but some bitterness remained. This was Silco; he wouldn’t chase after anyone or beg for attention or time. You needed to be alone, but at the same time, you wished he would grab your hand and ask you to stay—just like the previous day.The air outside was as heavy as always. The rain started falling slowly, lazily, as if it too needed a moment to decide whether it would turn into a torrential storm or just wet the streets of Zaun with a cool, damp veil. Single droplets settled on your face, on your eyelashes, as if they wanted to wake you, pull you out of the strange stupor you’d been in since you crossed the threshold. But you couldn’t.Your thoughts still circled around him—around Silco and what had just happened. His words, gestures, glances... All of it stuck in you like thorns, reminding you with every step. You knew something had changed. It was almost tangible. Not only in him, but also in you.You hadn’t thought when you spoke those words. "I wanna be yours." It wasn’t a calculation, no planned action, just raw, pure truth slipping from your lips before you could stop it. Yet, despite this carelessness, you wouldn’t take them back. No, now that you felt you had finally been honest—not just with him, but with yourself.The way he reacted to you—his touch, his tone, his gaze—was different. More intense. More... raw. There was nothing gentle about it, but somehow, that’s what made your heart beat faster. Silco wasn’t gentle, he never had been. Every gesture of his carried strength, control, and now you saw clearly, something more. Something he had tried to hide but that surfaced. As if your words had awakened him.The vision of what could happen next was both exciting and terrifying. You had gotten to know Silco enough to know he had his limits. He had just crossed one of them. And though you should feel concerned, all you felt was impatience. You wanted more. You wanted him. You wanted to know how far this could go.But the rain—cold, penetrating—cooled your thoughts, forcing you to reflect more soberly. The people around you, walking through the street, busy with their daily affairs, had no idea what had just happened. They ran to their homes, hiding under awnings to avoid getting hit by the rain. They had no idea that decisions were being made somewhere above them that could determine their future. They also didn’t know that their only salvation was the man they hated.How did Silco endure this every day? How did he cope with the awareness—this burden—that no matter what he did, he would always be the one they blamed, the one they hated?You knew that Silco would never be yours. It was a bitter, cold truth that settled in your mind like fog. "I wanna be yours." You said it because that’s how you felt. But your desires didn’t matter compared to his goals. And his goal was freedom for Zaun. Always Zaun.And maybe that’s why you started to see everything differently. You wanted to be part of it. You wanted to be part of his plans. You wanted to be his tool, something he could use. It was paradoxical. Just recently, you had a problem with the fact that he saw you only as an investment. And now – now you were consciously giving yourself into his hands, allowing him to do so.It was a realization that both terrified you and strangely... calmed you. Because you knew that his plans depended on people like you. If you could help by offering everything you had, you were ready. You were a soldier, following orders. You did it because trust in him, in Sevika, was stronger than your doubts. It was something Sevika had been trying to drill into your head from the start, and only now had it truly reached you.Your thoughts drifted to Marcus. How different they were – and yet, how similar. Both were strong players with resources that could either destroy or save the city. But their approaches were entirely different.Silco... To many, he was a monster. To those who looked at him from afar, he was terrifying. But you knew the difference between fear and respect. Silco demanded one and evoked the other – maybe not always consciously, but always effectively. People saw him that way, and you couldn’t deny it. Cruel, ruthless, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. And yet – his goals were clear. Despite his brutal methods, the aim was clear. He wanted Zaun to stand on its own feet. He wanted an independent city that wouldn’t have to beg for scraps from Piltover’s table.Freedom for Zaun. Even if it meant radical actions, even if it meant sacrifices.Marcus? He had power. He could lead people, he could build something lasting, something better. But he didn’t want that. He couldn’t see it. He focused on Silco, as if he was the problem, rather than the system they lived in.It was a paradox. Marcus, the sheriff, who had the means to change reality, focused all his energy on destroying the man who – though seen as a monster – was trying to create something better. You saw how his thirst for revenge consumed him from the inside. How his actions – including the production of the drug that could destroy the city – were driven by personal vendetta.Marcus represented everything power does to a person. Corruption, fear, selfishness. He was a symbol of compromise that destroyed everything around him. He wasn’t fighting for a better Piltover or for Zaun’s safety. He was fighting for his own position. He was using Silco’s drug to try to destroy him – not because he wanted to help Zaun, but because Silco was an obstacle in his way. He was behaving exactly how Silco would, according to the people. Seeking revenge for his wounded ego. He couldn’t break his ties with Silco because he knew it wouldn’t go unnoticed. Getting rid of him would allow Marcus to succeed on many fronts. Free from the deal, a hero who saved the city, a genius who would lock away a dangerous criminal.Marcus didn’t see that without Silco, the underground would plunge into chaos. Only Silco could control it. And only Silco was willing to pay the price for it. You couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if Silco were eliminated. Chaos. Fear. Maybe even war. People would finally have proof that the leader of Zaun was just a man – and they would use that to destroy what he had tried to build. The barons would seize power, wanting to grab as much for themselves as they could. You knew they didn’t care about building an independent city. Finns like that were probably everywhere. Show them money or luxury, and they’d forget everything. You had heard his words – why fight when you could enjoy the “goodness” the upper city offered. You wondered if anyone ever asked themselves whether it was better to live comfortably under Piltover’s boot or build from the ground up on their own terms.The rain was getting heavier. Its drops blurred the outlines of the city, but they couldn’t wash away your thoughts. And those still circled around one person. Around Silco.The road home seemed too short. You would have needed at least ten more laps for the rain to wash everything off you. But you needed to rest. Your arm still hurt from the scratches. You had forgotten to dress it after returning from the hospital, and now, as the wet fabric of your shirt clung to your skin, you felt it more clearly.Actually, you were glad nothing had changed when you walked in. It was as noisy and chaotic as always, which allowed you to steady yourself. Because right now, you felt like you were about to fly away. Your goal was Sara. She strangely always had what you needed on hand. Besides, you wouldn’t have been able to treat the scratches on your own. Besides, you were curious whether anything had changed in the city since your last mission.You spotted her from a distance. She was leaning over the table talking to one of the men. Probably the same one she’d been flirting with recently. You watched her, not wanting to interrupt her enjoyment. Yes, for them, it was simple. Talking, having fun with each other’s company, and ignoring everything else.“Must be nice,” you muttered, sitting heavily at the other end of the table.For the first time, you regretted being able to hear better. Their conversation wasn’t meant for you, but you couldn’t shut yourself off from it. It wasn’t as simple as closing your eyes. You stretched your legs out in front of you, realizing you had nothing to occupy yourself with. Silco wasn’t planning any action. Sevika, as usual, had disappeared, and you were left alone with your thoughts. Could anything be worse?“You look awful,”Sara sat down next to you, pulling one leg under herself. Her cheeks were flushed.“For that, you look like a cat who just caught something,”She blushed, knowing exactly what you were referring to. She lightly tapped your arm. Her fingers brushed over the sore spot. You hissed loudly, instinctively pulling away.“Damn,” you whispered. “Do you have anything to disinfect this?”Sara raised her eyebrows, but didn’t seem surprised. Well, in this job, injuries seemed to be an everyday occurrence. She stood up and waved at you. You followed her with relief, glad you didn’t have to ask for her help. She grabbed a first-aid kit from one of the shelves and confidently headed for the stairs.“What hit you?” she asked, glancing back.“Nails,” you answered quietly, slightly embarrassed, remembering how easily Lacey had tricked you.Sara didn’t comment on it, but her expression said more than you wanted to hear. She boldly walked into your room, leaving the door open. Gratefully, you sat down on the chair. You watched her pull a bottle from a small box and take a clean cloth. The air was filled with the smell of alcohol. It hit your nose and burned your throat.“Take this off,” she ordered, pointing at your shirt. “You’re lucky I have more time, or you’d be patching it up yourself.”You grimaced as you pulled your arm out of the sleeve. Your skin was irritated. The adrenaline kept you from noticing it earlier, but it had scratched you to the point of bleeding. Your arm was marred by three crooked lines, with a small amount of coagulated blood.When you pressed the fabric to your skin, you expected something stronger than the slight stinging. She cleaned the wound with the precision of someone who had treated worse injuries."It looks worse than it feels," you commented on the injury with a hint of appreciation. "Listen, I know you hear more than you'd admit. Got any rumors?"She hesitated for a fraction of a second before sighing heavily."I know you're not asking for the usual gossip. What do you want to know?""I heard something happened in the upper city," you started quietly, even though you were alone. "Yesterday afternoon."She set aside the slightly bloodied rag and wiped her hands on her pants. She stared at you for a moment. She might not want to be involved in what you were doing, but she saw and heard more than most. She was a brilliant observer, but too smart to work for Silco."I'm not sure," she replied seriously. "What I know are fragments. Apparently, there was a shooting. The enforcers were chasing someone, but everything is being whispered about quietly. I know you're not asking out of curiosity," she added, tightening the bandage on your arm a little more than necessary. "Whatever you did up there, no names or descriptions have leaked.""Ouch!" you winced. "Why do you think it was me?"Sara placed her hand on her hip and looked at you with mild pity. Even in the dim light, you saw amusement in her eyes."As if I didn't know you," she rolled her eyes. "You're not asking out of concern for others. This is the first time you're seeking information from me. It's obvious you're checking if you’ve got a tail.""Seriously, we'd really need you," you remarked, not hiding how impressed you were by her abilities."I’m just patching you up. Don’t need any more excitement," she scoffed, packing the supplies into the kit."Thanks," you said quickly.She gave a crooked smile, glancing at you in surprise."You’re too nice for this. Hardly anyone thanks me here."She didn’t wait for your reply, leaving you in shock. What could she have meant?You pulled a clean shirt from the closet, feeling your skin tighten under the bandage. The injury wasn’t serious, but it was a nuisance. As you cleaned it again, it started to heal, reminding you of itself.You knew the people around you couldn’t be called well-mannered. Politeness was foreign to them. Words of gratitude didn’t echo off these walls. Why was she doing this if she had nothing to gain except the pay? Maybe she had her twisted needs, maybe it didn’t bother her, but she was wrong about you. You weren’t good. Not after what you’d done and what you still had to do. But now, it was somehow easier to think about it.If the patrol knew who they were chasing, you’d have heard about it from Sevika. And in a pretty brutal way. But still, you had to make sure your identity hadn’t leaked. This wasn’t a mere misdemeanor, trespassing on restricted grounds. Marcus knew someone might show up at the building. It was a step he had consciously planned. He had a hunch Silco might intervene. Your presence there made everything worse. Wanted by Finn, seen at the crime scene. It all fit together too neatly. If anyone had recognized you, it would have caused too many problems.Sara was more than she appeared at first glance. If she worked here only for the money, she would have let you bleed out in the street instead of helping. She didn’t want to be associated with you, but everyone here knew her, knew what she did. What was going through her mind?You looked at the table with relief. You’d gotten rid of Zarys’s notes, no longer feeling his gaze on you. Whoever next took over his research would be dealing with the ghosts of the past.That was no longer your problem.  *** The darkness outside had fallen. For a moment, you considered going to Leon’s, checking in on him, but you quickly suppressed that thought. You remembered how you had used your acquaintance to pass that letter, and then wondered if Rosie had managed to take control of the building. As you stared into the space where you might find peace, your thoughts quickly returned to things you couldn’t change.You lay on the bed, one leg propped up against the wall, tossing a ball in the air. The open window let in the cool air, and the breeze drifted inside. You were free, but that freedom didn’t bring you pleasure. Months of tension had taken their toll, and now, when you had a moment to breathe, you couldn’t calm down. All because the only thing you wanted was out of reach. Nothing else was even half as appealing."Pathetic," you whispered into the dark, feeling everything around you weigh down on you.Suddenly, with force, you jumped to your feet. Someone entered the room. Sevika was standing in the doorway, hand on the doorknob, waiting for you to notice her presence. Her expression was expectant."We’re leaving.""What? Like for drinking?" you asked, immediately sensing a chance for a brief escape.Sevika seemed surprised. A look of consternation appeared on her face, as if she hadn’t expected that response. She shook her head, rolling her eyes."I wish," she replied with a hint of amusement. "You’ve got a job to do."Hope shattered into pieces, but in an instant, it was replaced by excitement. Damn, you were starting to feel like a real workaholic."Do I need to grab equipment?" you asked, reaching for your jacket."God knows," she tossed over her shoulder, seemingly indifferent, but her voice betrayed a hint of stress. "I’m supposed to take you, but I don’t know why."You froze mid-motion, your hand hanging in the air as if time had momentarily stopped."What’s the job?"Sevika glanced over her shoulder, her face contorting into an expression of irritation."Move it, I’ll tell you on the way," she said quickly, stepping into the hallway.Surprised but curious, you quickly followed her. You hadn’t expected a new task so soon, but anything was better than sitting in a room alone with your thoughts.You stepped out into the darkness of the night. Sevika was walking fast, and being much taller than you, one of her strides equaled two of yours. You were a little worried by the fact that she seemed nervous, but she was always irritated about something, so it didn’t seem too out of the ordinary.You passed a few streets before she slowed down and remembered you."Listen, this is a delicate matter," she started quietly. "Personally, I think you’re unnecessary there, but he insisted."Your heart jumped suddenly, leaving behind a strange sensation."Silco?" you asked with slight hope."Do you know anyone else?" she replied sharply. "Marcus asked for a meeting.""Is that strange?"Sevika glanced at you as if she thought you were joking, but the sincere confusion on your face doubled her exhaustion."I wish I could live in such ignorance," she sighed. "Just an hour ago, Silco got a letter. The day after our operation. It's suspicious. Marcus doesn't operate like this—he doesn’t leave traces. Instead of coming to us like a normal person, he arranges meetings on the outskirts.""So what?""You were supposed to stop questioning orders, not stop thinking," she snapped, exhausted. "Use your head. Marcus, the Piltover sheriff, who’s trying to take down Silco, is asking for a meeting in a place with no witnesses."You furrowed your brows. It was suspicious, but you didn’t think Marcus would take any drastic actions in the heart of Zaun. He was rash, but not foolish."Do you think it’s a trap? That he wants to arrest him?""He doesn’t need evidence to detain him for the investigation."Suddenly, the air grew cooler. You had been too absorbed in your own thoughts to realize just how dangerous the situation was. You didn’t know the rules by which the guards operated, but you knew Marcus was ready to bend everything to catch Silco."Maybe he just wants to meet somewhere no one will see him in the Lanes?""I don’t know," she shrugged. "Better safe than sorry."You nodded and quickened your pace. You didn’t understand why you were there, but you saw the danger. The fact that Marcus might recognize you worried you, but you hoped a scarf would be enough to hide your face. Besides, the sheriff's focus would be on Silco, so maybe he wouldn't notice you.You weren't sure where you were. You hadn’t been paying attention to the road, too caught up in Sevika’s words. You looked around, trying to spot familiar landmarks, but everything looked the same. Only when you emerged from a side street did you understand."Sevika," you hissed quietly, drawing her attention. "Isn’t that the factory?"Sevika followed your gaze and cursed."Damn, I knew the address sounded familiar."You pulled your hood over your head, expecting the worst. It was the same place where Marcus had met with Zarys, and where you had foolishly been hurt. One of the walls was scorched, meaning the fire had been put out only after some time. It was the perfect place—no one would peek into these ruins.The problem was that Finn also knew the place. You were walking into a nest of hornets and snakes. The question was, which one would strike first? Now, you had to watch out, not just for the guards, but for anyone in the vicinity. You could never be sure who worked for Finn. With every second, you were getting deeper into the mess.Why the hell did Silco agree to this meeting?It wasn’t like Marcus had more power. He could have ignored it and not bothered with this man’s whims. Marcus had a death wish, no doubt about it. It was easy to throw your life away when you had people who would take the hits for you.Sevika waited for you by the tall metal doors. She let you in, watching the surroundings closely. Your hearing was better, but you couldn’t rely on it entirely. Anyone lurking in the shadows was a potential threat.The smell of ash and burning mixed with dampness hit you the moment you stepped inside the factory. You shuddered. The last time you were here, you ended up with drugs in your pocket and a huge wound on your leg. It wasn’t the place that was creepy—it was the people who stayed there. You remembered Zarys’s fear of Marcus. You remembered the threats that were made here. You thought you could see the places where bullets had hit, and hear the sounds of gunshots. This place... it felt heavy, suffocating—like it had absorbed all the broken promises that must have been made here.Silco stood in the center of the room, slightly apart from the three people—his people—who were engrossed in conversation. Their quiet voices echoed off the walls like murmurs, but there was an underlying tension. Silco, on the other hand, seemed detached from their world—calm, almost impenetrable. He held a letter in his hand, playing with it lazily as if it were something completely insignificant.You and Sevika entered together, and their conversation immediately quieted. The three by the wall instantly turned their attention to you, their gazes sharp and briefly flickering with relief when they saw Sevika return. They didn’t even glance at you, waiting for her orders.Sevika seemed unaffected by this—she moved confidently toward Silco. You stayed where you were, slightly suspended between them and whatever was about to happen.Silco lifted his gaze, his eyes briefly locking with yours. He didn’t say anything, didn’t make a gesture, but that moment was enough for the memories to come rushing back. The touch of his hand on yours when you were just a step away from crossing all boundaries. The weight of his gaze when he looked down at you, searching for whatever remained of what used to be self-control. Every detail of that moment imprinted itself deeply in your memory, marking you entirely.You gasped for air, suddenly realizing that you were still standing there, staring at him. The warmth creeping up your neck made you look away. Slowly, you walked to the left side of the room and sat on a crate, trying to position yourself away from the center of attention. You didn’t look at him, though you felt his presence more clearly than anything else in the room.Silco turned his gaze only when Sevika stood in front of him. Without a word, she began to report. For the first time, you regretted having such good hearing, because even from that distance, you could clearly hear his voice. It was colder than the one he used when speaking to you, but it was still his. He wasn’t in a hurry; he didn’t look like a man facing an imminent threat. His confidence grated on your nerves. There was something irritating about it—like he knew something the rest of the world couldn’t understand. If Marcus was planning something, you might not get out of this alive. You’d rather not have to fight anyone, but you knew that if it came to a clash, your job would be to fend off the attack.And yet... you couldn’t help but admire that composure. He wasn’t pretending. Marcus wasn’t a threat to him, and his calmness was natural, effortless.You didn’t look at him. You couldn’t. Every glance in his direction threw you off balance, destroyed your focus. And yet every cell in your body was aware of his presence—the way he moved, how he spoke, how with a confident gesture he folded the letter in half and slid it into his pocket.The conversation between him and Sevika was quiet, almost muffled, as if there was no room for loud words in this place. The three people on the other side were talking, joking, completely unconcerned about the situation. You looked at them with a slight twinge of envy, remembering Sevika’s words. Ignorance is a luxury. When they behaved so lightly, you understood that they had no idea what was really happening. You shared a secret with Sevika and Silco, while they lived in a blissful bubble of ignorance. Why had she told you? Had Silco ordered her to, or did she truly trust you?You were left alone, but not lonely. This world had accepted you long ago, and you had accepted it. But still, you had the feeling that your role in this place was unclear, like you were a piece of the puzzle whose shape hadn’t quite fit yet. Sevika thought you were unnecessary, so what were you doing in this factory?Fatigue burned in the corners of your eyes, but the sense of duty won out. You rubbed your face with your hand, trying to wake up when you suddenly heard footsteps. He stopped beside you, leaning against the chest you were sitting on. You stiffened, afraid to move. You didn’t trust yourself in that moment.Sevika approached the rest of the team and immediately started putting them in line. Her low, angry voice echoed off the walls. For a moment, you almost felt sorry for them, but quickly reminded yourself that Sevika was even sharper with you."Why did you leave?" he asked calmly.His tone was clear and distinct – you knew he was talking about the meeting from a few hours ago, when you sneaked away, taking the opportunity."I didn't know if I should stay... And I messed things up enough that day," you answered quietly, feeling the weight of the conversation. You were breaking some rules by allowing this, but he seemed unfazed."The timing wasn’t right, true. But I regret we couldn't finish that... conversation."That one word, spoken with a soft, suggestive tone, hit you like an arrow. His confidence was almost irritating – he saw no risk or challenge in you. No, not since you so smoothly and obediently gave yourself to him. You felt warmth rise to your cheeks, embarrassed by your own thoughts. Did he… No. You couldn’t afford such fantasies."I don't know why I'm here. You know confrontations aren't my thing. Even Sevika thinks I'm unnecessary for this mission," you said quickly, trying to change the subject."You're here because I want you to be," he replied with emphasis.You glanced at him out of the corner of your eye, but his gaze was still on the rest of the team. It seemed like this conversation held no weight for him. Yet, something in his voice betrayed that it wasn’t just about the task.You moved closer to the edge of the chest, as though that might save you. His gaze finally shifted to you, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a half-smile."You run things here," you said jokingly, though your voice was tense.You hoped to lighten the atmosphere, but only thickened it. A shadow of satisfaction appeared in his eyes, a triumph so clear that you felt the ground slipping from under you."I want you to handle surveillance," he said louder, returning to neutrality.You nodded, grateful for the return to work. You jumped down from the chest, too abruptly closing the distance between you. You felt your arm gently brush against the edge of his coat. Too close, even by your standards.Sevika noticed. Her gaze cut across the space like a silent warning. She furrowed her brow, as if asking, "What are you two up to?" You knew she would bring it up later. But now... now you wanted to balance on the edge.You wanted to see who would pull back first."Sure," you said quickly and moved forward when, unexpectedly, you felt his hand on your elbow.The gesture was firm but not brutal, almost invisible to others. Only Sevika could have noticed it if she looked closely. The touch sent a shiver through your body."Just a reconnaissance," he explained calmly. "Marcus isn’t here yet, but he could show up any minute. You check the area and return. If you see anything suspicious, report immediately. Understand?"His fingers still gripped your arm, as if not wanting you to leave. You swallowed, trying to calm yourself."Are you afraid I can’t handle it?" you asked, trying to sound confident.He smiled, and his gaze told you he could see right through you."You can and will handle worse."He leaned in closer, his whisper barely audible:"But we’ll have time for that later."He released you and stepped back, leaving you with a quickened breath and trembling hands. You inhaled, trying to steady your body, but that shiver – whether pleasant or unsettling, you weren’t sure – stayed with you. Silco approached Sevika, nodding at her. Her posture immediately shifted; from a distance, she seemed relaxed, but you could see the vigilance in her movements. As they started talking, it became clear their exchange was much more practical than your earlier conversation. It took you a moment to pull yourself together.Whatever his words meant, you weren’t sure if you wanted to think about their meaning now. "You can and will handle worse" – it echoed in your mind. You wanted to believe he was talking about the job, but your conversation had been too tense, too ambiguous. As if those words carried a promise he left for you to consider. Or maybe you were just imagining it.You glanced up. The platform looked solid – it had been repaired recently. But if someone hadn’t taken care of the details, one of the windows still had a broken lock. If that were the case, the lockpicks in your backpack would be enough to get outside without a problem. You grabbed the last rung of the ladder and began to climb. You didn’t look down, but out of the corner of your eye, you saw one of the guys point at you. After a moment, you had a small audience. Vanity played quietly within you, as if waiting for your confirmation. You were one of many faces they saw every day, but few had seen you in action. In those brief moments when you had their attention, you felt something more than satisfaction. Maybe it was control?Just a few seconds later, you crouched on the platform, choosing the window you'd use to go outside. Time was pressing, so you reached for your tools. The lock gave way after a few seconds, the click almost silent, but you still imagined everyone downstairs could hear it. You smiled under your scarf before slipping outside.The cold air hit your face, bringing momentary relief, which quickly gave way to unease. You pulled your scarf higher over your face and breathed in, sensing the familiar smell of Zaun’s streets. Metal, dust, a faint hint of chemicals. There was nothing new about it, but today everything felt sharper, more real.You wanted to downplay Sevika's fears, but her words weighed heavily on your mind. She was right – the danger could be real. Even if the chances were slim, ignoring it would be foolish. You still didn’t know why Silco had agreed to Marcus’s terms. Was it pure calculation, or something more? You hoped he wasn’t wrong.The city around you seemed calm. Cold gusts of wind cut through the streets, carrying bits of dust with them. You scanned the area, looking for any shadow, any alley in hopes of catching something others might miss. But the streets were empty.Too late for factory workers, too early for people seeking entertainment in the center. Who would be out now?The calm of the city was the perfect breeding ground for your scattered thoughts. You glanced back through the window, looking for something, but the glass was cheap, full of irregularities, so you couldn’t see inside. What had suddenly gotten into him? What caused this change? The Silco who had just recently avoided contact had suddenly become so... touchy? Him? It would be absurd if you hadn’t felt it yourself. And, oh, you felt it perfectly.Everything changed after his confession. Was it the fact that he was finally honest with himself? You also felt relief after telling him about your feelings, but you hadn't suspected that you were this alike. Whatever turned his thinking around made him more confident and relaxed in your presence. You couldn't complain; you wanted this. But when he so shamelessly took the opportunity to tease you, you thought you were going to lose your mind. And that was just one conversation—what would happen next?"God, he is infuriating," you whispered, feeling the warmth of those words lingering on your lips.You scanned the streets once again, but not much had changed. You moved to the other side of the roof, probing every tiny corner. You strained your eyes until something caught your attention. At the end of the alley, barely visible in the dim streetlight, a solitary figure moved.A guard. Even from this distance, you recognized his silhouette. Besides, no one was crazy enough to stroll down the dark streets of Zaun in full uniform.Marcus.He couldn't have noticed you, but you still quickly bent down and returned to the window. You jumped through it, not bothering to go back down the ladder. You swung your legs over the railing and landed on the ground behind Silco and Sevika."Fuck!" Sevika shouted in surprise, flinching sharply. "Are you out of your mind?!"It was a show-off move; you wanted to show the rest of them what you could do. The three of them by the wall fixed their gaze on you, and something like recognition showed on their faces. But Silco didn't even flinch. What a man. You rolled your eyes and pulled the scarf off your face."Marcus," you said quietly. "Alone. I didn’t see anyone else. I checked every side."Sevika whistled to get the rest of the team’s attention. Everything worked like clockwork. They approached, now devoid of cheerfulness. You saw them adjusting their weapons on their belts. The air seemed to grow colder, as if a chill had entered the room."You know what to do," she said to them sharply.They nodded in confirmation and each moved in a different direction. You stood there, uncertain, not knowing what to do. You shoved your hands in your pockets, trying not to show how uncertain you felt."Back to your position," Silco said, casting you a brief glance.It was the same again. You didn’t see in him what you had just a few minutes ago. He had withdrawn, both physically and emotionally, leaving behind a coldness. You knew why—he must have been focused on the conversation. It was funny how you now had to watch his gestures even more carefully. You wouldn't have minded, but he was juggling his mood like a toy. You couldn’t do what he did—shove your feelings aside in an instant. There was no button for you to switch your character depending on what he wanted you to be. You had just tried to adjust to the new pattern, and yet he acted like he’d known it forever. It came too easily to him, too quickly.You nodded without a word and took a step back. You felt relieved to be given a task, happy you wouldn’t have to look at Marcus anymore. You climbed back up to the platform. You cast a glance down below. Silco hadn't moved. His people waited in different places on the ground floor. Sevika, as usual, stood next to him. Fascinating and terrifying at the same time.You jumped to the other side, lightly landing on the roof when you heard the sound of a door opening. The area was clear. He was either confident or foolish to come alone. Or he had something up his sleeve and his people were waiting for a signal.You couldn’t stop yourself and glanced inside through the open window. You focused your eyes carefully on Marcus’s barely visible silhouette. He stood by the entrance, as if wondering whether stepping inside was a good idea. Finally, he slowly took off his mask, revealing a face that was clearly tense and irritated. From this distance, even the small wrinkles between his brows were visible."What’s this supposed to be?" he snapped sharply, his voice echoing in the empty interior. "Why are they here?""My people are not the problem," Silco replied calmly, almost dismissively. "Get to the point."Marcus shifted uneasily. His posture betrayed that he was going to drag out the meeting."I don’t pick a place this secluded just so you can drag your whole gang along. I understand her," he gestured somewhere, probably at Sevika, "but why the rest?""Do you feel threatened, Marcus?" Silco asked, a shadow of amusement in his voice, though the threat hidden in those words was all too clear."By your thugs? You wish," Marcus growled, though his voice trembled slightly. He tried to sound confident, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his nervousness.Silco stepped closer, moving slowly into your line of sight. Straight, with his hands loosely clasped behind his back, he seemed almost nonchalant, which only heightened his advantage."A man in my position is aware of the dangers that await him," he said softly, but with a distinct intonation that drove every word into the air like a blade. "It’s reckless to come alone to such... unexpected meetings."Marcus paled. That was good, you thought with satisfaction, tightening your lips into a thin smile. His silence spoke more than anything he could say now."Listen, I don’t have time for your word games," Marcus spat after a moment, trying to regain his composure. "You must know that there was a shooting in the upper city. The Council is keeping an eye on me, I can’t just show up at Last Drop.""I don’t remember when that became my problem," Silco replied, weariness in his voice that was almost theatrical. "I hope you didn’t arrange this just to complain about your job?"Marcus gritted his teeth, his face contorting into a look of irritation."I know it pleases you that you act with impunity while I have the whole city on my shoulders," he snapped back. "Because of the Chancellor’s birthday, the Council is more sensitive than usual. Give me something or I’ll have to go into the city with my people."You clenched your hands on the window frame. Marcus’s words hit you harder than you expected. You knew it was because of you. That thought weighed on your mind like a stone. The only comfort was that they couldn’t connect the dots to Silco yet."I’m sure you have plenty of evidence. You’ll manage," Silco answered, his tone balancing between condescension and indifference."Fuck you, Silco!" Marcus exploded. "This wasn’t the deal we made."Silco moved even closer, reducing the distance between them to almost nothing. Marcus didn’t back away, but the tension between them was palpable."Tell me, Marcus. Is your head just a decoration?" Silco asked icily, his voice turning into a silky threat. Marcus froze, surprise flashing across his face. "I don’t think so. Start using it."Below, muffled laughter echoed. Silco didn’t even flinch, but you could see Marcus’s face reddening with anger. Was provoking him a good idea? You weren’t sure, but the satisfaction of seeing his frustration was hard to ignore.“You won’t be laughing when I put one of your people in Stillwater,” Marcus growled, trying to regain control.“Why do you think it’s someone from me?” Silco asked, raising an eyebrow slightly. His voice carried interest, but beneath it lurked a sharp edge. “You might have forgotten, but I don’t manage everyone in Zaun. I’ve heard Finn’s people have been getting... arrogant lately. They’re causing me some trouble. We could cut their autonomy short and give you something to shut the council up.”Your hands tightened around the window frame. You knew what Silco was trying to achieve—it was risky, but brilliant. Marcus couldn’t openly send guards after Finn’s people because of their cooperation. Silco was provoking him to give himself away.“I need facts, a culprit, not your speculations,” Marcus said after a moment, his voice less certain. “You have three days, then I’ll come with my men. Don’t make me do this.”“I hope you realize the consequences of your actions,” Silco replied in a low, almost grave tone, dropping the earlier amusement. “What do you think will happen to your men when they start sniffing around without permission? Pick your enemy, Marcus. And trust me, you don’t want to pick me.”Marcus looked like a fish out of water—he opened his mouth, but no words came out. Finally, he muttered through gritted teeth:“Three days, Silco. Our deal’s useful, but it’s the council that pays me, not you.”Silco allowed himself a slight smile, but it was the kind of smile that froze the blood in your veins. You knew people feared him, but only now did you fully understand why.“If time is really money, I guess I’m in debt for paying attention to you. You can go now.”The way Silco dismissed Marcus bordered on pure arrogance, but it was his natural authority that made it work. Marcus growled angrily but refrained from commenting. You saw him put his mask back on and head for the door. He hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately slammed the door open and disappeared into the night.You followed his movements with your eyes for a moment longer. After such humiliation, you wouldn’t be surprised if his wounded pride pushed him toward something foolish. He walked forward hunched, his head tucked into his shoulders, like a dog with its tail between its legs. But you knew that didn’t mean he had surrendered. Marcus had taken a hit, but it only made him angrier. You knew that next time, he’d strike back. A wounded animal always bites to defend itself. You hoped Silco had predicted that.You slipped back inside only after making sure you could no longer hear footsteps or the murmur of conversations. This time, you descended more cautiously. The air was tense, but the amused voices of the three men effectively diffused it. They whispered among themselves, exchanging jokes about Marcus and elbowing each other. You tried to adopt their lightness, to see the situation as a funny sketch, but you knew they only saw the facade. You felt the threat beneath your skin—it was too real to ignore.Sevika approached the group, silencing them with a firm gesture. She probably reassigned tasks, and they obediently scattered. But you had another goal—you ignored them entirely and went straight to Silco. Who were you trying to fool?He didn’t speak or look at you, as if he hadn’t noticed your presence. He seemed lost in thought, maybe even irritated—his conversation with Marcus must’ve given him a headache.“Everyone out. Back to your work,” he suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.Something stirred inside you, but you quickly ignored that instinct. One of the men nodded toward the exit, and the others followed him. Well, that hurt more than you’d like to admit. The command was clear, so you stepped back, assuming it applied to you as well.“Not you,” Silco added quickly.He didn’t look at you, but the tone of his voice clearly indicated he was speaking to you. It seemed like the footsteps behind you slowed for a moment, as if someone still wanted to hear something, but you didn’t have the courage to look back. The door slammed shut one last time, and the three of you were left alone.Sevika joined you, and the atmosphere immediately shifted. It was hard to say whether for better or worse. Her irritation was almost palpable. You were worried that the whole situation with Marcus was because of you, but since no one had mentioned it, you decided not to make yourself a martyr.“Did you see anything?” Silco asked in a tired voice.“No,” you answered quickly. “The area was clear. Marcus didn’t have any extra men around.”Sevika relaxed a bit, but her brows were still furrowed.“He wouldn’t dare,” she scoffed derisively.“That doesn’t change the fact that he gave himself away,” Silco interjected, ignoring her reaction. “He showed that he hesitates before pointing fingers at Finn’s people. This mistake could cost him dearly,” he sighed heavily. “How much trouble can one man cause?”His tone no longer carried the irritation of the conversation itself, but the frustration with Marcus as a whole. You stayed silent, not knowing what you could add. The fact that Silco kept you here was unexpected, but you’d already learned that he could change the topic abruptly.“What now?” Sevika asked. “I suppose we won’t hand over one of ours?”Silco rubbed his forehead in thought. For the first time, you saw something really weighing on him. But even if you wanted to react, you knew Silco would never accept such support from you. It hurt, but there was no choice—reality was what it was.“We need to act quickly,” he muttered finally, then looked at Sevika. “Leave us.”You saw a flash of surprise in her eyes, but it was quickly smothered. She shifted her gaze to you, trying to convey something, but your tired mind didn’t want to pick it up. It wasn’t jealousy, no, she wasn’t afraid for her position. It was something bigger, something she would tell you anyway. If it was your fault, she wouldn’t hesitate to point it out quite... bluntly.She nodded and walked past you without a word, lighting a cigarette along the way. You watched her for a moment, strangely moved by her behavior. Maybe it was better not to return to your place tonight?“The notes from Zarys have been passed into safer hands,” Silco suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.You looked at him, surprised by the return to this topic.“I understand,” you replied briefly, not entirely sure what to make of the information.“When you pointed out the usefulness of this shimmer version, I thought you might be right, and it wasn’t worth waiting,” he admitted calmly, with a slight grimace as he reached into his pocket for his habit. “After that pathetic exchange with Marcus, I see that it’s better to have the formula ready in case something gets into his head.”“You said these studies were the final step.”“I did,” he replied, exhaling smoke. “But Rey can’t develop it on his own.”“I’d like to know, but I’ve already noticed that I won’t learn everything,” you remarked somewhat bitterly."I would tell you if you asked. This man... he's a brilliant scientist, working on this is the perfect challenge for him.""You don't have to tell me everything..., but thank you," you said softly, this time in a gentler tone, full of sincere gratitude.Your words clearly surprised him. He held his gaze on you as though seeing you anew. His irritated mask began to fade, replaced by something far more human—tiredness hiding behind his commanding posture. It looked like he was analyzing something intensely for a moment, but at the same time, he didn't rush to respond. The air between you thickened, and the silence began to gain weight. You felt not only observed but, above all, noticed. You had nowhere to hide from his gaze.Finally, he sighed lightly, and when he spoke, his voice was more sincere than ever before:"I want to have you close for my own egotistical desires."You froze, completely surprised by his directness. These were not words full of double meanings, it was the truth—honest and brutal. He looked at you intensely, as though wanting to make sure you understood their meaning."It's not about loyalty, nor what you can do for me. I need you here because..." he hesitated for a fraction of a second, which was almost unheard of for him. "Because when you're close, everything feels more bearable."You didn't know what to say. These words struck you deeply, leaving you in a strange state between relief and embarrassment. The air was thick with smoke. It smelled of it. Everything here smelled of it. The whole factory reeked of burnt residue from the fire, but this... his smell of smoke was different, familiar, and strangely soothing."I could say the same about you," you added softly, with slight embarrassment.What was happening to you? You, who used to freely throw confessions left and right, now felt shy after a single sentence from him. You were definitely lost—completely absorbed by his presence. Just a few minutes ago, he was Silco—the boss, the leader, the formidable player. And now? Now, he was a man in front of you, his feelings like an open wound. With you, he allowed himself a bit of human weakness.Why was everything happening so fast? It was overwhelming. You had asked him for honesty and time—and he was giving it to you. In his own way. He was confident in what he said and did, and it was this confidence that disarmed you. It showed that his feelings were genuine, even if expressing them was hard for him."I'm flattered by the way you look at me, but try to hide it a little more, can you?" he suddenly said, snapping you out of your thoughts.You blinked, trying to gather your thoughts."What? I don't..." A note of surprise sounded in your voice.He leaned slightly towards you, his voice dropping to almost a whisper:"You are mine, but don't tempt me like that."It was so unexpected that it left you confused for a moment longer. It slowly dawned on you what he was doing, because this wasn't the first time he'd said something like that. When conversations became difficult, he returned to what he knew. You understood that, because you did the same. You searched for the past in an uncertain present, but unlike him, you were starting to lose those elements. He used your reactions to him as leverage, allowing him to regain control.And you let him, because deep down, you preferred him in control of everything—especially you."Come on, the longer we stay here, the more we tempt fate," he suddenly became serious.He threw the cigarette butt to the ground, stamping it out with his boot, then, as if nothing had happened, shoved his hands in his pockets and headed for the exit. He didn't check if you were following him. The bastard knew perfectly well that you had nowhere to go, and that certainty allowed him to leave with his head held high as if he hadn't just bared his feelings to you. It was... infuriating.As soon as his silhouette disappeared behind the door, you felt the weight of the world suddenly fall onto your shoulders. The silence that followed was almost tangible, and the absence of his presence made the surrounding reality feel cold and unfriendly. The air, which just a moment ago seemed soft and light, now burned your lungs, forcing you to take a short, nervous breath.With him, everything was simple. Yes, you allowed him to guide you, letting yourself be led by every emotion, gesture, or glance that left you powerless, yet filled you with a comforting warmth. With him, you could allow yourself to be vulnerable.And now? You were left alone with the weight of what had happened. With his words still echoing in your head. With his gaze that ruthlessly exposed you. He didn't need touch to show you belonged to him.You leaned your back against the cold, uneven wall, thanking it for its chill and hardness. You needed that—a physical proof that everything was real. This wasn't a dream. Silco had changed. And you? You had given him what he'd been waiting for all along. You gave him yourself. You gave him control and power, the very things he craved. No wonder he'd become so confident that day."Fuck," you whispered weakly, knowing perfectly well that you didn't mind this turn of events.The sound of your voice seemed quiet and lonely, yet it filled the entire space. You closed your eyes, trying to calm the chaotic thoughts, but you knew his shadow would remain with you, in your head, deep inside, where it was impossible to shake it off.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

You picked a dance with the devil and you lucked out.That sentence kept ringing in your head, even though you should have been thinking about something else. About Marcus. About his brazen, almost arrogant attempt to impose conditions on Silco. About what would happen if the situation got out of hand because of his demands. But you couldn’t.Not because you didn’t understand the gravity of the situation—you understood it perfectly. It was just that… you had no say in this. It wasn’t your problem to solve. Silco would give you an order when the time came, and then you would do what needed to be done. But now? Now, despite yourself, your thoughts wandered completely elsewhere.Would every return home be like this now? The chaos in your mind grew at an alarming rate. You regretted that the rain had stopped. Although, to cool your heated thoughts, you would have had to dive into the river and stay there all night. It was a tempting thought as you took the longer way back to your place.The change came quickly, surprisingly quickly. It seemed almost unnatural, but even a brief observation gave you more answers than you thought you'd find. Just a few days ago, he was different. Reserved, almost cautious in every gesture, every look. He kept his distance—not just physically, but emotionally, as if weighing every step for fear of making a false move. And now? Everything was different. Bolder gestures, more intense glances. The way he allowed you to get so close—how close he himself got to you.What had happened earlier felt like a strike against something that had seemed unshakable. As if everything that your relationship rested on—glances, words, subtle gestures, small provocations—had shattered under the weight of that one moment.Touch.You hadn’t realized how much you missed it until you felt it. And now, once it had appeared, you couldn’t ignore it. You couldn’t forget.It shouldn’t have been this hard, right? All this time, you had kept your emotions in check, ignored this side of your relationship because it was easier. It was enough to stick to the rule: don’t get physically involved without feelings. Simple. Logical. Effective.Except now, it didn’t matter. Because the feelings were there—they had been for a long time, even though you hadn’t wanted to admit it for most of the time. And when you finally did, Silco didn’t let you forget, even for a second, what that changed.And it changes everything.No, it wasn’t a coincidence. This wasn’t a sudden change. He had waited. Waited for you. For your move. And that terrified you. Because if he waited… it meant that from the very beginning, he knew you would eventually give in. He predicted your reaction, sensed it before you even matured into it. He held back until you gave him a signal—one that couldn’t be taken back. Didn’t that show his respect for you? Respect that held him back from crossing your boundaries, even though he could? Or perhaps it was something much bigger—that intensity of his, which he didn’t even try to hide? Fighting against his feelings was one thing; that was something he faced willingly because he gave you his word. That intensity… damn, you had seen only a small part of it, and yet you felt like it was consuming you whole. What he had kept in check now demanded payment for all the waiting.Now, more than ever, you realized this wasn’t a game. It never was a game. And he always had control—over you, over the situation. You just allowed it. Or maybe… you always wanted to allow it.You felt it in every smallest thought that stubbornly returned to him. In every second when you reminded yourself of his gestures, his voice, how he looked at you as if he knew you would stop fighting the moment he touched your skin.You tried to chastise yourself for all of it. For focusing on something completely different in the face of serious problems. But the truth is, it wasn’t the problem. It was natural. It was instinct. And if Silco felt the same—because you felt he did—nothing would stop that.You dug your feet firmly into the ground, feeling that otherwise, you would float away. Just the thought that something more might happen made your blood boil in your veins. It wasn’t fear. It was expectation.When the familiar building loomed ahead, you painfully felt the weight of your fantasies. You were brutally brought back to earth. It was easy to lose yourself in fantasies while wandering through almost empty streets, where every face was a stranger. Here, everyone knew you, and the more observant would immediately see what was brewing. Even if they didn’t know it was about your mutual boss, it was clear from you what you were thinking.Climbing the wall wasn’t an option due to the irritating bandage. Dragging your legs behind you, you entered like a person, hiding your head in your arms, hoping no one would stop you. You could predict you had exhausted your supply of luck for the year when you saw Sevika waiting for you by the door to your room. She stood against the wall, one leg bent, her shoe leaving a dark mark on the wall, but she clearly didn’t care. She crossed her arms over her chest, and her face bore the mark of heavy exhaustion.“Let me guess, this can’t wait until morning?” you asked.She opened her eyes at the sound of your voice. She probably tried to smile, but it didn’t quite work.“I never would have agreed to deal with you if I knew how much trouble you’d be,” she said calmly, as if this fact were undeniable.“Well, thanks,” you replied sarcastically. “What’s so urgent?”She rubbed her forehead, more tired than irritated.“Not here,” she sighed. “Are we going to stand here or are you finally going to open the damn door?”You jerked quickly and reached for the handle. Surprising, since she could barge into your room without any warning and then attack you as if it were the most normal thing in the world, and now she was waiting for an invitation?Suspicious.You felt her gaze on your neck as you stepped further into the room and threw your backpack on the floor. Whatever was on her mind made you feel exceptionally uncomfortable.The silence of the night seemed to fill the small room, except for the muffled sounds of the city coming through the window. She sat heavily in “her” spot, at the table. Leaned back, one arm casually resting on the edge of the chair. Her silhouette, massive and confident, seemed to dominate the limited space. You stared at her, wondering what had prompted this conversation. You hung your jacket on the hook and walked to the bed—the only place where you could sit.“I don’t know what got into your head, but I see how Silco has changed,” Sevika’s tone was sharp, without a hint of doubt. “You know how long I’ve worked for him? He never allowed himself anything like this before. And now you’re here and… everything is different.”These words hit you with a force that momentarily took your breath away. You paused mid-motion before sitting down, looking at her with a mix of shock and unease. You should have gotten used to her directness, yet she still managed to surprise you."I have no idea what you're talking about," you said calmly, though there was a barely perceptible note of tension in your voice.Sevika raised an eyebrow, resting her elbows on the counter."Why am I not surprised? Do you ever look further than your own hands?""Hey, back off," you shot back sharply, irritated by her approach. "If you have a problem, say it straight."The corner of her mouth twitched, but there was no amusement in her eyes."I'm not blind. I saw you two today."Your body stiffened instinctively, and your gaze reflexively drifted to the side. You knew that movement betrayed more than you wanted, and, of course, Sevika noticed."And what exactly did you see?" you asked lightly, trying to give your words a joking tone.She didn't buy it."Silco's showing that he cares. And that never ends well." Her voice was firm, but measured. "People see more than you think. And they start talking."Those words hit you like a cold shower.You clenched your jaw, feeling the weight building in your chest. Sevika didn't look away from you, but she didn't press further. She knew your thoughts were already racing at a frantic pace."What am I supposed to say to that?" you asked finally, breaking the silence.Sevika squinted at you, scrutinizing you carefully. There was no hostility in her gaze. Just cold calculation."Until today, I was sure you'd chicken out.""What do you mean?" you scoffed. "Why do you care now?""Because what's happening is too strong." Sevika spoke slowly, almost reluctantly. "I've worked with him for a long time. I know when he gets obsessed with something." Her gaze lingered on you, heavy with the responsibility now weighing on you. "Now it's you. But the difference is, you can still walk away.""Same old story?" you sighed, exhausted. "I'll start doubting you if you say that again.""Silco won't let you walk away. You know that, right?" Her voice softened, almost sympathetically. "If you're trying to back out, think it over twice. He won't let it all go to waste.""I'm not trying to back out. Where's that even coming from?" you asked too sharply, irritated by her constant warnings.Sevika tilted her head, looking for uncertainty in your voice, but all she found was irritation. You felt that she didn't take this seriously. She didn't take your relationship with Silco seriously."If you ever stepped outside your world, you'd understand how fast rumors spread. How do you think people will react when the crew notices his behavior? He's not as good at hiding it as he thinks.""And what? You expect me to believe you're suddenly concerned about my reputation?" you shot back sarcastically."Don't flatter yourself," she sneered. "I don't want to watch everything fall apart because you can't keep your hands to yourself."You remained silent for a moment, trying to digest her words."Why are you bringing this up with me?" you asked quietly. "You know it's not just up to me."Sevika leaned back in her chair. Her hesitation was different now. She wasn't doling out information; she was wondering if you'd be able to handle her words."It would be better for everyone if you weren't together." Her tone was strangely empty. "But I know it's a tilting at windmills. You're both too stubborn."You clenched your jaw, feeling as though her words hit you like a slap. Brutally, even for her."And what? You're telling me this because you expect me to suddenly find a solution? You think when I took this job, I had a plan to seduce him?"Sevika shook her head, smiling crookedly."If it were just about that, it would be simpler. But you both, damn it, got yourselves tangled up with a full package of unnecessary feelings. If I can see it, others can too. If you crack under their gaze, you'll leave. And Silco won't swallow that."You took a deep breath."You speak like it's a game. You think I walked into this blindly? You might be surprised, but I don't play with emotions."Sevika let out a bitter laugh."With him, it's always a game," her gaze darkened for a moment. "Usually one whose rules you'll never fully know."You furrowed your brow, a pang of doubt creeping in. Could she be right?"Look, I appreciate the concern, but...""No, I'm going to keep hammering this into your head until it sinks in," Sevika cut you off firmly. "This isn't something you'll end when it gets too hard. If you don't see that, don't even try reaching for more."You laughed softly, though there was more exhaustion in it than amusement."You know why you're both alike?" You looked at her with a hint of irony. "You give me these strange warnings when it's definitely too late for them."Suddenly, she stood up, placing her hands on her thighs as if that motion was too much for her. Her figure loomed over you, carrying with it a barely discernible threat about stopping you from trying to find a connection in your work, but her lips remained silent. She was tired and indifferent. As if she'd done her part and passed it on to someone else.You."I have no idea what the hell you two were thinking to start these games right now," she said quietly, her voice drained of emotion. "Your timing sucks. And if you think anyone's going to believe there's more to it than that the boss found a new toy, you're damn naive. When the whispers and jabs start, he won't be their target. So if everything falls apart because you two couldn't keep your hands to yourselves – I'm coming for you first."As she walked out, leaving you with an overwhelming amount of facts to process, her steps were calm and quiet. She wasn't angry at what was happening. More disappointed – in both of you, maybe mostly in you. She closed the door behind her softly, leaving a void in her wake. Yet her words hung in the air. Too heavy to sleep through.You shouldn't be doing this.It was as clear as daylight, but you weren't doing it to prove anything to yourself.Sevika's words echoed in your mind, heavy, merciless in their simplicity.You shouldn't. What you had with Silco was hard and required work. It took courage. There were moments when everything seemed impossible to hold onto. But you wouldn't give it up.And yet, Sevika was right about one thing. To others, it looked completely different. None of his people would believe that Silco, the man who had never allowed himself any sentimentality, suddenly changed the rules for you. It didn't fit into their world. Feelings among criminals? Ridiculous. In a few days, the first remarks would come. The first glances, which would say more than words.You didn’t care about yourself. You never cared about what people said about you, but Silco… Silco was different. You promised you wouldn’t let your behavior put him in a difficult position. And what if this relationship, this… your arrangement, began to undermine his authority?You clenched your hands, trying to focus your thoughts, but nothing wanted to fall into place. Normally, you would have gone to the rooftop, where the wind would blow away your doubts, where you could lose yourself in the movement of the city. Now, you couldn’t bring yourself to do it.It didn’t work anymore.You couldn’t find a place where you could think. Where you could… just be.You sighed heavily, allowing your thoughts to return to him. To how he held you. To how he looked at you. How in his gaze there was nothing accidental. Nothing to hide.It could be raining now. You needed that.Like rain, washing away everything unnecessary. Like water, in which you could find solace when the air stopped being enough.And just like the rain, he casts the dust into nothing.Silco was the peace you couldn’t find anywhere else. *** "The factory looked abandoned. At least to those who didn’t know what they were looking at. Old, rusted fences, the gate slightly ajar, as if someone had once forgotten to close it. From the outside, it seemed dark inside, but you knew that most likely everything was happening underground. Everything designed to look like one of many dead places in Zaun, forgotten by everyone.It was a façade. Destroyed, scorched, but still alive. In these walls, life pulsed. Quiet, hidden, but intense. Chemists, transports, security—on the outside they didn’t exist, but inside, they worked nonstop. And above it all hung the smell of shimmer. Not literally. But standing here, in this place, you knew that somewhere deep inside the building, something was happening that should never see the light of day.You leaned against the cold wall, crossing your arms. You didn’t know exactly what you were supposed to be doing here. The note was brief—place, time. No explanations.This was the same factory where the fire had started. Just a few days had passed, and there was almost no trace of the "attack." The bricks hadn't been cleaned, the walls marked with long dark streaks, but the windows looked new. For a random attack, the factory had recovered quickly. Maybe even too quickly for your taste, but it wasn't up to you to judge.It felt strange to be so close to shimmer after everything. It was the first time since you "recovered." Why had he asked you to come here, knowing exactly how bad your memories with the drug were? Maybe something was wrong, and he needed someone good at eavesdropping? You felt every muscle tense. Instinctively, you checked if your knife was in place and whether you could quickly draw it.You glanced at your watch. A minute past the time.Whatever was waiting for you inside, you were late. You didn’t know whether to enter. The command didn’t suggest it. Part of you rebelled against accepting the written words as absolute fact without questioning them. Both he and Sevika had held you to your word that you wouldn't question orders anymore. So you waited impatiently, hoping you wouldn’t be walking into a confrontation with anyone inside.Then you heard footsteps.Instinctively, you reached for your weapon, ready to act. In Zaun, a defensive reflex was a survival condition, and this sound didn’t fit the rhythm of normal passersby. Too measured, too sure.You didn’t flinch, but you prepared yourself internally for anything.Then the steps stopped right beside you.You looked to the side. He was standing there, as if he'd always been there, watching you calmly. He didn’t speak immediately. There was no need. You sighed heavily—his entrance with class, full of drama, as usual.A barely noticeable hand movement—a gesture that could mean anything, but in his case, it meant one thing.You were supposed to follow him.It was different, quiet, and calm. You didn’t feel the same tension as you did before meeting Marcus. You stayed a step behind him as you both walked toward the factory. His behavior said nothing, yet this man was ready to walk straight into the heart of a fight, head held high. You might have been more obedient than usual, but it didn’t silence your curiosity.“Do you think your people are up to something?” you asked quietly.He stopped halfway through the street, glancing over his shoulder. Your question seemed to surprise him slightly, but he didn’t answer, waiting for further clarification.“You need someone to check something quietly? You know I could have done this without you, right?”Whatever was going on in his mind now, it seemed like he was searching for meaning in your words.“Where did that idea come from?”You glanced nervously at the building, waiting for an unexpected attack, but your hearing didn’t catch anything out of the ordinary in the surrounding sounds.“Well, I don’t know? Maybe because this place was just attacked recently?” you said with a hint of irony.He calmly adjusted the cuffs of his coat, not immediately responding to you.“Interesting that the first thing you thought of was that you’re walking into another dangerous task. Do you like adrenaline that much?”Your thoughts were on completely different tracks. You were ready for a fight, possibly some spy action, maybe a little theft. His calmness—even more than usual—didn’t fit what you were thinking. If it wasn’t about that, then what was it about?“You know, your orders are usually quite brief. I guess it’s normal for me to want to know what we’re getting into?”“The factory has just been reactivated after the attack. I need to check if everything meets my standards.”He apparently considered that a sufficient answer. He didn’t wait for your reaction. He stepped closer, confidently reaching for the door. After all, he was in his domain. You quickly closed the distance, not wanting to lose sight of him, but you still didn’t understand your presence here.Just as you suspected, the building seemed dead at first glance, but you could hear strange sounds beneath you, hard to identify. They could have been voices or machine vibrations. You could feel the heart of this place beneath your feet, hidden from prying eyes. Everywhere smelled of dust, and the air was dry to the limits. You saw barrels piled up, empty bags, and huge crates stacked one on top of the other all the way to the ceiling.Most of the fire damage had been cleared away, much like outside, but there was still a faint smell of burnt wood. This place wasn’t supposed to be all that important, yet they had dealt with it quite swiftly. A necessity, or an order from a demanding boss?Silco didn’t spare a gram of attention to the “decor,” immediately moving to the other side of the building. You noticed another set of metal doors leading into the unknown. An unsatisfied curiosity nagged at you beneath your skin, prompting the words to slip from your lips.“Why did you bring me, actually?” you asked, trying to keep your tone neutral. “Usually, Sevika accompanies you.”Silco didn’t glance in your direction. His gaze remained fixed somewhere ahead, but the corners of his lips betrayed a hint of amusement.“Because I want you to be here,” he answered calmly, as though it was the most obvious explanation in the world, then nonchalantly began descending the stairs hidden behind the doors.You blinked, surprised by the simple response. You tried to hide your astonishment under a layer of sarcasm.“I figured as much,” you replied a little too dryly. “But I can’t just follow you around like a loyal puppy. It’s... weird.”Silco stopped for a moment, and something flickered in his eyes that might have been the shadow of a smile.“Did you just compare yourself to a dog?” he asked with a tone of amusement.You felt warmth flood your cheeks. Crossing your arms over your chest, you avoided his gaze.“It’s not like that...” you muttered, searching for the right words. “It’s just... Sevika has her tasks, and I have mine.”“Sevika is one of a kind,” he responded more seriously. His voice became firmer, more resolute. “And currently, she’s busy with other things.”“You want me to supersede her today?” you asked, wanting clarification, though the answer seemed obvious.“No,” the word came immediately, with a certainty that surprised you. Silco took a step toward you, getting close enough that you could feel his presence. “The world gets bigger every day. I need someone who’s got their head on straight,” he paused for a moment, as if weighing each subsequent word. “You’re the one.”You froze halfway down the stairs. His words almost sounded like a compliment, but it was hard to believe them. Silco didn’t throw words around lightly—you knew that. And yet... did he really see you as someone he could entrust with more than one mission? It sounded almost like a proposition, like something bigger than just a task.“Why?” you blurted out before you could stop yourself.He turned toward you, drawn by the tone you’d used. His gaze didn’t leave yours, intense, unyielding.“I wouldn’t propose it if I didn’t see potential in you,” he said, his tone dropping an octave. “Don’t question my judgment. Understand?”There was power in his voice that left no room for objection. But in his gaze, there was something more—something that made your heart flutter. Warmth, maybe even care, but expressed in his usual way—firmly and uncompromisingly.Immediately, the conversation you’d had with Sevika the night before came back to you. You shook your head quickly and took a step back down. This was exactly what you had feared. Suddenly, your words about not being afraid for yourself seemed empty.“No. Don’t do this,” you replied quietly.“You don’t have to agree right now,” he added after a moment, his tone softening slightly. “Think it over carefully.”You watched his back as he passed through the doorway. Upright, proud, confident. What he’d said hadn’t been spontaneous—he must have been thinking about it for some time. But that didn’t change the fact that he’d chosen a rather inconvenient moment to make such an offer.You hurried after him. The moment you crossed the threshold, the first thing that hit you was the smell—sweet, suffocating, unmistakable. Your body registered it, but nothing more. Somewhere here was shimmer. The relief came swiftly. You had feared the first contact, wondering how you’d react, but clearly, your fears had been unwarranted.The workers didn’t stop what they were doing when they saw Silco, but their gazes followed you both for a few seconds. At first glance, there seemed to be chaos—constant movement, the sound of metal clanging, muffled conversations. But the deeper you went, the more you noticed the order hidden beneath. Harmony, though buried under layers of dirt and haste, was present. It was surprising, but in a way, satisfying to observe—if one forgot what was actually being produced here.Your morality had wavered long ago. It was easier to swallow what shimmer did to people because you’d experienced it firsthand. You observed the faces of the workers—tired, focused, often bearing the marks of long hours spent here. How many of them were already addicted? You should have felt sorry for them, but the thought slipped in a different direction. They lived in Zaun. Most of them had been here since birth. They knew the rules, they knew the risks. Shimmer was a drug, but no one shoved it down their throats, no one slipped it to them secretly, no one forced them to take it.It might sound brutal, even heartless. If you said it aloud, it would sound like a defense of Silco. But wasn’t it the truth? If someone couldn’t function in a place where shimmer was everywhere, maybe they should never have been involved in it.The fact is, shimmer should never have been introduced. In an ideal world, there would be no place for it. But Zaun wasn't in an ideal world. It was the only way to cut ties with Piltover, the only tool you had to carve out a space for yourselves. The upper city had everything—money, power, guards ready to snuff out any resistance. And what did you have? The ability to instill fear and hope they’d leave you alone.You couldn’t stop thinking about the hypocrisy. Piltover had plenty to say about morality and order, but when the night fell, the line between the cities ceased to exist. The high-born, scientists, merchants—all those who criticized Zaun by day, crossed the bridges by night, searching for things they couldn’t find in their sterile neighborhoods. Gambling, brothels, illegal fights, and above all—shimmer. Fun for those who could afford it. And then they’d return to their estates, sit in councils, and condemn the dirty dealings of Zaun.You returned your gaze to Silco, knowing that what you had only noticed recently, he had seen from the beginning and used without hesitation. You didn’t harbor any warm feelings for Piltover. You wondered what would hit them harder—a vision of soldiers fully loaded with shimmer, or the risk of being cut off from the drug.You stopped by the railing that separated you from the yawning abyss below. Silco rested his hands on the metal structure, looking down at the workers below. You stood a step behind him, knowing that this was what was expected of you. Even better—you preferred he didn’t notice the conflicting emotions churning in your mind.“Sir? You’re a bit earlier than we expected.”A muffled voice rang out to your right. You glanced sideways and met the gaze of a clearly tense man, nervously wiping his hands on a rag that was already filthy. Silco didn’t flinch, still observing the space below as though forcing the speaker to reconsider whether they had chosen the right words."If you haven't prepared the reports on time, I'll find someone else who can do their job more efficiently," he replied calmly, but with a clear warning in his voice.The man stiffened. A shadow of concern flickered in his eyes, but he didn't try to explain himself. The way Silco treated his people was vastly different from how he addressed you. Even when you first joined, his tone was never this cold. It was... interesting. And only a little unsettling."No, sir. Everything is ready. The samples just haven't been labeled yet."Silco turned around, his gaze betraying no irritation. Slowly, he removed his gloves and... unexpectedly extended them towards you.You blinked, slightly thrown off.A nearly imperceptible shadow of challenge appeared on his face. He waited.You raised an eyebrow, searching for some sense in this, but his expression remained unreadable. Was he teasing you? Testing you? You couldn't be sure, but you weren't going to question his gesture.Without a word, you reached for the gloves, maintaining eye contact. His fingers brushed yours, barely noticeable, yet it was enough for a brief pulse to rush through your hand.Your grip was steady, but something in that tiny gesture made you flinch slightly.A faint shadow of a smile danced on his lips. Almost invisible. He immediately shifted his attention back to the employee, as if the moment had never happened.And yet it had."Never mind, lead the way," he said emotionlessly.The man nodded and silently began walking in a direction you didn't recognize. You had no choice but to follow. You were holding his gloves in your hands, and something about them – perhaps the material – made it impossible for you to stop fiddling with them. You'd never held something so delicate.You descended one floor. The man led you to the end of one of the production lines and left you there alone while he went to retrieve the aforementioned samples. These weren't tasks you were used to. Too little sneaking and observing. You had to be cautious of the smallest gestures from Silco because any of them could mean something. Was this how he was trying to show you what his proposal could entail?It wasn’t hard, and you could get used to it. You liked working in the shadows, but it had its advantages. One stood next to you, focusing intently on watching his people work. You sighed, realizing that it wasn't just about how others might perceive you when you suddenly took a place next to Sevika.He was giving you something he shouldn't have. He was giving you a chance. But in this world, a chance wasn't enough."You know..." you began quietly. "I appreciate the offer, but you can't give me the respect of others. They won't take me seriously seeing how little I've done. And if they don't understand that, maybe I’ll start to wonder if I deserve it. I don’t want it like this."He turned around, intrigued by your words. You knew they'd reached him. He analyzed them in silence, probably searching for a flaw in your reasoning, but in his eyes, you saw a glimmer of understanding and respect."Your answer is better than I could have expected."You actually breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, you feared he'd interpret your words as fear or weakness. It was strangely pleasant how the heaviest words were spoken when someone could hear or see you. You felt a quiet moment of understanding between you. You were glad he wasn't trying to convince you otherwise. He had accepted your decision with respect, which was the only proof you needed that Silco truly saw your value—not as a pawn to carry out his will, but as someone who understood the rules of this game and wanted to earn it.You glanced at him, feeling the unease brought on by Sevika’s words subside and almost disappear. You closed your eyes and leaned against the wall, sensing that you’d be waiting for Silco to finish his tasks more than once that day. The comfort came from hiding in the shadows, away from the harsh lights.Because of the mutations, your eyes were too sensitive to such bright lights.Something clattered in the distance. The scent of shimmer grew stronger. You opened your eyes, looking toward the sound, and saw a familiar figure approaching, carrying a small box with several vials. You hadn’t known it since the moment you drank that substance on the roof.The memories hit like a slap in the face. You straightened, pushing those thoughts away. This wasn’t the time or place for them, but as you watched him carefully inspect the samples he’d brought, you couldn't stop thinking about why he had pulled away at that moment."The reports are in the manager's office. Should I bring them?"Silco waved his hand dismissively."No. I'll go there once we finish here," he muttered, focused on reading the labels."Understood. Can I do anything else?""That's all," he replied, not giving him any more attention.Is this how Sevika felt? Walking after him step by step, waiting for orders? Although knowing her, she probably socialized with people while keeping an eye on her boss. You moved closer, curious about the samples, even though you had no idea what they really differed in. You definitely wouldn’t be able to be like her.The man walked away, visibly relieved, leaving you alone. Not once, since you arrived at the factory, had he given you a single glance. To him, you were nothing more than another shadow following Silco."What is this, exactly?" you asked, leaning over the contents of the box."Should I explain what shimmer looks like to you?" he replied mockingly.You straightened up, turning your back to the workers. It was the only way you could afford to react freely to his words."Sometimes you can be funny," you scoffed, raising an eyebrow.He responded with a brief grimace before answering."These are the first samples after the fire. I won’t release them to the market until I’m sure the parameters are high enough."You tilted your head, staring at the metal beams above you as if they could distract your thoughts from the boredom that was slowly creeping into the conversation. It was almost absurd how much in Zaun depended on what Silco produced. If he wanted, he could have everyone in the palm of his hand. And yet, the chem-barons still tried to reach for more."And what’s the verdict?" you finally asked, not even trying to hide your impatience.He chuckled softly, barely audible. He pushed the box aside, and then, completely unexpectedly, his hand reached for the collar of your jacket.You froze.His fingers, with almost exaggerated ease, brushed off an invisible speck of dust from the fabric."Acceptable," he murmured, and there was a soft tone in his voice, clearly distinct from the earlier indifference.You looked at him in surprise, but he didn’t look away. His hand withdrew lazily, as if stretching that moment by a fraction of a second too long. The skin on your neck tingled as his fingers brushed against it in passing.A slight movement, a delicate brush – and yet, it was enough to disrupt the distance that should have existed between you. Before you had a chance to think about it, you instinctively followed the touch, slightly leaning toward him.It wasn’t until you noticed the shadow of approval in his gaze that you realized.Too late to pull back now.You didn’t try to pretend. Whatever he saw on your face, you weren’t going to hide it."So, what’s next?" you asked, your voice a little different.He didn’t answer. He took some documents with him, the ones that employee had brought with samples, and headed back toward the stairs leading to the floor above. It was frustrating how easily he moved you from one place to another, knowing you had no choice but to follow him faithfully. You shoved your hands into your pockets, wondering if there was any way to slip away from here sooner.Your footsteps echoed on the metal steps, betraying your position. Instead of turning toward the stairs leading to the surface, he walked down the corridor, heading deeper into the bowels of the factory. Whatever task Sevika had, you would have gladly swapped places with her.You reached another door – identical to all the others in this place – but Silco didn’t hesitate and chose the right direction. He entered without knocking, as if the space had always belonged to him. You closed the door behind you, instinctively looking around the interior.What hit you immediately was the lack of windows. The bright lights didn’t manage to disperse the heavy atmosphere. On the contrary – in this sterile light, everything seemed even more overwhelming. Aside from a lone desk with a crooked chair and a row of metal cabinets to the right of the entrance, there was nothing here. A raw, lifeless place. Suddenly, you longed for the couch in Silco’s office.Meanwhile, he approached the desk, casually tossing his coat onto the back of the chair. He reached for the documents, entirely focused. You rarely saw him like this – immersed in work, unaware of your presence. Usually, when you appeared, all his attention was on you. But today, you hadn’t come with information or to argue. You could observe him without his awareness, and you didn’t deny yourself the pleasure.His slightly hunched shoulders. Long, slender fingers gliding over the papers. The faint creases on his forehead as he analyzed something. And then something you hadn’t noticed so clearly before – silver streaks at his temples. If it had been someone else, you might have thought it was a sign of exhaustion, of age, but with him… it added to his gravitas. His authority. Something that pulled you in too strongly, something that hit desires you hadn’t known until you met him.You caught yourself staring too long. Suddenly flustered, you felt an inexplicable wave of anxiety. What had he seen in you that made him allow you to be this close?You moved closer and sat on the edge of the desk, preparing for a long wait in silence. You pushed a few folders aside to avoid sitting on them. Silco, without taking his eyes off the papers, gestured toward one of them – the same one you had just moved.“Give me that.”His tone was different – demanding, though devoid of anger. You reached for the folder almost mechanically, as if this wasn’t the first such request from him. There was a note of impatience in your movement, but you didn’t let it show."So, what, now I’m your assistant?" you asked with a touch of irony, trying to mask the slight tension in your voice.Silco paused his work and lifted his gaze to you, his eyebrows raised slightly, a thin, amused smile tugging at his lips. He looked as though you had just said something exceptionally funny, though he wasn’t about to burst into laughter."Would you like that?" he asked calmly, his tone both a question and a challenge."Me and documents? Seriously?" You rolled your eyes, unable to stop the gesture. The absurdity of his question left no room for a serious response.Silco only answered by extending his hand, holding a few sheets of paper. He looked at you expectantly. You took them hesitantly, still not fully understanding what the purpose of this scene was. He didn’t take his eyes off you, studying every move you made."Try it. You might like this role," he said quietly, but you sensed a hint of provocation in his voice. As though he was testing how much more you could endure.You flipped through the documents, but the sight of tables and numbers almost immediately bored you. This wasn’t a test of your skills. He didn’t expect you to suddenly understand his business from a few charts. You set them aside almost immediately."This is definitely not my thing," you said with a light sigh, not hiding your relief at not having to struggle with it any longer.Silco observed your struggle with a gentle, almost soft smile, but his gaze was piercing. There was something in that smile that made you feel like you were under scrutiny, as if he was analyzing every detail of your reaction."You’re right. You’re a fighter, not a subordinate employee." It came suddenly, unexpectedly. Right to the point. Words that confirmed who you were, while also reminding you that in his eyes, you were more than just an assistant.For a moment, you remained silent, feeling a lump rise in your throat. Compliments were never your strong suit, especially when they came from someone like Silco – someone who weighed every word he said. You looked away, trying to hide your slight embarrassment."Why do you need a fighter today, when I have no one to fight?" you asked, trying to lighten the seriousness of the situation. Your words were provocative, but there was a note of uncertainty in your voice.Silco straightened up, looking at you calmly, but there was something more beneath the surface."Do you need action to spend time with me?"You instinctively wanted to turn his words into a joke, but the tone of his voice and the intensity of his gaze froze you for a moment. There was honesty in those words that was both confusing and overwhelming."That’s it? I’m here because you need company?" you asked quietly, almost automatically. You weren’t sure if you even wanted to hear the answer."Is that so surprising?" he said softly, almost casually, but his eyes betrayed something completely different.He reached for the same documents you had dismissed earlier, as if trying to focus on something other than the growing tension in the air. He flipped through the pages with apparent indifference, but you could feel his attention still focused on you."After the attack, I’m required to take a personal interest in this place. Too many people are watching my every move. The fire, though intentionally caused, will affect shimmer production. Someone will suffer, losing money," he continued quietly, his voice carrying a noticeable fatigue. "I don’t like repeating myself. You’re not here because I have a specific task. Time isn’t on our side, but that doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about you."His words hit you harder than you expected. You remained silent, trying to collect your thoughts, but they scattered in all directions. Silco returned to his reports as if the subject was closed.“Although it would be easier that way,” he continued calmly. “If you had accepted the offer, I would have you by my side all the time. But I know it’s not just up to me. I know it wouldn't be enough for you,” he added after a moment, without hesitation. “You’re too good at what you do to be locked in a single room. Still, my offer stands; we can modify it to suit you.”You were taken aback by his honesty, not only sharing his feelings but also drawing you deeper into the underworld full of drugs. His openness startled you because it came so instinctively from him. You didn’t know how to react when he showed you this softer side of himself, which he usually kept hidden."Alright, if I help you, will we get out of here faster?"He laughed lightly, amused by your frustration. He put the papers down and looked at you more intently, as if assessing whether there was more to your offer than just wanting to escape.“Losing patience so quickly?” he asked quietly, his voice lowering, calm but challenging. “You don’t mind watching the target for hours, but you can’t stand a few minutes here?”“That’s more than a few minutes, in my opinion,” you replied quietly, trying to find the last remnants of your rationality that had suddenly slipped away.Silco moved closer. He placed his hands on the desk, on either side of your legs. His shoulders suddenly became your prison. His gaze held you in place, but you wouldn’t have fled even if you had the chance.“I can give you another task, one that requires more... action,” he murmured, his voice lowering a tone, and his gaze became even more intense.You knew what he meant. Something deep inside you almost screamed to surrender, to make the move you had both been waiting for, but this was neither the place nor the time. You tried to look away, but his gaze pulled you in like a magnet. He was relentless, as if waiting for the slightest sign of your weakness. For a moment, you hesitated, but only to surprise yourself.Your hand slowly rose. You brushed his arm, unable to suppress a soft sigh when you felt the delicate fabric. But gentleness wasn’t your language. You reached further. Your fingers tightened around the silk of his tie, and then, with a decisive movement, you grabbed it just below his neck. Silco, usually composed, seemed stunned for a split second.You pulled him closer, shortening the remaining distance between you. The surprise on his face was immediate – you saw his jaw muscles tighten, and his eyes widened for a moment before focusing back on you. But what happened next shocked you even more.Silco didn’t protest. He surrendered to the movement, allowing you to take control of the situation. He let you pull him closer, and when your faces were only a few centimeters apart, his breath slowed, deepening. You could feel the warmth emanating from him, and you saw his eyes darken even further, as if in one gesture, you had undermined all of his self-control.“Brave move,” he whispered, and his voice, still low and rough, revealed something more – something you couldn’t fully understand. Maybe it was fascination. Maybe admiration. Or maybe just pure desire. “You know this is playing with fire, right?”You wanted to respond, say something, but the words caught in your throat. His gaze – full of tension, yet hidden chaos – made you feel the weight of your gesture. Had you just done something that threw him off balance more than you were ready for?“I know,” you finally managed to say, but your voice was weak, almost trembling. You noticed his lips twitch in something resembling a smile – though it was more predatory than joyful.“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice a barely audible whisper that pierced you through. He tilted his head slightly, and his face was now so close you could see every fine line on his skin, every spark in his eye. In that moment, there was no game. No mask. It was just him – Silco, completely exposed in his reaction to your bold move.You felt his hands, still resting on the desk, shift slightly. He moved them closer, allowing for a bolder touch while also reducing your confinement. He didn’t need to say anything more – you could see in his eyes that what you had done had worked. More than you could have imagined.His eyelids lowered slightly, and the corners of his mouth twitched, as if he were fighting a desire he had been trying so hard to hide.“You never stop surprising me,” he murmured, his voice now deeper and rougher, filled with something he could no longer control.But this time, he didn’t pull away. He stood still, his hands still resting on either side of your hips, trembling slightly. He allowed you to take control of the moment, as if purposely testing who would back down first.Your heart beat so loudly and quickly that you were sure Silco could hear it. The words you were about to speak got stuck in your throat when you noticed he was ready to go as far as he needed to satisfy that desire. The tension between you had taken on an almost tangible form. You couldn’t shake the feeling that you had just broken an invisible rule, shaking his world more than you had ever anticipated. A small movement was all it took for your lips to brush together, but neither of you made that move.You felt his scent around you, saturating you to the core. It seeped into your senses. You licked your dry lips involuntarily. His gaze followed the movement. You thought it was over, that he would be the first to give in. Damn, you missed his taste more than you thought.Suddenly, there was an uncertain knock at the door. The sound was quiet, as if the person on the other side hesitated to interrupt this moment.Silco growled quietly, his gaze still fixed on your face, but the tension between you was broken. Slowly, he turned his head towards the door, and his voice, though low, sounded like ice-cold steel:“This is a very bad time.”There was a brief silence behind the door before the man on the other side dared to respond:“S-Sorry, sir. It’s… it’s Margot. She says she needs to speak with you urgently.”At the sound of her name, Silco straightened, his face expressing a mixture of irritation and frustration. He sighed deeply, as if forced to abandon something that had required all his attention.“Tell her to wait,” he said firmly, his tone sharp as a razor.“She… insists, sir,” came the reply from behind the door, this time even more uncertain.Silco gritted his teeth, and his hand mechanically slid over the tie you had just been holding, as if trying to restore order."Fine, bring her in," he said with cold certainty, his gaze briefly returning to you. "We’re not finished," he added quietly, almost threateningly, before turning toward the door.You tried to hide your surprise, but you couldn’t prevent a slight raise of your brow. You noticed how the tension in his body hadn’t disappeared, and his eyes still revealed something that hadn’t had a chance to be spoken."Let her in."Your hands trembled slightly, and your thoughts raced at a frantic pace. You knew you had crossed a line—but strangely, you also knew that Silco had accepted it. Unfortunately, as usual, time was not on your side, but maybe that was exactly what provoked this game between you.You jumped down to the floor, forcing yourself to regain composure, but it was impossible. Not when you still had the sensation of the fabric between your fingers. You hid your hands behind you, tightly clasping them together.Margot belonged to the elite group of the most influential people in Zaun. If your memory served you correctly, she owned most of the city's brothels, including those frequented by people from the upper city. But like everyone else, she wouldn’t have risen to the top without Silco’s help. And now she demanded a meeting. It was fascinating how much arrogance those who owed their rise to him displayed.You had never seen her, so your perception of her remained open. But as soon as she entered, you felt two strong personalities clash in the air, making you suddenly seem ridiculously small.She scrunched her nose at the sight of the primitive decor, as though being in such a place was almost an insult to her. Upon entering, she paused for a brief moment, her gaze narrowing in assessment. Her eyes slid over you, stopping for a second—just long enough for you to feel the weight of her stare. How much was she able to read from you?"What brings you here?" Silco broke the silence.She ignored him. Instead, she walked toward you. There was something about her steps—something fluid, predatory, almost feline. Had you just become the prey?You instinctively straightened up, lifting your chin with the defiance you had learned to cultivate. You felt Silco’s gaze on you, but you couldn’t tear your eyes away from her. Her light hair shimmered in the harsh light, and the dark makeup only highlighted the sharpness of her gaze. You were sure she saw everything—every hidden tension, every thought that hadn’t yet surfaced."You’re pretty," she said softly, her voice carrying something sharp, like a razor's edge. "With that face, you’d make more with me."You inhaled sharply. Surprise came first, but it quickly gave way to pure disgust. It was... degrading. You looked at Silco, but he wasn’t even looking at you. He wasn’t going to intervene. He was just waiting for Margot to say what had really brought her here.You didn’t respond. And she probably didn’t expect you to. You felt not like a person, but like a potential commodity she could take, if only she wanted to.She stepped back, releasing you from her gaze."I was curious when you’d finally get interested in production," she tossed out as if she had already forgotten about you.You were dismissed. Suddenly irrelevant. You sighed in relief, but something inside still gnawed at you. Silco immediately distanced himself, as though what had almost happened between you no longer mattered. Margot could say whatever she liked, and he didn’t even flinch. You didn’t expect him to defend you—he wasn’t the type to do that without cause. He knew you had enough sharpness in your tongue to handle it yourself.But she was one of the chem-baroness.And you remembered that when you met Finn, he had stood by your side.Why wasn’t he doing it now?Margot ran a finger along the edge of the desk, eyeing the documents with feigned indifference. The atmosphere in the room grew thick, carrying something unspoken, and Margot sensed it. She raised an eyebrow, as if confirming her intuition."Shimmer is more valuable than you think. It allows not only for building influence but also for crossing boundaries that normally can’t be crossed." Margot spoke freely, but there was an underlying note of satisfaction in her tone. "It opens certain... possibilities. People are eager to share information when they’re on the right high. And I always know what to do with good information."She waited, ready to catch even the slightest reaction. Silco, however, didn’t take the bait. He passed her and approached the desk, uninterested in the important production documents lying carelessly on top. You saw how his fingers traced along the line of his jaw. He seemed indifferent to her words, though you saw it differently—the almost imperceptible tightening of a muscle at the corner of his mouth, the brief pause before he responded."The supplies won’t stop, if that worries you."Margot smiled, but there was no warmth in it."Oh, I’m sure they won’t. But you know, it works both ways." She leaned in slightly, as if making him an almost intimate offer. "Your men... well, they also benefit from my services. Keeping their loyalty isn’t just about money, is it? If certain pleasures become unavailable to them... they might start looking elsewhere. And then it’s harder to control them."Her words fell heavily in the air, but Silco didn’t even flinch. He didn’t need to. You saw it, though—the almost invisible movement of his fingers on the desk, as if he had clenched his hand too tightly around its edge and stopped just in time. His voice was calm, almost polite, as he replied:"That’s an interesting observation."Margot blinked slowly, stretching her lips into a lazy smile, like a cat stretching its claws. She straightened up and looked at you, holding your gaze a little longer than necessary. You felt as though she were dissecting the situation and then, for her own amusement, deciding to interfere with it."If you get tired of working for him, you know where to find me."You felt irritation, sudden and hot, but you smothered it almost immediately. Your lips twitched, as if you were about to reply, but you stopped yourself at the last second. You didn’t even know what bothered you more—the proposal itself, or the fact that Silco still wasn’t reacting. As though it didn’t matter to him."I’m not interested in that kind of work," you answered firmly, your voice sharp.Margot chuckled, as though your reaction amused her. She didn’t say anything more. She turned on her heel and headed for the door, leaving behind palpable tension. When the door closed, a heavy silence fell over the room. Returning to what had been before was impossible.Silco remained silent, staring at the documents as though he hadn’t noticed what had just happened. His earlier focus, the intensity you had felt in every look, every small gesture—was gone. As if nothing had ever happened between you. As if what he had shared with you just moments ago was nothing but an illusion.You weren’t stupid. You saw that the tension in him hadn’t dissipated, even after Margot left. But it didn’t matter. Not when he could so easily detach and cut himself off from what had just occurred.You bit the inside of your cheek, forcing yourself to appear indifferent. If he could do it, so could you.But it still hurt more than it should have.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

After she left, the air felt as heavy as the very bottom of the Lanes.You couldn’t take your eyes off the door. It was as if she was about to come back, adding more fuel to the fire. The silence that followed wasn’t awkward—it was full of the emotions still lingering in the air after the last words.This unusual, somewhat absurd scene didn’t last more than fifteen minutes. Yet, it felt like you’d been frozen under her gaze for hours. You rolled your eyes and took a deep breath. Why bother thinking about her? You hadn’t bent under Finn’s judgment, even though the man had more reasons to torment you than Margot, so why the difference?Maybe because it was about Silco. And what had just happened a few minutes ago. Could Margot have guessed? Did your reaction give her any answers?You shifted your gaze to him, the feeling that your thoughts were echoing off the walls. Silco seemed focused on his work, but you knew him well enough to recognize that glazed look. He wasn’t even looking at the documents in front of him, his mind clearly elsewhere. Had Margot’s words affected him? You knew shimmer was important—people grew aggressive and demanding when the threat of being cut off from it loomed over them.It seemed irrational—but that was exactly why it worked. Even though Silco was the one in control, he couldn’t afford to let the game end. He had to consider everyone—from those distributing shimmer to those who couldn’t imagine a day without it. They needed him, but paradoxically, he was dependent on them. What good is a drug if there are no addicts?What good is power if there is no one to control?It was only after a few minutes that he finally looked at you, his voice calm as if he’d just returned to reality.“Margot’s words hold no weight. She sees what she wants to see.”What did that mean, you wanted to ask. Was she seeing problems with production and trying to climb higher on the supply chain, or was she seeing you? Was he talking about work or about you? Something struck you as you looked at his back, more hunched than usual. Did that mean Silco didn’t want Margot—or anyone else—to see?You didn’t have an answer, only more questions. As usual. Just when you thought you were starting to understand this place, you were pushed onto a new track, with no time to prepare. You wanted to give yourself time, to give you both time to adjust to the new reality, but that wasn’t possible in these conditions. It was frustrating that every moment was being taken from you, but he’d said there was no other reality. It was just a shame that it was so bitter.Silco suddenly set his pen down, almost throwing it, and slowly straightened up. He ran his fingers through his hair, betraying a hint of nervousness, despite his face revealing nothing.“It’s time to get back to work. We can’t afford any downtime.”You raised an eyebrow, slightly thrown off by the order. You watched him closely, feeling as though you were starting to glimpse something in the cracks of the mask he’d put on for Margot, but it still eluded you. You were at work. You were always at work. So what exactly did he mean?Suddenly, Sevika’s words came back to you. Was this what she meant? About those… downtimes that could destroy everything? You pursed your lips. You hadn’t started this moment, but you hadn’t interrupted it either, ready for more—as you always were when he came near. You didn’t want to be strong, you wanted to give in, but how could you look at yourself in the mirror knowing Sevika was damn right?Since you had to get back… You saw him extend his hand toward you. Your heart beat faster at the sight, but you remembered that you still had his gloves. You clenched your fist around them, not wanting to let go, but it wasn’t an option. You reached to return them. For a moment, your hands hovered in the air, almost touching. Seconds of hesitation. A moment before letting go.Finally, you relaxed your grip, but quickly averted your gaze, hoping he hadn’t read the words that were pushing themselves to your lips. How many more times would you have to give him back before you were truly yours?You knew he would never be fully yours. There was no understanding in that, just a grim, painful realization that you’d always have to give him away. Zaun always comes first, right?The factory echoed with voices and machines, but between you, there was silence, slowly giving way to understanding. You walked a step behind him. It was subtle, almost unnoticeable, but suddenly it hit you with full force.You were behind him.You’d always be one step behind him.He saw more, thought faster, noticed connections you hadn’t even begun to perceive. Every action he took had a purpose, but you couldn’t always decipher it. And now, as you looked at his back—straight, head held high with familiar confidence—something about his movements seemed different. Stiffer. Restrained, though there wasn’t the slightest hint of hesitation in him.This wasn’t confidence, it was necessity.Rules.They were what held him back.
You were starting to see what Sevika had meant. You knew Silco as the man who forced obedience, broke others, and made them submit to his vision. You hadn’t thought he’d ever step back from anything. But now… now you saw that something was holding him back.For you, he broke his rules.But what did that matter, when he’d never revealed the rules of the game to you?You didn’t know when he did it. You didn’t know if he would do it again.You didn’t even know if he allowed himself to.Zaun always comes first. And that dictated his steps, no matter how much you wished he would stop for you, just once.Outside, you were met with a gloomy, gray day. You weren’t angry with him—it would be entirely unjustified. But you felt something inside you collapse. Maybe it was the realization that Silco was a prisoner of his own rules. Maybe it was the realization that despite all his strategies and plans, in this one thing… he was powerless.No, that didn’t scare you. You didn’t treat it as a foundation for your actions. He was a man, too. You’d often wondered how the hell he still managed to get up every day. You wouldn’t blame him if he ever broke—if he allowed himself a moment of weakness, something that would prove he hadn’t lost his humanity completely.You were ready to be the strength he would need if he ever ran out.But Silco didn’t need weak people.He didn’t need weakness.His. Yours. None.He suddenly stopped in front of you. He turned and looked at you, waiting for you to join him. He had always waited for you.His eyes silently searched your face. He was looking for something in you, something he had lost some time ago."I will find you."You stopped two steps ahead of him. You weren’t sure what those words truly meant. Would he find you to give you a new task? Would he find you because he truly wanted to find you?You slowly nodded, unsure of what you had just confirmed.But did it even matter?You trusted him.Whatever he was planning, you wanted to be part of it. *** You had the feeling that you were thinking about shimmer too often.You had just gotten out of the addiction—it shouldn’t concern you so much. And yet, it lodged inside you like a splinter. Maybe because you almost lost your life fighting against the half-made substance. Maybe because shimmer left a mark on you, something you would probably never get rid of.Mutations were useful—more than once they saved your skin. Maybe that was the trap? Maybe the addiction didn’t start with the drug itself, but with what it gave you. The awareness that suddenly you were stronger, faster, more precise. That you had control over yourself. And then you wanted to feel that every day and fall into the abyss that not everyone could escape from.Did those who took it voluntarily feel the same? Maybe it wasn’t about weakness, but about the simple need. The need to strengthen yourself to do something better. To feel better.It was a trap. A prison. You knew that better than others. If it hadn’t been for Zarys, you would have been dead by now. You managed to break free, so you no longer viewed the world through the prism of shimmer. But not everyone wanted to escape. The everyday life in Zaun was enough reason to lose yourself in ecstasy. You didn’t blame those who reached for whatever allowed them to survive another day. Not everyone was strong enough. But that could change, right?Sometimes you had to hit rock bottom to know how much strength you needed to rebound.Zaun had long been at the bottom, crushed by Piltover. But rising higher wasn’t that simple.Someone would always be addicted to shimmer—if not directly, then indirectly. Not only those who took it, but also those who profited from it. Information, power, strength—everything revolved around shimmer. Silco built his empire on it, but that empire had foundations of chains. Bonds that even he couldn’t break, because he wasn’t the one holding them.You returned to yourself reluctantly, your head swirling and without a single clear idea of how to make sense of it all. For a moment, you hoped it would start raining, that the weather would be on your side, but nothing came of it.Margot was one of many. She didn’t care who was behind the attack—it only mattered that the deliveries didn’t stop. It was unsettling that she knew when to appear at the factory to try to demand something for herself. But that was how it worked. In Zaun, everyone knew everything about everyone, pretending to be one step ahead of the rest.Silco had said that too many eyes were watching him. He didn’t seem surprised that Margot found him even there. Maybe, like you earlier, she felt overwhelmed when she entered the Last Drop. Or maybe she just wanted to surprise him.She was confident and intrusive to the point of being annoying, but her sweet threats were underlined with fear. She held her head high, but it only took one glitch in production for her to run to Silco, expressing her displeasure. You kicked a small stone on the path, smiling bitterly. Served her right. Maybe she should feel firsthand that even as a chem-baron, she was dependent on Silco.And who wasn’t?His greatest threat could be those whose money and influence depended on shimmer. They were dependent on him, but ready to replace him at any moment if he stopped meeting their terms.And on top of all that, there was Marcus.He demanded a culprit. If Silco didn’t give him something worth attention, the guards would enter the city. You didn’t believe Marcus would go that far, but if the order came from the Council, he wouldn’t have a choice. It was a straight path to riots.And the people?They would blame Silco. He was the one who kept the guards at bay. If this arrangement fell apart, he would lose some of his power. His authority would be undermined.And then they would see him as someone who couldn’t handle the situation.That couldn’t happen.You didn’t feel strong enough to face the stares of people in the building. The climb to the top was simple, familiar. True, climbing onto the roof wasn’t as fun as it once was, but it was all you had left. You wanted to approach this like others did, leave the thinking to them, but you couldn’t. Not when you knew more than they did. Was that why Silco offered you more? Because he saw that commitment?You climbed onto the roof like it was your own, knowing no one would find you here. Even your room wasn’t safe anymore. At any moment, Sevika could drag you out of it. You weren’t ready for more tasks; you needed at least a moment of respite from all of this because you felt everything around you growing bigger and more dangerous.And you? You felt small and powerless in the face of it all. This was a high-level game—not a game of hide and seek, but a fight for survival. Your life, your work.Your thoughts went back to Silco’s proposal. His offer could mean many things. You had no illusions—some wouldn’t accept your position, wouldn’t trust you. Would they suddenly see you as someone just below Sevika? No, it wouldn’t work that easily. You weren’t a leader. You couldn’t lead people.What did it even mean that he would adapt it for you? You scoffed irritably. You pulled your legs to yourself and reached into your backpack for the small case with your tools. You had to keep your hands busy. Shouldn’t you be the one to adapt to him? How did he see it? You were a spy—how were you supposed to work in the shadows while also being in plain sight?And yet… you could learn a lot. Not only from him but also from Sevika. Somehow building your position in the world you had only recently belonged to. Having a role in… all of this. You sighed, pushing aside the half-cleaned lockpicks. You were a fighter, but you hadn’t lost your mind. Accepting the rules didn’t make you a mindless subordinate. Silco knew you wouldn’t stop scheming, but you wouldn’t move without permission. Maybe he was giving you a chance because he wanted to direct your zeal in this way? How could he control even your recklessness? How, when even you couldn’t?No, this wasn’t a decision you could make right away. First, you had to deal with Marcus. Then you’d think about it.You lay on your back, looking at the overcast sky. It was easy to stay in this place. To disappear from sight and return only when the chaos in your head had calmed enough for you to continue working. But you didn’t have another reality. Either you gave it your all, or nothing.You get what you give, you reap what you sow.That’s the only way you’ll prove your worth.You packed your few belongings into your backpack and started heading down to the room. You threw the backpack on the ground, looking at the modest decor. So much had happened here that you could almost hear the echoes of past conversations in the air.It was actually a good time to rest. You approached the wardrobe to stow away unnecessary gear. You tossed the backpack onto the floor when something thudded against the wood. You bent down curiously and saw a weapon lying at the bottom. You’d forgotten about it. It was the same one Sevika had shoved into your hands. You picked it up slowly, no longer feeling the resentment you had barely a few days ago. You weighed the weapon in your hand. It felt heavy, but the additional weight came from Sevika’s words that day.You were given it to fight Silco’s enemies. You should start carrying it with you. Keep it close just in case, show that you aren’t defenseless.“Why not?” you whispered to yourself.You strapped it to your belt, and its weight anchored you more firmly to the ground. You felt more confident having it with you. The building was almost empty, more people would come only in the evening. You considered it the perfect moment to work on your shooting skills.Walking down the corridor leading to the shooting range, you noticed that one of the rooms was, as usual, occupied by a group of loud people. You passed them silently, focused on your goal. You were relieved to find the range empty. You preferred not to have an audience. If anyone was going to believe you weren’t afraid of confrontation, you had to feel confident holding it in your hand. You turned off the lights halfway, making it a bit harder for yourself, but if you could hit the target under these conditions, you’d be able to hit anything.You wasted a few rounds before your shots started to hit closer to the center. Your hand was trembling from the force of the shots. You placed the weapon on the shelf in front of you and massaged your wrist. You heard the door open, letting in a lot of light. You glanced over your shoulder and saw a small group, consisting of three men and one woman. You had no idea who they were, and you didn’t care.You reached for a new magazine to reload when you suddenly saw an unfamiliar hand resting on the counter in front of you. You looked at the owner, surprised by such an intrusion into your personal space. You didn’t step back. You stared at him, genuinely confused.“Nice. Can I try shooting?”You glanced at the weapon in your hand and shrugged.“What, don’t you have one of your own?”A strange grunt came from the others. You glanced at them. They were watching with anticipation, as though something was about to happen.The man snorted under his breath, and his hand slid a little closer to your weapon. He stopped just near it but didn’t touch it. Not yet.“I do. But yours seems to fit better in the hand.”You looked up at him, feeling a quiet warning in yourself that if that hand moved just a little further, something would happen. He didn’t have the gleam in his eye that indicated he was looking for a real confrontation. He was the type who lived for cheap provocations, hoping to get some kind of reaction from you, maybe insecurity. Anything that would give him the upper hand.Weakness.He had no idea he was looking for it in the wrong place.Your fingers tightened around the handle of the knife on your thigh. You pulled it out quickly and without notice, and before his brain fully processed your move, the cold blade brushed the inside of his hand, threateningly, but not yet causing injury. You saw all the tension pass over his face, how the smile disappeared, replaced by something that certainly hadn’t been part of his plan—fear.“I can show you what I can do if you’re curious.”You leaned in slightly, keeping the blade exactly where it should be. He swallowed slowly, his eyes started to nervously calculate. He hadn’t expected such a response.No one ever expected it.You didn’t back up even a millimeter.“Don’t put your fingers where they don’t need to be, or you might lose them.”You didn’t need to add anything more. After all, what else was there to say?The man withdrew his hand with feigned nonchalance, but you saw how his fingers were slightly trembling.“Alright, alright, chill.”He turned on his heel and hurried back to his group. This time, there was no laughter. They all watched you in silence, as if they had suddenly seen something they hadn’t noticed before.You placed the knife next to you as a warning, so none of them would try playing games with you again. Fortunately, they left quickly, leaving you in peace. You reached for your weapon, fully ready to get back to your training. Something felt off. You sighed heavily, feeling your focus slipping away. You leaned your hands against the counter in front of you. It was unnecessary. But maybe it was better if the rumor spread that you had something off about you. You smiled wryly at your own joke. You were tired of everything going on around you, and that group only made your mood worse.Suddenly, you dropped the knife on the floor. As you bent down to pick it up, you saw a shadow in the doorway. You rolled your eyes, hoping the guy hadn’t come back for more excitement. You lifted your head and saw not him, but Sevika.She was watching you, not breaking eye contact, with her unreadable expression. Finally, she raised an eyebrow and stepped away from the doorframe, approaching you. Her steps were fluid, light, as if she were in a good mood for once.“Stop scaring people, or there won’t be anyone left to work.”You gave her a brief look but didn’t respond, reloading your weapon and aiming at the target again.“If that scared them, maybe they shouldn’t work here,” you retorted snidely.It didn’t surprise you that she had witnessed the incident. Sevika twirled the blade of her knife between her fingers, silent for a while. You didn’t ask how much she’d seen, but her slight smile told you she’d seen enough. Finally, you heard her voice again, this time more serious:“Silco has a meeting with Finn. He wants you there.”You stopped mid-motion but didn’t let your surprise show. Sevika crossed her arms over her chest, as if purposely giving you a moment to process this information.“Tonight. So maybe don’t waste the whole day scaring idiots.”You didn’t comment. It was enough to see the shadow of approval in her eyes before she turned and disappeared behind the door. You watched her leave, contemplating her words. You weren’t worried about facing Finn again. You didn’t know what use your presence would be, but you didn’t question the decision. Even if you had to stay silent the whole time, it would be worth it just to see his stupid expression when Silco’s conversation overwhelms him.But first, training.You imagined Finn's face while shooting, and suddenly, none of the bullets went outside the center of the target. *** You watched Last Drop from above, staring at the pulsing lights casting pale blue reflections on the wet cobblestones. They always acted like a magnet to people—drawing in those looking for something, even if they weren't sure what it was. You weren’t any different.You could just walk inside and wait for him in the office. That’s what any reasonable person would do. But you couldn’t. Not before meeting Finn. You had to clear your mind. You had to calm down.But it was almost impossible.Silco had said it himself—actions matter, not words. In his world, it was choices that counted, not empty declarations. He had suddenly made his offer to you, giving you more than you could have expected at your position. His behavior contradicted his own rules. He didn’t openly admit that something connected you—that scared you, because you feared he never would. But as you got closer to him, he’d step back, almost as if afraid you’d cross a line he couldn’t set himself. And at the same time, he offered you a place by his side.You couldn’t reconcile that.There was something terrifyingly methodical about him—he could switch from the cold leader to a desire so intense it almost burned you with a look, and then return to his distance as if nothing had happened. For some reason, you thought that if you followed him, you’d eventually find order in it. That you’d adjust to his rhythm instead of just being moved from place to place. But you had no idea where you were supposed to stand.Maybe there was no sense in it. Maybe you should do what he did—pull away when necessary, not ask questions. Maybe that’s all you could get. You felt Sevika’s words echo back to you like a curse or mockery. Had you really thought through what it meant to get involved with him? Silco hadn’t said it outright, but maybe he expected you to learn to juggle emotions the way he did, watching every word?But you weren’t a machine he could control. You couldn’t even control the feelings tearing you apart. Should you just give in? Surrender yourself completely, letting him control not just your behavior, but your feelings as well?And if you did—could you accept that?You walked inside, knowing that in one way or another, you had already made your decision, but voicing it out loud would be a firm seal on your fate. You could do it, agree, but not before meeting Finn. The chaos in your head shouldn’t—couldn’t—affect what was about to happen.As you climbed the stairs, it felt like the world disappeared for a moment. It was an interesting sensation when you glanced behind you and saw people consumed by fun. Yet ignorance was a luxury you couldn’t afford.Would something be different when you crossed this threshold? After what had happened earlier? It was a weak thought, and you blocked it out, but deep down, you quietly hoped for more. Something that would show you that he hadn’t completely withdrawn, that the Silco who looked at you as if he wanted nothing more was still there.You reached for the doorknob and froze for a moment upon hearing the conversation from the other side. You suppressed the feeling of disappointment when you saw Sevika. Their gazes shifted to you, but you hadn’t interrupted anything particularly important. Silco merely acknowledged your arrival and returned to reading whatever he had in front of him. You couldn’t read his look, but Sevika was clearly assessing every move you made. You thought you saw something like surprise on her face, but you could’ve been mistaken—his office was always dimly lit.The silence stretched a bit too long. Sevika was the first to break it:“I hope no one lost any limbs unnecessarily?” she remarked, her voice tinged with amusement.You responded with a smile, though it was dryer than mocking. You weren’t amused by what you’d done, but at that moment, you saw no other option. These people spoke one language; if you’d acted too soft, they’d walk all over you.“What’s the plan?” you cut the topic short.There was something strange hanging in the air, but you couldn’t pinpoint what exactly. It was Sevika’s careful gaze that unnerved you, making you aware of every gesture you made. Your last conversation had been peculiar, and if Margot had spread any rumors, Sevika could be thinking all sorts of things. You’d rather not provoke her now.“I’ll wait for them downstairs,” Sevika added after a moment, shaking her head as if she had had enough of the conversation. She glanced at Silco, who said nothing, and then walked out, her steps light and unsettlingly satisfied with herself.Only then did Silco focus all his attention on you.“So now you’re maiming my people?” he asked lightly, almost joking, breaking the tension.You raised an eyebrow.“I’m learning from the best,” you replied calmly.The corner of his mouth twitched. You relaxed a little. Still, there was a distance between you that you couldn’t close. Maybe you weren’t allowed to. You sighed heavily as you sat in the chair. This was how it would look now, wasn’t it?“You know why you’re here?” he asked after a moment.“For a reason other than the fact that you want me here?”If your words surprised him, he didn’t show it. He didn’t comment on your remark but didn’t break eye contact either. He smiled slightly, but his eyes were serious.“This is an opportunity for you to see this world from a different side.”“I haven’t agreed yet,” you quickly interjected.He tilted his head slightly, studying your tone. You were lying—you wanted it, not just because it would bring you closer, but because then you could have more. What unsettled you was the element of stepping out of the shadows.“I know,” he said slowly. “It’s a taste of what awaits you.”His gaze was probing, never leaving you. Though his tone was calm, something in his voice told you that he wanted an answer more than he’d care to admit. He stood slowly, placing the paper he’d been holding down. He reached for the glass in front of him and took a sip, briefly averting his gaze.“I need you here. Not only today.”His voice was quiet, soft—just like you had often heard it when you were together, which meant you knew he wasn’t just talking about work. And that’s why every word you said now mattered.“Okay. For you, I will try.”You tried to sound light and casual when you said it, but the last word came out softer. You didn’t want to try—you wanted to be. Silco sat back down as if nothing had changed, gesturing for you to sit beside him. He didn’t ask. He didn’t explain.You walked to the other side of the desk, feeling like you were crossing a line. The space here looked different—familiar yet completely foreign. You could feel him beside you, though the tension was different from before. You had never stood here before. You had never looked at Silco’s office from this perspective.

Behind you, the city stretched out, artificial light pouring through the tall window, casting bright outlines on you. You were no longer in the shadow. You had consciously stepped out of it because he asked you to.
You always took the seat across from him. One element, one damn heavy desk, defined you both. It showed that, despite everything that had happened, you were still deeply entrenched in your given roles. Boss and employee. Now everything was changing.
It was a proposal, but also a decision.
You didn’t fully understand everything that was now on the horizon. Taking a place next to him felt natural, like something you should have done a long time ago. You gave a crooked smile. Hypocrite. You accused him of being a prisoner to rules, yet you didn’t want to leave yours behind.
The door opened, and Finn entered, accompanied by two of his men. They were carrying a small box. You felt Finn trying to impose his rules, but when he saw you, something resembling disbelief and anger appeared on his face. You raised your head proudly, a hint of pride in your posture. You silently challenged him, wanting to show him you weren’t afraid of him.
Sevika walked in casually, stopping just near you. You caught her gaze for a moment and saw approval in it. Yes, this was your place.
“I didn’t think we’d meet under these circumstances,” Finn said sarcastically, sitting down in the vacant chair with feigned casualness. “Margot wasn’t lying when she said you’ve got a new toy.”
You felt your face stiffen, but you didn’t let it show. It was enough that Margot had seen more. You didn’t need to turn around to know Sevika was watching you. She had warned you. She was right. But you weren’t going to back down. Silco didn’t look at Finn immediately. He reached for his glass, as if pondering whether it was worth responding at all. His reaction was like a prolonged silence—long enough for Finn to feel that he had lost control of the situation.
“I’m not linking this to work,” he finally replied.
Though brief and dry, his words hit you hard. You glanced at him quickly from the corner of your eye, but he was unreadable. You wanted to scream in frustration, but you just gritted your teeth. His words contrasted sharply with what he had given you. You wanted to keep watching the gestures when he offered you the seat, as if saying “you’re next to me,” but his words pierced you like tiny shards of glass. It was hard to believe when words were invading your mind, trying to cause destruction.
But could you expect anything more? That this Silco would suddenly drop everything to defend your honor? You knew what he thought of rumors. You shouldn’t care either. And, honestly, you wanted to ignore them. But you still didn’t know if Silco would ever admit to being with you. Your mind knew how to act, but your heart was screaming. It was hard to fight yourself and the world at the same time.
“I have what you wanted,” Finn said, snapping his fingers.
It was hard to suppress the urge at such a forced gesture. He was trying so hard to show he kept his men in line. Sevika moved forward without a word, removing the lid to inspect the contents. She didn’t need an order—everyone in Silco’s team knew what to do.
Sevika approached the box Finn had brought, lifted the lid, and checked the contents with professional indifference. She didn’t wait for an order—everyone in Silco’s team knew what to do.
“It’s all there,” she said calmly, pulling out a loose piece of paper and tossing it onto Silco’s desk. He didn’t even look at it. His gaze remained fixed on Finn, who unknowingly adjusted his cuff.
“Tell me… Finn,” Silco almost spat his name, as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. “How do you see our cooperation?”
Finn flinched imperceptibly but quickly masked it by reaching for his lighter. He didn’t light it, only spun it between his fingers as if playing with the flame.
“I can’t complain,” he admitted after a moment. “I don’t care what you need all that explosives for, as long as my wallet’s full.”
Silco nodded and shifted more comfortably in his chair.
“As you well know, someone recently attacked my factory. Of course, it wasn’t hard to track down the culprit.” His gaze moved to Finn’s men, who exchanged uncertain glances, almost unnoticed. “Unfortunately, this unfortunate incident forces me to reevaluate my list of clients.”
Finn raised an eyebrow but remained silent. His men, who had been trying to appear indifferent, suddenly seemed tense.
“Are you saying Margot already tried to work something out for herself?”
Silco exhaled slowly on his cigar as if considering his response.
“I admit, her concern isn’t entirely unfounded. I know how much depends on keeping the shimmer flowing uninterrupted.”
He fell silent, letting the stillness fill the room.
“You know, Finn, I didn’t get this far without planning the necessary steps ahead. If someone is audacious enough to interfere with my business, I have to take matters into my own hands.”
Finn dropped his pretended politeness, straightening up slightly. He watched Silco closely, as if waiting for an attack from his side.
“What are you suggesting?”
“You’ve been buying shimmer from me for a long time. Our business ties connect us, which is why I need to know where to place you if I’m forced to choose which of my clients will be more important.”
The tension in the room thickened immediately. Finn’s men started looking around nervously, their scattered glances saying a lot. They were probably using shimmer themselves.
“Careful, Silco, such favoritism toward Margot could put us at odds.”
“Difficult situations require well-thought-out moves. Margot is useful; she’s given me valuable information more than once.”
“Do I have to prove I deserve your product? You’ve become arrogant since you got shimmer.”
“If you don’t care about your men continuing to benefit from my services, all it takes is one word.”
Finn clenched his jaw.
“What do you want?”
Silco gave a slight smile.
“You’ve probably heard about… the accident in the upper city. My people report that the sheriff is looking for the culprits in the Lower City.”
“And what does that have to do with me?”
“Find the guilty party.”
Finn looked at him sideway.
"Are you threatening me? Either I take care of your problem or you break your contract? Don't forget who supplies you with these toys."
Silco exhaled another puff of smoke.
"No one’s talking about breaking the contract. However, the last delivery for you was a few days ago. I’m sure you don’t want your men hunting dealers on the street. I can’t guarantee the product’s quality if you buy it like that."
That was a blow, and finally, you saw where this conversation was heading. Impressive how Silco turned the situation in his favor. But what he was doing was risky and relied entirely on Finn's ego. And that, in itself, was fragile.
"You seem to forget who you're talking to, old man."
Silco curled his lips, unmoved by the clear insult.
"I’ve been called worse by better than you."
Finn squinted, clearly trying to ignore the sting of humiliation. Silco’s tone was like steel – cold and unrelenting.
"You're not alone here, Silco," Finn stood up quickly, as though the motion would lend him more seriousness. "I also have influence. You don’t want an enemy in me."
You caught a glimpse of Sevika shifting slightly, ready to strike. Your hand subtly moved closer to the knife's hilt.
"You are impossible to underestimate."
Finn lifted his chin, trying to regain control of the conversation, but the atmosphere in the office was already unbearable. Silco slowly, almost carelessly, leaned back in his chair, making it clear who was in charge.
"Pray you never find out what real influence looks like."
The two men in the back were clearly scared, unsure of where to focus their gaze. You noticed they avoided looking at you, as if you weren’t a threat. Their mistake.
"Your threats don’t work on me. Your time is passing."
Silco smiled lazily, linking his hands in front of him. It was both terrifying and fascinating.
"Run along, Finn. Remember who put you where you are."
Finn opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something more, but Silco’s gaze made him give up. He turned on his heel, nearly bumping into his men. He yanked the door handle, and the door slammed into the wall. His dogs hurried out after him, and the echo of their footsteps followed you for a few seconds.
Sevika waited a moment, letting the silence in the room thicken, before she reached for a cigarette, lighting it with a lazy motion. With it in her mouth, she approached the door and closed it in one swift move.
"This guy needs to stop thinking with his mouth."
You sighed in relief, straightening your stiff fingers. Out of everything, what bothered you most was the fact that, in a way, you were hoping for a different turn of events. Maybe then, by accident, your blade would have gone off course and hit Finn? Who knows?
You felt the tension slowly ease. No, you didn’t feel fear or shock. You kept watching those two for a moment, still unable to grasp how every word, even Finn's reactions, had been planned. You smiled faintly, amused by Sevika’s comment, but inside, there was something else. Pure admiration.
Yet, it didn’t change the reality.
"Is he not going to figure out that we know more?"
Silco turned towards you. You were still standing a little behind him. His voice was quiet, almost intimate, but no less cold.
"Finn forgets who helped them all climb to the top," he replied with indifference. "He’s reckless and predictable, but that makes him useful. A known fool is better."
Finally, you could move, but even though you didn’t want to leave your place, you had to sit down. Just a few weeks ago, you would have been too scared to speak in their company, and now you were becoming one of them. No, you had been Silco’s employee for a long time. Now, you had a chance to belong to a more exclusive circle.
And you were ready for that.
"Aren’t you worried that Marcus might find out about this?"
"He won’t say a word," Sevika muttered. "I know him. He was humiliated. He won’t run to Marcus to complain that Silco is tormenting him."
It was hard to keep a straight face when they treated Finn like a child playing at illegal trade. You sat on the couch, exhausted from the day. It was risky, but at the same time, a brilliant move. Silco was playing with Finn and Marcus, waiting for the first one to cave under pressure. Finn had access to shimmer through the sheriff, but the terrified faces of his men told you they didn’t know that. Finn couldn’t just walk away from Silco’s services without raising suspicion, not only among his own men but also among those watching him closely.
"Start with his men," Silco ordered Sevika. "Do what you must to get them talking. You know where the shimmer is."
You looked at him, intrigued, but he didn’t address you with a task.
"Sir, we have one more meeting today."
Silco froze halfway through reading a document Sevika pulled from a shipment. He sighed heavily and set it aside.
"I know," he replied firmly. "Send the confirmation. Wait downstairs."
She nodded without a word, but before leaving, her gaze lingered on you for a moment. She looked as though she wanted to add something but quickly turned her head and left.
The door shut with a soft click. A heavier silence fell in the room. You thought the tension would dissipate once Finn left, but now you felt something different. Silco leaned against the desk, his fingers drumming on the surface in an uneven rhythm. For a moment, you got the impression that he was lost in thought, but his gaze was too sharp, too focused.
You didn’t want to dig into it.
"I can help her, you know that?" you said, still looking at the door for a moment. "Now, I’m second to none when it comes to eavesdropping."
Silco didn’t answer right away. He stood up, finishing the last of his drink, and turned sideways to the window, leaning against the desk. There was something unsettling about his silence. You felt like it was about Finn, about the course of the conversation, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that it was about something else.
"I should kill him for what he said."
You blinked, pulled out of your own thoughts.
"Oh, now you want to get rid of him?"
His gaze found yours, but this time it was different. Too intense. Too personal.
"No one will speak of you like that."
You didn’t want to talk to him about this now, but you felt doubts demanding attention. You clenched your lips, not wanting to say something you might regret later. You wanted to brush it off, attribute it to yet another manifestation of his obsessive need for control, but suddenly the room felt stuffy.
You stood up, unable to stay still.
“Why do you care? You don’t mix personal matters with work.”
There was sarcasm in your voice. You were mocking his own words, but you sounded more annoyed than you intended. Silco didn’t respond immediately. He lit another cigar and looked at you from beneath his lowered eyelids. There was something in that gaze, something that made you feel uneasy—like you had stepped too close to the edge without realizing it.
This wasn’t the right time for this conversation. Not when he was about to leave anyway.
“If you don’t have any tasks for me, I’ll be going back to my place.” Your voice was tired, and the words tinged with disappointment.
You took a step toward the door, but a sudden, firm grip on your forearm stopped you. The pull backward knocked you off balance, forcing you to turn toward him. You didn’t even have time to think before you were close to him—too close.
His fingers tightened around your skin, tensing as if in internal conflict. There was something instinctive in that gesture, something that kept you from pulling away. And then he pulled you even closer, closing the distance to a point where it seemed there was no longer any boundary.
His arm wrapped around your waist, pinning you in place. You felt the cool fabric of his vest beneath your fingertips, the trembling of your own body, more of a reaction than a choice. You closed your eyes for a moment, trying to catch your breath. It was exactly what you wanted. You wanted to lose yourself in it all, but any moment now Sevika could return and remind you of the meeting. That one fleeting moment wasn’t enough for the two of you.
Silco leaned in, his voice low and determined. Each word felt like a blade driven straight into you.
“What’s between us is our business.”
You looked at him.
“And what exactly is between us?” you asked quietly.
He didn’t answer. Instead, his fingers slowly traced along your jawline, leaving a tingling sensation behind. Barely a touch, as if testing your reaction. In his gaze, you could tell that what he did was instinctive, unthought. He needed that touch even more than you did.
You didn’t pull away. Quite the opposite—you gently pressed against his hand, accepting the touch, allowing him that. It was the first soft thing he’d done, and yet it was this that made you feel the most uncertain. His touch burned you, and you felt it even when it disappeared.
This wasn’t a moment filled with desire—not entirely. It was something deeper, something more primal. A need. Like air, which you couldn’t draw into your lungs here. In Zaun, it’s hard to breathe freely. You closed your eyes, letting his scent dominate everything else.
“If you need me, why do you act like this?”
Your words were meant only for him. You could feel his breath growing uneven. His hand didn’t loosen its grip, but now you also felt his fingers pressing into your back.
“Like what? Showing you that I see and want only you?”
“You say there’s something between us, but only when no one’s looking. I said I want to be yours, but I won’t be made into some toy you can come back to whenever you feel like it.”
Silco narrowed his eyes, his voice dropping a few tones lower.
“Don’t you dare speak of yourself that way. You are more than that.”
Your lips trembled.
“I knew comments like that would come,” you said slowly, not breaking the connection. “For you, I left everything I knew. I entered your world. But I won’t let you treat me like another pawn in your game. If you’re not ready to have me by your side in every situation, you should have thought about that before you told me how you feel.”
Silco suddenly pulled away, his reluctance clear. The absence of his presence made the air feel colder. He walked over to his desk, his hands gripping the edge as if only that was stopping him from coming back to you. He looked tired. Like every word cost him too much.
“It’s not that simple.”
“I know it’s not. But I’m not weak, Silco. I’m not an easy target. I won’t let myself be used to get to you. People will talk. I know that. But I’m willing to live with it. The question is, are you?”
Silence filled the room like a heavy fog, pressing against your skin, invading every corner. Silco lifted his head, but he didn’t look at you—his gaze pierced the space behind you, as if searching for answers he couldn’t find.
“It’s not you that’s the problem. If people see that... that I have someone, they’ll try to use it.”
His voice was lower, rougher, as though speaking those words was painful. He gritted his teeth but continued firmly:
“Don’t get me wrong. I believe in your strength, I see it every day. But they don’t care how strong you are. They’ll do anything to break you.”
You looked at him, feeling how his words struck something you had been trying to ignore for some time.
“You know my feelings. And I know your rules, Silco. But I’m not a machine. I don’t know if I can pretend I don’t care when you need me to. I can’t switch off my feelings for you in an instant.”
You swallowed, trying to steady the trembling in your voice.
“It hurts me that what’s between us, you see as weakness. To me, it’s a source of strength. But maybe we think differently…”
Suddenly, the door creaked open slightly, letting the noise from downstairs filter in. Sevika didn’t enter—she read the atmosphere instantly. She stopped in the doorway, her gaze flicking between you two, and hesitation, something you’d never heard in her voice before, echoed in her words.
“Sir, we need to go.”
You closed your eyes. You knew this would happen, but you didn’t expect there to be so little time. You turned your head, feeling how shallow breaths weren’t providing enough air. You summoned all the calm you could muster.
This wasn’t a decision. It was a necessity.
Silco hesitated, looking at Sevika. You both knew what needed to be done, but his silence lingered a fraction of a second too long. You could feel it in the tension of his body. You took a deep breath.
“Zaun first, right?”
Silco didn’t answer. He clenched his lips, as if every word he could say was the wrong one. His gaze clouded, and his lips parted for just a second—as if he wanted to add something but ultimately just reached for his coat.
Your own words echoed in your head like a painful reminder of what you'd agreed to. It shouldn’t have bothered you that you would never be first. Time to keep that promise.
Time slowed as he passed you.
His hand slid slowly down your arm, and your skin burned under the touch. For a moment, you thought it would end there, but his fingers slid lower, brushing the outside of your hand. Gently, almost insignificantly—until he caught your fingers.
As if he wanted to intertwine them.
It wasn’t his style. He'd never done this before.
You held your breath.
It was the first time you felt his hand on yours so clearly. Yet, you had no idea what he was trying to say with it.
He composed himself and left without a word.
Whatever had just happened, the power of that gesture reached you only when you saw Sevika still standing in the doorway. You realized she had witnessed the whole thing. Silco had dared to do that in front of her. You couldn’t find the strength to look for hidden meaning in it. The shock on her face was enough. Her features softened slightly. She looked at you with something strangely soft in her eyes, something you hadn’t seen before. Not sympathy. Something else.
Embarrassment hit in an instant. You twisted your lips into a faint smile and shrugged. Eventually, she left you alone. Suddenly, being in that room became unbearable. Your mind begged for rest, but your body longed for action.
You stepped outside, sinking into the darkness of Zaun. You walked aimlessly, passing crowds of people, their voices blending into a monotonous hum. The chaos of the city wouldn’t let you quiet your mind. Something inside you pulsed, growing, not giving you a moment’s peace. Silco had given you something, something important, but you couldn’t decipher it. Not now.
Going back to your place seemed absurd. You wouldn’t be able to sit still, but you had nowhere to go. The tower had long stopped being a safe place. The room felt too small to contain everything you carried in your heart, and no rooftop was high enough.
But aimless wandering wasn’t good either. You didn’t know who you might run into. You pulled your hood over your head and reluctantly turned your steps toward home.

***

Clenched fists struck the punching bag in time with your thoughts. You decided that for your own safety, you’d leave your thoughts of him for a moment when you wouldn’t be tempted to find him wherever he was now.
Why hadn’t you been given any tasks? You could’ve been useful, yet you were left out. Did it have something to do with what Finn had said? The thought irritated you more and more. You didn’t want to be treated differently, pushed aside “for your own safety.”
You spent nearly two hours in the gym. You repeated everything Sevika had taught you until you started feeling that familiar, satisfying fatigue in your muscles. It felt good to know you weren’t losing your edge. Putting mutations aside, you were still more durable than when you had the addiction. You had strength and energy in you, but you were bound by your own word not to act on your own.
Finally, you sat down exhausted, leaning against the cool wall. You closed your eyes for a moment, returning to the time when he literally held you in his arms. It was different, not that you’d say better, but for a brief moment, you thought you had finally found what you’d been searching for all these years.
The door to the room opened with a slight creak.
“I’m almost done,” you replied without looking.
You’d taken up this spot too long, but you didn’t want to go back just yet.
“And I was hoping you’d let me convince you for a little sparring.”
Surprised, you glanced to the side. Sevika stood in the doorway, watching you with an expectant smile.
Adrenaline hit immediately. You struggled to get to your feet and moved to the center. You gestured to her.
“If you’re begging for a beating...”
She didn’t wait for a second invitation. She kicked the door shut and immediately raised her fists. There was no conflict or argument here. You both just needed to blow off some steam. You were overwhelmed by everything that had happened that day. She, apparently, was full of energy.
She lunged at you without warning. A heavy uppercut—but you moved off the line of the strike at the last second. Sevika smiled in recognition. Good, you remembered her lessons.
You weren’t strong. Not physically. Instead of facing off in an open fight with someone her size, she’d taught you to dodge, wait for an opening, and strike when the opponent lost balance. The problem was, she knew these rules just as well.
Her metal arm tightened around your wrist, immobilizing you in place.
“Too slow. That’s not what I taught you.”
She shoved you back a few steps. You wavered, but quickly regained your balance.
“Stop talking so much.”
She squinted, amused by your tone.
This time, she attacked first. Her fist arced over your head, but you weren’t there anymore. You dropped low, swept her legs—one quick move. She hit the ground with a dull thud.
You paused over her, a little proud.
“Had enough already?” you teased.
Sevika sat up, massaging the back of her head.
“Where’d you learn that?”
You shrugged.
“You think I spend my days staring at walls? I watch others and take something for myself. Seriously, these people give away too many cool techniques.”
She stood, but instead of raising her fists again, she reached into her pocket for a cigarette. You were slightly disappointed but didn’t press it. You walked over to the table for a towel to wipe your face.
With your back to her, you thanked your luck that she didn’t see your expression when she spoke.
“I didn’t want to go in there.”
You furrowed your brows.
“What do you mean?”
“Back then. I was supposed to wait downstairs.”
Her voice sounded... uncertain. It didn’t suit her.
“I knew it was a bad idea to go in there when you were alone. But that meeting couldn’t wait.”
You turned around, not understanding why she was explaining herself.
“Sevika...”
"I heard you," she shrugged, as if it didn't matter. "Well, mostly you."
You looked at her sharply.
"I didn't think it would look like this," she sighed, resting her shoulder against the wall. "I hesitated before entering because I wanted to give you time to sort it out, but you understand..."
"Don't apologize." You interrupted her before she could finish. "I don't blame you if that's what you're afraid of."
She squinted as if analyzing your words, then nodded.
"You were right."
You raised an eyebrow, unsure if you heard her correctly.
"I don't say that to many people, so don't get used to it," her tone was light, but her gaze was serious. "I still think you've lost your minds trying to be together, but I see what's coming. I didn't know it had gone this far. I'm impressed by your restraint."
She didn't often say things like that. You looked at her tiredly, not having the strength for comments.
"Zaun always first, right?"
It sounded more like a mockery than a question, but Sevika just chuckled dryly. Both of you knew it wasn't a choice, but a necessity.
Then the door opened again. A man walked in—the same one who had tried to provoke you hours earlier.
"I've got something."
He threw those words at Sevika, but when he noticed you, his face twisted into a strange grimace.
You smiled faintly and nodded, wanting to let him know you held no grudge. It seemed to startle him, because he quickly disappeared behind the door.
Sevika snorted.
"As if there's anything left to be afraid of."
Passing you, she threw over her shoulder:
"I'll be back soon, and we'll finish the fight. I've got some new moves for you."
You waved your hand dismissively and grabbed a bottle of water. Her dry words gave you a little comfort. It was bitter, but it was the reality in which you chose to live. Instead of complaining, you had to bite your teeth and fight for your place.
But why did being with him have to be so difficult?
You didn't know what Sevika had prepared for you, but involuntarily, you felt excitement. The muscle fatigue was starting to make itself felt. Instead of continuing to mindlessly punch the bag, pretending it was your thoughts, you sat on the floor and started playing with light throwing knives.
It seemed like you'd been sitting there for another hour when the door opened again, letting cooler air into the room.
"I hope it's something interesting, and you didn't make me wait for nothing," you said without turning around.
There was no response.
The silence, heavy and unnatural, hung in the air like thick smoke. Your fingers tightened around the handle of the knife before you set it aside and stood up, brushing off the dust from your pants. Halfway through the movement, something stopped you—an odd feeling, as if the pressure in the room had changed, as if the presence behind you had become tangible.
You froze.
Of all people, you least expected to see him.
Silco stood in the shadows, half a step beyond the light, his hands hidden in the folds of his coat. His gaze was fixed on you, yet for a fraction of a second, it seemed like he wasn't looking at you, but through you—as if he were gathering himself to finally break the deadlock that had been hanging between you for too long.
"You are not my weakness," he began softly.
The words came carefully, as if he was weighing them the moment they left his lips.
Something stirred in your chest—something you had tried to suppress, to quiet in the midst of training, duties, and sleepless nights.
"Really?" you raised your chin, but there was bitterness in your voice. "Is that why you keep running away instead of saying anything that would show me I'm not just another piece on your chessboard?"
The corner of his mouth twitched, but it wasn't a smile.
"Another piece?" he repeated, as if in disbelief. "After everything?"
You shrugged, though your heart was pounding in your chest.
"Yes, after everything. Because whenever something goes wrong, you hide behind your pride. Really, Silco. I don't have the strength for your theatrical moves."
He took a step forward, carefully, slowly, like a predator testing the limits.
"It was never about that."
You clenched your fists. "Then what? Explain it to me, because I don’t know anymore."
His chest rose with a deep breath. For a moment, it looked like he was about to step back, but then he clenched his jaw and took another step instead.
"I want you to be mine."
You shivered.
"You want to control me," you said, your voice steady, but something inside you was breaking. "Like everything around you."
"No." His response was firm, as if he was trying to prove it to himself. "I want you. I want to know you. I want to understand you."
You felt dizzy from the sudden harshness of his words.
"Silco..."
"I know it would be easier that way," he continued, frustration clear in his voice. "But you can't be controlled, and it drives me mad. Because that's the only way I can ensure your safety."
You scoffed bitterly.
"We're together, but I'm still working for you. I'll be on the front line, whether you like it or not. I won't let you push me away from my work just because you can't handle it."
He didn't respond immediately. You could see how tightly he clenched his teeth, how he was fighting with his own thoughts.
"I know," he finally admitted. His hands dropped limply to his sides, as if he no longer had the strength to shield himself. "I also know I've been relying on you too much, on what you give me."
He hesitated, then added quietly:
"I've become addicted to you. To your presence. I don’t know what to do when you're not around, but I know that the more I try to keep you, the faster you’ll slip away."
He stopped, looking you straight in the eye.
"If it were about someone else… But it hasn't been anyone but you for a long time."
Your heart beat in a dangerous rhythm.
"Silco..." Your voice cracked, but you forced the next words out. "This has to stop. I'm tired. I want you more than air. You make me question all my principles, sometimes I think I'm ready to abandon them for you."
You squeezed your eyes shut.
"But I don't want to live in the shadows, waiting for a sign when I can get closer to you."

The silence between you was unbearable. Silco stood still, tense, as though every word was cutting into him like a blade.
"Fine," you finally sighed. "Let's settle this here and now. I told you once – reject me or accept me, but don’t play with me. Do you want me?"
He opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"Of course, but…"
"No, Silco,  you cut him off sharply. "It's a simple question: yes or no."
You could see him fighting with himself, the tension spreading across his shoulders.
Finally, he exhaled and looked you in the eyes as though he were throwing himself into an abyss.
"I want every inch of you. I'm obsessed with the idea of having you. I want you more and more with every passing moment, and it's gripping my mind so tightly that I'm unable to focus on what lies ahead."
His breath was heavy, and his voice trembled with suppressed tension.
"I'm mad at myself for allowing myself to have such thoughts about you, but it's stronger than me."
Your heart was pounding in your chest like crazy.
"You say you want me," you whispered, stepping toward him. "But only when we're alone. How do I know you're not saying this just to keep me with you? When you leave here and return to your cold world, is there a place for me there? Do you see me by your side?"
His hand, always composed and certain, twitched slightly at your wrist, as though he wanted to make sure you were still there.
His gaze darkened, softened, and finally surrendered to what was between you.
"I don't see a future without you."
A silence fell. You saw him take off his coat, setting it aside. There was something in this action that suggested an attempt to shed his chains, to rid himself of the weight he carried with him. His words, though not simple, carried more emotion than he would have liked to admit.
When Silco suddenly grabbed your chin, you held your breath. His hand was cold, and the grip was firmer than you expected—more commanding than gentle. There was no tenderness in this gesture, yet you felt a shiver run through your body, something within you surrendering to the touch instead of pulling away.
"When you said you wanted to be mine, that thought hit me harder than it should have." His voice was low, tense, almost trembling with emotions he didn't want to surface. "If you'll allow me, there will be no turning back. No matter how much I hurt you, there will be no place in this world where you could hide from me."
Your heart raced. There was nothing in this warning that should have calmed you, yet his rough touch, instead of pushing you away, pulled you closer. You looked him straight in the eyes—those eyes that always seemed impenetrable, now full of tension and… something more. You barely swallowed, and when you finally spoke, your voice was almost a whisper.
"Maybe that's exactly what I want..."
Those words belonged only to him. The intimacy of the moment was so thick you almost felt Silco tightening every muscle, standing on the edge of something he hadn't dared yet.
"No. I can't do that. I would rather destroy myself than hurt you in this way."
"I’ll go crazy with you! How many more times do I have to tell you, show you, that I want nothing more than to belong to you, before you understand that I couldn't care less about your warnings?"
"Everything inside me screams to just take you, now that you're so willingly giving yourself to me. But my respect for you is too strong. What do you see in me that makes you stay?"
"What I feel for you is stronger than anything else I've felt so far. Even now, when you say being with you will bring me suffering, I want it. I want it because I know you're capable of something more. I want to wait for you, but I'm afraid that one day, you'll push me away too hard."
"That's what might happen. I'm not a good person. I'm impulsive, and although I would never knowingly hurt you, I know myself well enough to admit that it could happen. I would make your life hell. You would hate me. And it's easier to see hatred in your eyes than disappointment when you realize I might never give you what you deserve."
"And what do you think I deserve?"
"Stability. Freedom. A life with someone who can give you a secure future. You won't have that with me."
"I gave it all away! I had a path to freedom, I had money to disappear. I gave it all away. I burned every bridge behind me to make sure that when I want to escape, you will be the one place I can return to."
"You are infuriating, and I hate how much I need you."
"It’s mutual."
Silence fell, broken only by your ragged breaths. As if a battle were raging between you, draining your strength. You saw how those words pierced him to the core. His shock betrayed that he hadn't expected them. He couldn't have expected them. He lifted his head and ran a hand through his hair, but it didn't calm him. For a moment, you thought a quiet curse had slipped from his lips—a harbinger that his plans had just fallen apart.
His hands rose to his neck. You saw him reach for the knot of his tie, tugging it loose, impatiently. You couldn't tear your gaze away from his hands—he yanked at the fabric, gritting his teeth. He let the tie hang loosely on either side of his chest, then took a step forward.
The distance between you vanished. You felt the touch of his clothes on your body, the warmth radiating from him, the tension growing with every second. He leaned in, but there was no trace of a smile on his face. He was serious. Barely in control of himself.
Whatever was driving him was stronger than his will to fight. You both knew that.
You had no intention of stopping him.
You had waited for this for far too long.
"That’s even better," he said softly.
His voice was lower, rough, penetrating. A shiver ran down your spine, and the warmth emanating from him melted the last remnants of reason within you.
For the first time, you had no sharp words.
Silco received it with unmasked triumph.
He smiled slightly, exposing his teeth.
His hand rose to your face. His fingers brushed against your cheek, but their purpose was something else. His thumb slid under your lower lip. You parted your lips just slightly, too weak to resist. You waited for the moment when he would finally lean in, and you could feel his lips on yours. But his gaze told you that now that he had you in his grasp, he wasn't in any rush. You shivered at his touch. You wanted to scream, for him to finally do something more than just tease.
All day you had felt like you were teetering on the edge. That one touch made you fall.
"You don’t have to hold back. I won’t slip through your fingers."
These words acted on him momentarily. The shadow of a smile disappeared from his lips, replaced by something much more intense-pure, raw desire. His gaze darkened, and the way he looked at you resembled a predator finally allowing himself to attack.
He pushed against you, forcing you backwards to the rhythm of his steps. He didn't give you time to think, to hesitate. Your legs tangled dangerously, and for a split second you were sure you would fly backwards-but his hands clamped down on your hips, controlling your every move with absolute certainty.
You slammed your thighs into the edge of one of the tables. You had no choice but to slide onto it, feeling the coolness of the wood beneath you in contrast to his heat. His sudden vehemence ripped your shattered breath from your chest. You searched his face for hesitation, provocation-anything that would allow you to decipher him. But he didn't give you that satisfaction.
His lips caught yours. Rough, restless, demanding more, as if he wanted to absorb you completely into himself. Each movement of his lips ignited a new wave of pleasure in you, pulsing under your skin and driving deep into your bones. You moaned quietly, feeling the heat hit your head, cutting off your sanity, leaving you with nothing but need.
It was like coming home. Like the first breath of fresh air after years spent at the bottom of the Fissures.
You responded to his kiss with equal greed, not wanting to lose a moment, not a single tremor that pierced you both.
He was touch starved.
You could feel it in his every move-the way he greedily desired you, the way his fingers tightened on your hips, the way he pressed his lips against yours, as if trying to make sure you were here, that it was happening. He was hungry for you.
And that was the best compliment you didn't deserve-but which you craved more than anything else.
You raised your hands. You grabbed him by the collar pulling him even closer. Something tangled between your fingers. The delicate material of the untied tie. You wanted to toss it aside, but he caught your wrist and stopped you.
“Don't,” he muttered harshly. “Leave it. It'll come in handy.”
You understood immediately what he meant. You felt your body go up in flames. It was like a shot of courage. Your hands rubbed the exposed skin on his neck and moved to back of his head. He reacted vividly to your touch showing it in successive unhurried kisses. Your breaths mingled. Nothing else existed now. 
You slid your fingers between the strands of hair. This is exactly how you imagined it. Soft and cool - they contrasted wonderfully with your inflamed skin. His hands trembled and his fingers dug a little deeper into your body
“I beg you, don't disappear from me now,” he whispered without pulling his lips away from yours.
“I'm not going anywhere,” you replied, unable to catch your breath.
You tightened your hand on his hair inhaling heavily. He growled slightly. You felt his teeth rubbing against your lower lip encouraging you to deepen the kiss. You did so eagerly, unable to believe that it was finally happening.
His one hand slid along your thigh and caught just at the bend of your knee lifting it slightly. This was unexpected and extremely daring, but you didn't protest. Your leg hovered over his hip. He moved the other to your back and slid it lower. You felt him pushing against you forcing you to squat even closer, even though there was not a millimeter of space between you. He entered deeper between your legs allowing you to feel everything. Your next moan cut through the air this time louder. You held him tight. He wasn't the only one who was afraid you would disappear. You wouldn't let him go even if someone demanded it of you by aiming a gun at you.
Your hands wandered alone exploring his body unhurriedly. You wanted to remember every inch so you could return to it. You didn't know when the next time would be for such pleasures. His lips slid lower, along your jawline. You were not in control of yourself at that moment. His mouth was hot, leaving a burning trail.
Suddenly he grabbed your hands and directed them higher. When you felt the buttons of his shirt under your fingers you hesitated only for a moment. Since you were rolling to the very bottom anyway you could at least have some pleasure from it. 
It was like a dream. So much playing, exploring each other and waiting for the right moment, and when you finally had the chance you couldn't believe that Silco - this Silco - was softening under your touch encouraging you to move bolder and bolder. But who were you to defy your boss's orders.
You tugged at the button allowing his shirt to unbutton more. Your hands greedily explored every bit of exposed flesh. Every muscle in his body was tight as a string. You felt that despite everything, he was holding back without allowing himself to lose himself completely.
“You can touch me if you want,” you whispered boldly.
It was as if he was waiting for permission on your part. His hands were hungry and his kisses became stronger, bolder, more passionate. It went to your head harder than the strongest alcohol. You could feel and hear him losing himself in you more and more, but you didn't give a damn about the consequences.
He said he was a monster, but you found heaven in his skin.

"Listen, I thought we could..."
You froze, as if struck by lightning. Your heart climbed up to your throat. You had completely forgotten about Sevika. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you knew she had only stepped out for a moment, but Silco made you forget about the whole world.
After those words, a crushing silence fell.
You were afraid to look at her. Even more so at him.
Silco slowly pulled away from you, but he didn’t step back. You could see him struggling, trying to tame the fire you had ignited within him. His gaze was still fixed on your face—intense, persistent, as if he were still holding you, even though he didn’t touch you anymore, not even with his fingertips. He didn’t hesitate, didn’t avert his gaze, and didn’t give Sevika even a shadow of embarrassment or remorse.
When he finally spoke, his voice was still tense, saturated with an unquenched need.
“Did you find Finn’s factory?”
Sevika held her breath.
“W-what?” she stammered, sounding almost terrified. “No, sir. Not yet.”
Silco threw her a quick, sharp look over his shoulder.
“So what are you doing here?”
Even from a distance, you could hear her suck in air through her teeth. For the first time, you caught something in her voice that sounded like uncertainty—or maybe even fear.
Silco reluctantly stepped away from you and raised his hands to slowly button up his shirt. He did it deliberately slowly, almost carelessly, as though the situation still amused him. He only looked at you, a challenge gleaming in his eyes. It wasn’t until a moment later that he lazily addressed Sevika.
You glanced at her from behind his shoulder. She wasn’t looking at you. Her gaze was locked solely on Silco, as if she was waiting for the worst possible punishment.
“Should I find someone else who doesn’t ignore clear orders?”
“No, sir,” she replied quickly, instinctively straightening her back.
Silco seemed unfazed by your shock and her fear. He reached for his coat and leisurely put it on, stretching the moment to its limits. He glanced at you one last time, smiling with satisfaction.
“We will get back to this… talk.”
You clenched your lips, fighting back a smile. This wasn’t the right moment for anything.
When he left, Sevika finally exhaled the breath she had been holding. She leaned her hands on her knees and bent forward.
“Shit, what the hell just happened here?”
You couldn’t respond. Your body wasn’t reacting to any signals your mind was sending.
“If you two are so drawn to each other, find a room or something,” her voice was more amused than accusatory, but still clearly tense. “What the hell made you think of doing it here?”
Your face immediately flushed when you realized what almost happened. You turned your gaze away and bit your lip.
“It’s not like that,” you said quietly. “It… it just happened.”
Sevika stared at you in shock. It took her a moment to process your words, but when they finally sank in, she looked like she had just come face to face with her biggest fear.
“No… don’t tell me you didn’t…” she started, but fell silent, unable to finish the sentence.
You shook your head, unable to say another word. Sevika raised her hands and clasped them behind her head, as if gathering courage.
“I’m so dead right now,” she mumbled to herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

If you know what you're looking for, you'll find peace even in chaos.You've been searching for this for a long time. Something that would give you relief, a moment of forgetfulness, a semblance of what you lost—not by your own fault.It's ironic that you found it in a man who was, of all people, the most unpredictable. Or maybe that’s precisely why. Because it was about what he only showed you—and in that, you found your anchor.When you returned to yourself, you still felt the memory of his kisses on your lips. Your heart pounded madly, even long after everything had happened. Every second replayed in your mind like an echo. You still felt him on you—the touch, the intensity, the hunger. Your mind was calm, but your body was consumed by chaos.And—oh, of course—you would have stayed in that suspended state with him, stealing every second for the two of you. But Silco was a man whose reality demanded attention every time you tried to be together. You would do it again, and then again. The taste of his skin was too intoxicating.And yet, despite all the madness, you felt good. Better than all those days spent high up, trying to escape the world. Even then, breathing didn’t give you as much relief as inhaling his scent. It was both overpowering and soothing at the same time.Avoiding his touch made you uneasy. Now you understood how much you needed it. You didn’t regret waiting—both of you had to learn each other. That made the moment feel natural, anticipated. Like coming home.You wanted more. But that need no longer consumed every thought, no longer left you teetering on the edge.You spent years running—away not only from the city but from yourself. You climbed as high as you could, searching for a place for yourself. You thought you were falling because you didn’t deserve anything else. When you fell into addiction, you were sure it was the end. That it was the price for daring to live. You couldn’t see a future. Neither for yourself nor for the city.But you saw him in your fate.For the first time since landing on the streets, you felt true peace. You watched a fragment of the sky through the open window. Sleep had been avoiding you like the plague, but you didn’t blame it. No dream could be better than what you just lived.And yet, you no longer felt the underlying desire to disappear, to climb higher than you should.There were many high places in Zaun that once gave you solace.Now… now that place was him.Whatever the next day would bring, you looked at it without fear.Still, Silco returned to you.When you remembered Sevika’s expression when Silco called her out for delaying the order, shamelessly fixing his clothes, you couldn’t stop smiling. Always alert, the perfect worker, but in the end, she showed real fear. You shouldn’t, but you felt a slight satisfaction—because even Sevika could be wrong. It made her more human, less mechanical.She couldn’t predict what she’d find when she came back to your training. But what she saw wasn’t just a moment—it was you two. Not only what you were doing, but who you were to each other. Absorbing the reality that Silco could involve himself in anything outside of work must’ve shaken her foundation. And he didn’t even try to hide it.He casually fixed his clothes as if your leg wasn’t wrapped around him. As if your presence in his space was so natural it didn’t require explanation. As if Sevika wasn’t standing right next to you, forced to accept something she didn’t understand.Every gesture of his meant something. The whole scene should’ve been embarrassing, but it wasn’t—because when he looked at you, with Sevika behind him, you knew he did it intentionally. He wasn’t ashamed of you. He wasn’t ashamed of you two. With one conscious move, he dissolved your doubts, giving you exactly what you needed.He always gave you more. Even when you started to doubt, he didn’t give up on you—though it would’ve been easier.You realized you wasted the whole night thinking about him as the sky started turning gray. After a day full of stress and training, your body demanded rest, but your mind wouldn’t quiet, as if it feared that when you closed your eyes, everything that happened would turn out to be a dream.Lying in bed seemed pointless. Doing nothing only overwhelmed you more. You hadn’t gotten another task, and for your own good, you should’ve rested, but that seemed impossible with Marcus’s threat hanging over you.Eventually, you swung your legs off the bed, hoping Sevika would find something for you to do. But you weren’t sure if you could look her in the eye. You didn’t say a word to him, but now that the emotions had settled, she would surely take her revenge on you for that evening.So when you heard a gentle knock on the door and saw Sara, you felt like thanking her on your knees for the rescue.“It’s been hard to catch you lately,” she said stiffly, walking inside.“You’ve been looking for me?” you yawned. “What are you doing here so early?”Sara puffed up like a storm cloud. Probably not what she expected.“I haven’t even left since yesterday!” she replied, then extended her hand to you. “Here, this is probably for you.”Surprised, you took the letter from her. You recognized your name but didn’t know who it was from. It wasn’t Silco’s handwriting, and no one else would send you messages. Not here.“Umm… thanks.”“You should pay me for being your personal mail carrier again.”“Sorry, I didn’t expect this.”You waved the letter in the air and only then noticed that half of her top and nearly all of her pants were stained with something red.You jumped to your feet.“Is that blood?”“What?” Sara looked at herself, then rolled her eyes. “I wish. No, it’s just food. That idiot spilled a whole pot on me.”“Do I want to know?”“Ah, better not bother talking about it.”She waved her hand as if to dismiss the topic but then added,“I hope Sevika or your boss finds out what happened because I’m tired of their antics. It’s always the same idiots.”“Now you’ve got me curious.”“You like gossip more than you’re willing to admit,” she scoffed.You raised your brows but didn’t deny it.“There are this two morons, when they drink, try to seek thrills where they shouldn’t. They thought I wouldn’t stand up for myself when they started making a mess downstairs. I don’t even know when it all spilled over onto me.”“So, you had quite an interesting evening,” you replied, forcing calm, but laughter almost slipped out of you. “But I’m afraid a food fight is probably the least of Sevika’s concerns.”Sara shot you a sharp look.“Then let her start. If your boss finds out what those drunks were saying, he might just get rid of them himself.”“Why? What were they saying?”She hesitated, as if regretting bringing it up at all. Finally, she sighed.“I like to know more, but not about this,” she muttered. “You know them better, maybe you can do something about it?”“If you tell me what you heard, I can help, if it’s so urgent.”Sara grimaced, as if she’d just eaten something spoiled.“They must have heard it somewhere, because no one around here would dare gossip about such things. But they started joking that your boss is looking for... certain thrills. Among his own people.”She pressed her lips together, as if disgusted just by having to repeat those words. You didn’t let it show, but you immediately became serious, feeling a slight panic creeping in.“I don’t know him, but he doesn’t seem like that,” she added quickly. “Honestly, it’s scary just looking at him—who would want to get involved with him?”For a moment, there was silence. You couldn’t tell her that, in fact, you were the one getting involved. Voluntarily, and eagerly.“Tell the right people,” she finally said, her voice somewhat whiny. “Maybe someone will finally get rid of them.”You turned the letter in your hands with gratitude, thanking whoever sent it for providing you with something to occupy your hands.“I’ll do what I can,” you said, forcing a lightness into your voice. “And thanks for the letter.”Even if Sara had noticed your tension, she tactfully didn’t mention it. She probably saw more than others, but you seriously doubted she suspected your connection to the rumors. You’d rather she interpreted it as simple shock—similar to what she’d felt herself. It was easier that way.Without a word, she nodded and quickly left the room, as if that might keep her from thinking about it further.You dropped heavily onto the bed, burying your face in your arms. Why was all this happening so quickly? Just yesterday, Margot had almost run into you, Finn thought Silco was playing with you, and now the rumor mill was in full swing. How had it spread so fast? Was it because of the meeting with Marcus? Sevika had warned you that people would notice a change in Silco’s behavior, but you didn’t expect it to happen this fast. You knew that someone was always watching him, but this much?You closed your eyes, trying to push the thought away that it was somehow your fault. Damn. If Sevika finds out—and she will—you're going to have a problem. You need to disappear before she decides it’s time to show you exactly what she thinks of those rumors.You reached for the letter. You weren’t sure what surprised you more—the content or the fact that she knew where to find you.
Sorry I didn’t let you know sooner.
I agree. I’ve done everything I could, the building is on my name. But I have plans for it. I know the act is on me, but I don’t want to do anything without your knowledge. Let’s meet in two days before noon.
Rosie
You read the message three times, but couldn’t find any hidden meaning. You thought this matter was already closed. Rosie was supposed to do whatever she wanted with the building. So why was she suddenly inviting you to a random place?You looked at the address. If you remembered correctly, it pointed to the northwest part of Zaun—not many people went there. You didn’t suspect Rosie was setting a trap, but something about it made you uneasy.At the top of the letter was the date. You never understood why people did that, but this time it saved your skin.“Fuck!” you whispered, jumping to your feet.The letter had arrived late. Instead of a few days, you had only a few hours. There was no time to scout the area. If you didn’t want to be late, you had to leave immediately.You were lying to yourself as you left the room through the window, telling yourself it would be faster. The idea of running into Sevika or someone spreading rumors terrified you. You weren’t fully in control of your face yet.It took you over an hour to get to the place. You left almost as you were, only with a knife at your side. You had no reason not to trust Rosie, but at the same time, you had no reason to trust her too much. Before stepping out of the shadows, you briefly observed the building, but it didn’t seem to stand out in any way. Another mass of metal and brick, forgotten by the world judging by the dusty windows. The sign had long fallen off—whatever had gone on here, there was no trace of it left.No matter the time of day, there was always someone on the streets. You weren’t far enough from the Lanes to find an entirely abandoned place. You cautiously approached the door, expecting the worst. Why had Rosie come back to Zaun when she had a warm nest in Piltover?You reached for the doorknob, briefly closing your eyes, trying to hear some sounds from inside. You shrugged and slowly crossed the threshold. The place smelled of dust and something else—something familiar, but you couldn’t quite name it. Something chemical that had evaporated, leaving behind a faint trace.As you moved deeper, you saw mostly worn tables and a few sewing machines. You looked around in surprise, but there wasn’t much left in the building. It must have been an old tailor shop. Things were getting more interesting. You ran your hand over one of the machines, watching as your skin turned black. You rubbed the residue on your hands and realized it was just old oil.Suddenly, a muffled noise came from beside you. Instinctively, you reached for your weapon, your muscles tensing in readiness. On the left, there were a few doors, now ajar. You heard shuffling and some muffled voices. Before you could think, Rosie emerged from inside, half of her face covered in dust and cobwebs in her hair.You blinked, surprised by the sight.“I think you’ve got something…” you said, pointing at her face.Rosie stopped and looked at you with slight disapproval, as if you had just told her that the sky is blue. She sighed, reached up to her hair, and then dropped the remnants of the cobwebs onto the floor.“I didn’t think you’d be this early. Actually… I didn’t think you’d show up at all.”You shrugged, though in reality, you weren’t entirely sure why you had come here. Well, aside from wanting to escape Sevika.“You intrigued me,” you admitted honestly. “How did you know where to find me?”“Well, I may be getting older, but I’m not stupid. I know who you work for. Your friend is hard to mistake for anyone else.”You smiled briefly under your breath.“Fair point,” you nodded. “What are you doing here?”Rosie hesitated for a fraction of a second, as though searching for the right words.“First off, I wanted to apologize.”You furrowed your brows.“What? For what?”“When you left so suddenly, I was in shock,” she began, clasping her hands together. “I ran away from all this to avoid getting involved in other people's business. When you came with that strange offer... I was afraid it was his idea. You know who.”She didn’t need to say more.“Silco? What does he have to do with this?”Rosie grimaced slightly, as though simply uttering his name left a bad taste in her mouth.“I didn’t want to believe you were doing this on your own. Gods, you saw how strange it sounds. Who in their right mind gives someone a building as a gift?”You didn’t answer. How could you? You didn’t have a good answer for that either.“Anyway,” Rosie cleared her throat. “After you left, I felt... a little foolish. I thought about what you said, and it didn’t sit right with me. I think... I think I missed this place.”Surprised, you raised an eyebrow. Instinctively, you glanced at the old machines, imagining Rosie working at one of them.“You worked here?”“No,” she laughed dryly. “I’m from Zaun. You can’t just leave here. Not really.”You narrowed your eyes but didn’t comment. You’d been feeling the same way for a while. This city takes what it wants and doesn’t always give anything in return. No matter how far you go, you’re still from Zaun.“Anyway, I thought it all through, and I have a plan you might like. I want to sell that ruin.”The surprise sobered you up a little.“What?”“I found an intermediary, and he’s offering me a really good price. It’ll be enough to buy this place and renovate it.”You were starting to understand, but you weren’t yet prepared for what was to come.“You want to move here? There’s no running water…”Rosie smiled mysteriously.“I want to open a school.”For a long moment, you just stared at her in utter disbelief.“W-What?”“You were right from the start, but I didn’t want to open my eyes to it. The kids need help if they’re not going to end up on the streets. You gave me the means, and I have enough resources to start something.”You exhaled slowly, trying to wrap your head around what you had just heard.“Rosie, that... that’s brilliant!”“I knew you’d agree.”“How could I not?” You shook your head, still somewhat stunned. “I thought you were just going to renovate the library, but this... this is more than I expected.”Rosie looked around the space as though she already saw something there that you hadn’t noticed yet.“This place still needs a lot of work, but it’ll be worth it. I promise.”You had the feeling that this was just the beginning. The building wasn’t large, but it was destroyed. Holes in the walls, creaky floors, and probably a leaking roof. Not to mention the lack of equipment or teachers. Unless Rosie wanted to teach herself.“But that’s not all,” she added after a moment.She took a deep breath as if weighing her words.“I want you to be involved. Will you agree to become a founder?”You froze.“Rosie, I…”“I’m not asking you to take part in the work. You don’t have to even stop by. But you gave those kids a chance, even though that money could have let you escape here forever. This can’t be overlooked. Let me thank you this way.”“No,” you shook your head, taking a step back.Rosie furrowed her brows.“Why?”“Why?” you repeated, almost laughing. “You said yourself you know who I work for. I can’t let my name be involved in this. People will start digging and find out who I am.”Rosie clenched her lips but didn’t back down.“I can’t take that away from you. I can’t let you stay anonymous.”You took a step closer, looking her straight in the eye.“You have to. This is not a request.”She clenched her fists but listened.“People won’t send their kids here if they associate it with him. No one will believe this isn’t another manipulative plan. Your idea is wonderful, but my presence will only make things worse.”Rosie opened her mouth to protest, but you raised your hand.“No, Rosie. I’m not doing this for publicity. If I can help you, I will. But you can’t tell anyone about me. Understood?”For a long moment, you stared each other down. Finally, Rosie sighed, wiping her face with her hand.“Understood.”You smiled faintly.“Thank you.”And though Rosie looked like she wanted to say something more, this time, she let it go. You sat on one of the relatively clean tables, watching Rosie bustle around the workshop as if she wasn’t entirely sure what to tackle first. An interesting person. She had escaped Zaun before the riots and spent many years in Piltover. Yet, judging by the state of her shop, few people came by. It wasn’t just the mentality—Zaun leaves its mark on people physically.It was enough to step outside. It wasn’t about tattoos or mechanical limbs that stood out. People were emaciated from the lack of proper food. Most kids had pale skin from the lack of sunlight. You had looked like that too, before you started stealing whatever you could.Standing next to anyone from Piltover, the difference was as clear as day. You were different—tired, sharper. Not just in your movements, but in your features. Piltover and Zaun were like a fan and a knife. Behind the fan, even the most hideous face could be concealed, showing the world elegance. The knife was simple, sharp, dangerous—and didn’t hide the fact that it could kill. And maybe that’s why you liked your city the most. Here, no one pretended to be anyone else."You know," Rosie interrupted the silence, looking at you with understanding. "I thought leaving would give me freedom, but Zaun shaped me. You can't rip that out of your blood, you know? You can breathe different air, look at different streets, but it's still inside you. It always pulls you back, even if you don't want it to."Something inside you jolted, as if trying to break free, but not a muscle twitched."Yeah," you replied quietly. "I think I understand a little too well."When talking to your people, you didn’t need to explain yourself. Rosie knew what you meant. She smiled slightly and returned to cleaning.Suddenly, staying in one place became impossible. You jumped down to the floor. The sound of your shoes echoed through the room. You stirred up a cloud of dust, but before it reached your nose, you were already outside.You wanted to run, but Zaun always reached out for you, pulling you down. Every fall hurt more than the last. But since you started seeing this city as yours, you understood why Sevika taught you how to fall. You didn’t want to get attached to a place that could become yours. As long as you were an outsider, you had freedom – you could come back, but also leave without consequences.You always thought escaping would give you freedom, but true freedom came when you accepted what was already a part of you. Zaun never intended to let you go. It wasn’t enslavement, but rather a fear of losing someone who could still do something for it. You knew this decision was growing inside you faster than you thought, but you still couldn’t put it into words.You glanced back, but the building had long since disappeared from view. Rosie was proof that you could try to escape, but this place wouldn't let go. It’s part of you. The thought hit you painfully, but knowing how to take a blow, you didn’t fall under its weight. Your whole life, you were afraid that when she left, you lost everything. Family. Home. But your home never really disappeared.Silco gave you peace, but it was your attachment to the city that gave you the freedom you had been looking for.A laugh escaped your chest, but you clenched your teeth, stopping it from escaping. You wanted to wait until the problem with Marcus was resolved. But that was just postponing the inevitable. You shouldn’t have hesitated. You should have accepted his offer right away. If you wanted to do something, you had to do it as part of something bigger.Not for Silco. Not for Rosie. For yourself. And for your city.The knots that once held you in place weren’t chains, but anchors. For a long time, you thought freedom meant breaking them – escaping, cutting off everything that could define you. But Zaun never let you go, because it was a part of you. And maybe that's where true freedom lay – not in rejecting everything, but in accepting what already had power over you. Silco knew that too. He wasn’t the kind of man to break knots – he wove them again, so they led where he wanted. And maybe it wasn’t about going down a different path.Maybe it was about finally stopping to resist it. *** "I agree."Silco looked up, but your intrusion wasn’t a surprise. He leaned slightly in his chair as if wanting to give you space to finish your thought. You both knew what you were agreeing to – you could have simply accepted his terms and moved on. Yet, you felt the need to say it. Even if only the four walls were witnesses. He slowly nodded, accepting your stance.Still, you wanted to keep talking, not to justify yourself, but to make sure he understood what drove you. You approached, instinctively resting your hand on the chair, but the gesture felt foreign. Like you were trying to take a place you didn’t belong in. You pulled your hand away, shoved it into your pocket, and walked uneasily to the other side of the office.The view of the city from the window was slightly distorted, as if Zaun rippled in the reflection of the glass. But you could still see it clearly. Silco didn’t move, but you knew he was watching you. The silence between you was both comfortable and unsettling. Why didn’t he ask?"I’m not doing this for myself," you said quietly. "I haven’t changed my mind, I’m not stepping down from the front line.""I didn’t doubt that."You smiled slightly."I want to be closer to you, but not at the cost of work. The last few days… it’s been chaos. I couldn’t find my footing in it, and your offer threw me off even more.""It wasn’t spontaneous," he admitted, rising from his chair. "You asked what benefit we get from you. I could list a few things, but I know you’re only interested in one. You’re reckless, but that can be directed. I saw that you’re more than just a thief. I waited for you to see it yourself."You turned toward the desk when the soft clink of glass on wood caught your attention. He wasn’t looking at you. You were sure that the conversation with him would be tense, full of awkwardness, but you felt nothing of the sort. You didn't negate what had happened. Your thoughts flowed differently, you were able to focus on more than just how he was affecting you."Well... the investment paid off," you said lightly.His hand twitched.You did that on purpose.Not long ago, you would have been ready to jump down his throat when he called you that, and now you were turning it into a joke. You were admitting he was right. The anger had long passed, leaving only a sour memory."What are your terms?""I want to keep working the way I do now. This is something I know, something I’m good at. But I have better instincts than most. I know how useful that is. Mutations still give me goosebumps, but I want to use them while I can.""I understand. Anything else?""No," you replied honestly. "I want to learn more, because I was reminded today who I’m doing this for. That way, I can do more."Rosie’s smile appeared in your mind. If you could help her, whether by giving money or simply defending this place, you had to do everything in your power. You heard the rustle of fabric and the quiet sound of footsteps beside you, but you didn’t look away from the city."Your terms are acceptable," he said lightly. "Whatever you offer, I’d take it without hesitation."You didn’t react in time when his hand touched your back, slowly moving across the fabric. It was surprising but not abrupt. Even through the clothing, you felt a tingling. Memories rushed back like a wave of fire."Do you care that much?" you joked, pushing away the images."You don’t need to ask," his voice was calm, but left no room for doubt. "If it were different, this conversation wouldn’t be happening."You shook your head slightly, mildly amused. Sometimes, he could be as readable as an open book. His words clearly defined his position – he allowed this conversation because he knew how it would end. But there was more to it, something you had started sensing recently. Your words mattered to him. More than he would admit. And yet, he couldn’t let you take control of the conversation.It didn't bother you. Actually, it was even better.He stopped a step away from you. He didn’t return to work, even though he should have.As an employee, you should have left once the terms were set. But as a person, you wanted to keep him there a little longer in that moment."Aren’t you supposed to get back to work?" you asked anyway."It's not just Zaun that needs my attention."It was easy to forget everything when his gaze encompassed you tighter than the best embrace. When he was near, all sounds quieted. You could close your eyes and enjoy that. Every day you heard more than you wanted to, the noise seeping into your head, almost hurting your ears. But with him, there was none of that. Like sinking into water."Yeah, I need that," you sighed. "I need it more than I should, but it doesn't matter. No matter how much I wish I could go back to yesterday and do it all over again, reality won’t let me."He chuckled quietly, but you didn’t hear amusement in his voice—just something like relief that you saw it too."Yeah, it would be easier," he admitted honestly. "But you're not like that."His tone surprised you a bit. It was easy to get lost in it, but that would be an escape. Not after what happened this morning. You needed to know."I told you I wouldn’t let my mistakes put you in a difficult position. Now it looks exactly like that.""What are you saying right now?""You know my motives. You know why I agreed to this new role. But we have terrible timing. Especially now, when..."You stopped, unsure how to put your thoughts into words. How were you supposed to say it without sounding pathetic? Sevika had warned you about this. But you weren’t lying. With his feelings and attention on you, you didn’t care about what others thought. You weren’t afraid of judgment; it was easy to shove someone's words down their throat. But this didn’t just affect you."I don’t care how it looks. I care if you can handle it."You quickly shifted your weight onto the other leg and focused your gaze on him. It didn’t surprise you that he knew exactly what you meant. Nothing escaped him, especially not what was happening among his people. Maybe Sara had finally had enough and reported it herself?"Do I... of course. I told you I don’t care about the comments. But I can’t bring chaos to the team."Silco reached for a glass, delaying his response. It wasn’t easy—nothing with him ever was."So, the matter is closed," he finally said."Just like that?""You don’t bring chaos," he added calmly. "I am not interested in opinions about me, but I will not fight them if they appear more often. We have more serious problems on our minds. If you can face it, I don’t see any reason to keep discussing it.""But...""Don’t," he cut you off firmly, but his voice lacked sharpness. "Trust me.""Yes, sir," you replied, trying to ease the tension with a simple joke.He didn’t laugh. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, almost resting it against the window. You could see a shadow of satisfaction on his face."You should probably start calling me that more often.""Excuse me?"He leaned a little toward you, a provocative smile playing on his lips."Since you insist on such terminology... it sounds surprisingly good when you address me that way."You probably shouldn’t have let yourself get carried away so easily, but it was stronger than you. You remembered how he reacted when you pulled him close, and that gave you courage. You wanted to know what would happen if you initiated something more. Instinctively, you closed the distance even more and spoke those words a little more obediently than you usually did:"If you wish... sir."For a moment, you were afraid you’d gone too far when, like before, the smile disappeared, replaced by something stronger. These weren’t words meant to provoke him. No, you really wanted him to have control over everything, especially over you. Not because it was easier, but simply because you wanted that in that moment. You waited for a move from him, but neither of you moved. Silco observed you carefully—and though at first glance, it seemed like the gaze of a man who watched your submission with satisfaction, in that moment, it was different. He wasn’t just looking at you. Not just at how close you were, how confidently you spoke those words. He looked at you as though, suddenly, he saw something in you—something that had always been there, but that you had finally allowed him to see.You both remained suspended in the moment, one that wasn’t filled with haste. You didn’t need to prove to each other how badly you needed to be closer. You felt it and saw it in every second you stole for yourselves, hoping that one day, you’d find more time to just be.You rarely had the chance to simply savor his presence. Now you were living on borrowed time. Maybe it was the atmosphere that suddenly settled on you after your words, but it seemed to you that his features became sharper. Or maybe it was the light illuminating you, leaving no room for darkness. The pale, slightly hazy artificial light scattered through the bends in the glass.The slight lines marked his cheek. You knew about them, but you hadn’t paid attention to his scar before. Or maybe you simply hadn’t noticed it the way others did. Covered, barely visible even in that light. It wasn’t the scar itself that made you uncomfortable, but the eye with a different color. Sara’s words echoed in your mind, and you wondered how she would react if you admitted that from the start, you found Silco attractive.But it wasn’t even a fraction as repulsive as what people did to themselves by choice. It was a part of him. Something you saw every day, just as he saw your struggles with addiction every day. An imperfection that made him more real.You raised your hand, unable to stop it. It caught his attention, pulling him from his deep thoughts. He didn’t stop you, but his gaze never left your face.You gently touched his cheek.He tensed almost immediately. The muscles under your fingers hardened, his jaw clenched reflexively as if his body had anticipated the touch, ready to reject it, ready to resist. He quickly inhaled, a sharp, short breath he couldn’t stop in time.But he didn’t pull back. He didn’t move away.After a second, the tension began to melt. He exhaled more slowly, as if regaining control over himself, allowing the shock to give way to something else.And then you saw it.It wasn’t indifference. It wasn’t a calculated test or a cold analysis of the situation. His gaze didn’t hide suspicion, nor was there any caution in it, the kind he reserved for anyone who dared to cross that line.And yet his face twitched.It could have been an almost imperceptible movement, a moment that would’ve slipped past anyone else. As if he instinctively wanted to pull away but at the last moment gave in to something that shouldn’t have happened. Instead of retreating from the touch, he leaned in just a bit closer.As if he wanted to feel more of your hand.It lasted only a moment, but you were sure it happened. He hadn’t planned it. It wasn’t a controlled, conscious gesture. He might not have even noticed it himself. But you did.And that was enough.You both had a chemical cut in you that you could get down with.Yours wasn’t as visible as his. It manifested differently, but it connected you more than either of you were willing to admit.In this light, nothing could remain hidden. You knew the city around you was pulsing to its own rhythm, but at this moment, that didn’t matter. When he was near, thinking became easier. He didn’t have to say anything—the world still quieted. He overwhelmed everyone with his presence, but not you. Not anymore.The words came out on their own before you could stop them.“You allow them to see what you want. But I see more.”You spoke those words softly, but it wasn’t a thought cast into emptiness. You were speaking to him. And he knew it.He didn’t pull away. He didn’t say anything, didn’t deny it. His gaze was heavy, darker than usual, but in that darkness, there was no blade to hurt you.You weren’t afraid of him.You should have been.But you weren’t.A sound from outside suddenly burst in, violently interrupting the silence. It was a random scream, like the ones that echoed everywhere, but this one reached you. You wanted to beat the screamer senseless for interrupting you. Whatever it was, it came to you with enough force to remind you of where you were and who you were.You didn’t jump back. Neither did he.It just… passed.You withdrew your hand, and he lowered his head, running his fingers through his hair in a nearly careless gesture, as if returning to order. When he looked up, there was no distance in his gaze, no cutting off from what had just happened.“Since you can see more so easily, the next task will not be difficult for you.”His tone was calm, but beneath that calm, there was something more. He didn’t reject your words. He didn’t mock you. He simply returned to what he had to do.You leaned against the window, letting amusement take over the tension that had hung in the air only moments before.“Saved by the bell ring.”His brow lifted slightly—surprised by your joke. And then, for a fraction of a second, the corner of his lips twitched. Maybe it wasn’t a full smile, but it was close enough.The moment passed, but it didn’t disappear.You stepped away from the window and moved deeper into the room. You sat opposite him, waiting for the next words, but he decided to stretch out the silence. You could only roll your eyes—and probably would have, if he hadn’t just slid a few sheets of paper, densely written with text, toward you.“Your new target. Follow, gather information, and return if you notice anything suspicious.”You reached for the notes, and for a moment, you thought it might be a joke. But no—the details matched. The data, the address—everything you needed to carry out the task. And Silco had become even more serious than before. He wasn’t joking.“Him? Why?”“I don’t trust him. Not after what he’s shown. We have reason to believe he doesn’t intend to keep his end of the bargain.”You pressed your lips together. Yes, this man was capable of it. You understood Silco’s approach, but you would never voluntarily stand in his way. No matter how much it tempted you to rid yourself of him once and for all.“Consider it done.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The task was simple.In theory.Observing the target gave you satisfaction. The man had no idea he wasn’t alone, which meant he revealed a lot through the tiniest gestures. You had managed to steal plenty in your life just because a nervous movement had given away the location of a wallet.That’s why you felt the familiar, long-awaited adrenaline rush. You needed this. After the chaos of the previous day, you felt like you had been ripped from your world. You didn’t know what could happen—better be safe than sorry—so you went back to grab the rest of your gear. You were hoping for a small break-in, just to stay in shape.You hesitated for a moment about taking a weapon but ultimately left it behind. Carrying one into the upper city was a straight ticket to Stillwater. Whatever awaited you on the other side of the river was anything but friendly. You slipped a blade into a rarely used pocket in your boot, feeling an unsettling emptiness without it within reach.You were already prepared to leave when the door swung open without warning. You immediately knew who had found you—only one person in the entire base didn’t give a damn about knocking. You turned quickly, refusing to be caught off guard.“The last time you barged in like that, you ended up picking your teeth off the floor.”Sevika stopped mid-step, her hand still on the door handle. Her expression soured as if she’d just bitten into something disgustingly bitter. Maybe you were pushing your luck by provoking her like this, but the satisfaction was worth it.“Don’t remind me,” she growled. “Are you going somewhere?”“That depends on how much you know.”She shot you a disapproving look, then sighed heavily, as if this conversation alone gave her a headache.“Will you ever learn that I know everything that happens around here?”She said it slowly, more quietly. The hairs on the back of your neck stood on end at her tone. She wasn’t just talking about your task. You pressed your lips together, unwilling to explain yourself.“I definitely prefer you when you’re silent,” she mocked. “Listen, don’t think I did this out of concern. Your little friend came to me and told me about those two idiots.”“Sara?” you looked at her, surprised. “Didn’t think she’d dare…”You felt a small pang of guilt for not passing on her request right away, but in this place, information spread faster than smoke after a gunshot.“Anyway, the problem’s solved. But in the future, don’t stir up rumors like that, got it?”“Uh-huh,” you muttered, not really sure what to say. You didn’t feel guilty. Gossip mattered to you even less than high society’s social life, but ignoring Sevika was a bad idea. “I could’ve handled them myself, thanks for asking.”“I didn’t do it for you,” she replied calmly. “They need to be kept in check. If I let it slide, things like this would escalate. Don’t think this is the first time I’ve heard weird things about Silco.”You narrowed your eyes.“Then why are you telling me this?”“I don’t care what you two do… in private. But at least try to control yourself, got it?” her voice was steady, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her irritation. “What happened yesterday can’t happen again. He won’t listen to me. And I’m the one stuck cleaning up the mess if someone starts running their mouth too much. Do me a favor and don’t give me more work, yeah?”“I might have my flaws, but I haven’t lost my mind enough to get in your way,” you replied, a little irritated by her condescending tone.You knew why she had come, even if she hadn’t said it outright. But it was starting to wear on you—being her punching bag because she couldn’t handle the changes in his behavior. Hell, sometimes you struggled with it too, but you weren’t running to Sevika to complain. Pointing that out to her would be a quick way to earn some broken bones, though. You liked your limbs too much to take that risk.“You know where I stand on this,” she said coolly. “I think you’re both being idiots. But what’s done is done.”She crossed her arms and looked down at you, as if deciding whether it was even worth her time to have this conversation. You lifted your chin defiantly, but before you could speak, she added:“That doesn’t change your position. You still work here, so act like it.”“And what, you think I’m heading out for a leisurely stroll?” you asked sarcastically.You knew she was trying to intimidate you back into line, but you had never really been in line, which had to drive her insane. Sevika smirked slightly, but her eyes remained serious.“He ignores rumors. No one’s stupid enough to say anything to his face,” she lowered her voice further, as if wary of eavesdroppers. “But even he isn’t indestructible.”“I know, Sevika,” you answered calmly.There was no point in arguing. Silco was untouchable—as long as everyone agreed to keep it that way. He held everything together because people feared him. His unpredictability ensured that no one wanted to risk dying by his hand.“I clean up the mess when someone gets too bold,” she sighed, lighting a cigarette before pointing it at you. “And now, that’s your job too.”“I’ve handled bigger problems than a bunch of loudmouthed idiots.”Sevika raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment.“Don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re with him.”You smirked, almost challengingly.“I never expected you to.”She studied you for a moment, as if searching for hesitation. But if there was one thing you were sure of these past few days, it was that you were balancing on a razor’s edge—teetering between emotion and professionalism. Unfortunately, you had a feeling that Sevika was just waiting for you to tip too far to one side so she could let loose. You couldn’t blame her. It must have been… strange seeing Silco act differently, but you had no intention of confiding in her that you were struggling with it too. She’d sooner throw you out a window than listen to your inner turmoil.“Start with the checkpoints by the shore,” she said after a moment of silence. “According to the reports, Marcus should be in his office, but those haven’t been updated in a while. He’s been running around like a damn cat in heat, trying to fix the chaos in the upper city. You might find him there.”You scoffed briefly and took her words in stride.“Don’t wait up for me,” you said sweetly. “I’ll be back late.”You saw her hand shoot out, trying to grab you, but you quickly stepped back. Adjusting an invisible crease on your jacket’s collar, you turned and walked out, lazily saluting her.“When you get back, I better see you downstairs!”In your own way, you liked Sevika for her sharpness and straightforwardness. You trusted her and knew exactly how far you could go around her. It had been a long time since you last took on a solo mission, and you were simply pleased with the prospect of focusing on work.This wasn’t the kind of task you could complete while daydreaming. You had to observe Piltover’s sheriff in his own environment. In a city you didn’t know. You needed complete focus because even the smallest mistake could be your last. Silco trusted that you could handle it, and you simply knew that you would. It didn’t surprise you that he believed Marcus’s words and wanted to keep an eye on him. But for you, this was something more—you needed a mission that would push your mind to its limits so you could finally get some real sleep.Sevika had given you a solid lead. If there was even a chance that fate would spare you from searching for Marcus across the entire city, you were grateful without question. Of course, just getting to the other side was a problem in itself. You didn’t feel comfortable showing your face, but hiding it only drew more attention. You weren’t sure if people still remembered you or if they had your records. After meeting with Finn, you wouldn’t be surprised if he was still trying to get his hands on you—not because of that explosion, but just to mock Silco. He had warned you. Now it was time to show that you weren’t afraid.You stuffed your scarf into your pocket and pulled down your hood. You tried to look like just another unremarkable person going about their business, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was burning a hole in your back with their gaze. The sun was blinding, and for a moment, you longed for the darkness of the Lanes. You shielded your eyes with a hand but saw nothing unusual on the bridge. It irritated you on some level that someone had memorized your face, robbing you of the option to play dumb and ask about the sheriff. That would have made things easier. Unfortunately, that path was closed to you.You cursed under your breath at whoever had failed to update the records on the sheriff. How the hell were you supposed to find him in a city this massive without asking anyone? It was a challenge, and you couldn’t return empty-handed. You walked slowly along the riverbank, picking up bits and pieces of conversations, but everything was dull and mundane. Marcus could be anywhere, and if you waited near his office, you might miss something important.A patrol passed by, but they didn’t spare you a second glance. You exhaled in relief—maybe you really had been forgotten? You were about to give up on searching the riverbank and move deeper into the city. Maybe it was worth checking his home if he wasn’t at work? Too many possibilities in too big a city. How could someone like Marcus manage to hide?You were near the middle bridge—the same one you had used while checking the tunnels under the city. Something was happening ahead of you. Two enforcers. Two women between them. Frightened, shifting their gazes nervously from one officer to the other, but not daring to walk away. You knew that kind of fear. You also recognized something else immediately—they were from Zaun.“Can you not?”You flinched. Something familiar struck you in that voice, something you barely grasped on the edge of your memory.“Orders are clear. We’re supposed to keep an eye on suspects.”“Yeah, because these two are definitely bomb smugglers. Do you even think sometimes?”The second enforcer scoffed, amused. A disgusting sound. He took a step closer to the women, dragging his gaze over their figures.“Well… I could always check if they’re hiding anything.”Your fists clenched. Bastard. Your fingers itched for your knife.And then it happened.The man kept staring at the women when his partner grabbed his arm and yanked him back so hard he hit the ground like a felled tree.“Get out,” they growled.The women didn’t wait for more. They disappeared into the crowd without looking back.You stood frozen, staring. This wasn’t normal. Things like this didn’t happen among enforcers. Something about that person wouldn’t let you walk away, as if you knew them…“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” the Enforcer on the ground scrambled to his feet, his face twisted with humiliation.“Have you lost your mind?! If you’re bored, go on patrol instead of harassing people in the streets.”And then it hit you like a punch to the ribs. That voice. That stance.Shit. It was them.You cursed under your breath and stepped back into the shadow of an alley, your heart hammering in your chest. They couldn’t see you. They would recognize you immediately—the same one who, just days ago, had let you escape instead of arresting you.Carefully, you peeked around the corner.“Why do you suddenly care?” the humiliated enforcer hissed, brushing off his uniform.The other one rested their weapon against a low wall and raised a hand to their mask. They pulled it off and spat to the side.You froze.A woman.How the hell had you not noticed before? Masks changed voices, uniforms hid body shapes—but now, now that you knew, you could see the difference.“I don’t care,” she said in a low, dangerous tone. “But you’re acting like a fucking pig and drawing attention to us.”He stepped toward her, towering over her with his height. Tried to intimidate her, to force her to back down.She didn’t move an inch.“Are you threatening me?”She smiled, but it wasn’t a friendly smile.“Yes.”The silence between them was sharp as a knife.“I’m heading back to the station. Pray that I calm down, or I might forget to let this slide.” She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “And I’m really fucking tempted to take this to the sheriff. I heard he’s back.”You let out a slow breath, eyes locked on her back.Now all you had to do was follow her, and you’d get straight to him.It was going too smoothly—too smoothly, which made you suspicious. You had to be careful not to get noticed. You remembered the city’s layout well enough. Their headquarters wasn’t far, but that didn’t mean you could step out of the shadows. Her colleague was still lurking around somewhere. He had gotten a clearer look at you than she had.You followed her for several minutes, watching as she hunched her shoulders, head tucked down, clearly irritated. Whatever was bothering her kept her from looking back even once. Her behavior confused you—she didn’t seem like a hot-headed Enforcer looking for an excuse to beat someone down.When you reached your destination, you stopped, watching as she slowly climbed the steps, vanishing into a sea of blue uniforms.“So this is where you’re hiding.”You murmured, shifting your gaze to the massive structure that was Piltover’s police headquarters.You didn’t want to get any closer than necessary. You leaned against the wall of a building across the street, thinking about your next move.Well, you couldn't mistake it for anything else. It rose on the incline, sticking out above the other buildings in the area, as if it were peeking over the rooftops, watching to make sure no one was stepping outside the law. But you knew that everyone's eyes were on Zaun. The gray, cold stone from which the entire structure was built gleamed in the sun. It shone artificially, just like the whole image surrounding the police. It was blinding and forced you to look away.The columns at the entrance—supposedly majestic, but to you, they were just unnecessary decorations, a reminder of how high they stood above the rest. Everything in this building was designed to separate those who had power from those who had nothing. And beyond that wall, the guards looked down, forever searching for a victim they could torment or throw in a cell for the slightest infraction.You couldn't stand there for hours—that would raise suspicion. You scanned the buildings around you, searching for the best spot. Getting up there would be a challenge, but nothing you hadn't done before. In Zaun, no one paid attention when you appeared at such heights. In Piltover, you felt the eyes on you from the moment you crossed the line.You moved away a bit, looking for an alley between the buildings—a place few people would glance at. Adrenaline pushed you forward. It gave you the strength to climb the almost smooth wall. You held onto the gutter, searching for a foothold, longing for the crooked walls of the lower city. Only when you reached the roof did you breathe a sigh of relief.You hadn’t yet had the chance to view Piltover from this perspective, but the sight turned out to be more boring than you’d expected. Everything looked too similar—elegant, simple, repetitive. You wouldn't justify Zaun, but there, it was simply more interesting. Piltover was majestic, it could take your breath away, but it lacked soul.You'd be lying if you said you weren’t nervous. You were afraid you'd lose sight of Marcus if he was up to something on the side. Getting inside was not an option, snooping around even less so. Your only choice was to watch the entrance—and hope Marcus wasn’t using secret passages.Peering over the edge of the roof, you pulled out your notes on him. You didn’t know how much of it was still true. You didn’t trust the schedule that had been drawn up. You focused on the personal details, hoping they’d tell you more. But either he hid well, or he was just that boring.Nothing new. Annoying.You had to occupy your mind with work so you wouldn’t think about anything else. Not now.The weight in your stomach grew as you looked at Marcus's portrait.One day. That’s all you had left to find the culprit.You didn’t expect Silco to take the threat seriously. He had passed the task to Finn, but would that man let himself be played that easily? There was a risk hanging over him—if the shimmer disappeared, people would turn away from him.Could he play the game? Would his honor make him turn against Marcus?Though Finn and honor didn’t exactly go hand in hand.Sevika had the task of finding the factory. That seemed tough even for her. How do you find something that doesn’t want to be found? She couldn’t just ask people without raising suspicion. You didn’t doubt she’d do everything in her power, but her irritation today showed she was at the edge of her abilities.Silco could be cruel, but would he give her something she couldn’t handle?Would Sevika admit that something was too much for her?You smiled sourly.And you? Would you have done differently? Would you have admitted to him that you failed? That one task was too difficult?He tested human limits and bent them to his will. But since he hadn’t done that to you, why would he do it to Sevika?You weren’t more important than her. Not at work.You spent a few hours on the roof, observing the surroundings, but none of the people leaving were Marcus.As the sun dipped lower, the stress grew.What if he wasn’t there? What if you wasted your time watching the wrong place?In your mind’s eye, you saw him in the lower city, walking the streets with his usual scowl.Or maybe that was just his face?You saw the lamps slowly light up below, casting a warm glow on the streets. Everything was pleasant, delicate, devoid of sharp edges. It was easy to like. One could get used to this softness. You didn’t blame people for seeking comfort, but losing yourself in it was a weakness. Losing yourself in anything was an escape from reality.The pale moon hung above you as footsteps echoed below. You leaned out, and your heart skipped. He was there. Walking confidently, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, as if there wasn’t any wrongdoing on his conscience. It would be so easy to kill him now. One move, one blade, and he’d disappear from this world forever.But that wasn’t your job.You quickly descended to the street, not wanting to lose sight of him. It wasn’t hard. The heels of his uniform boots clicked against the cobblestones. Normally, this would serve as a way to intimidate, to mark presence, but now it blatantly gave away his position. No one was crazy enough to attack the sheriff in the middle of the street, so he had no reason to hide.But you walked quietly, moving in rhythm with the moon.Gods, this was a pleasure. You were in your element. Nothing could stop you.Marcus was clearly heading home. You knew he had a daughter. Was he hurrying to her? Was Silco’s threat still in his mind? Why... why now? Why had you thought of that now? Oh, right. This was just the beginning.You followed him halfway across the city. Not once did he glance behind him. Another guard, full of arrogance, as if nothing could touch him. They were so easy to expose. You felt the anger rise in you again.They had crushed you. Broken you. Intimidated you.And now they walked these streets, confident nothing would harm them.Fighting would never be enough, it would always be too little. Only independence would bring peace.You recognized the area only after a while. The same tree, the one you waited under for Silco. It seemed like ages ago, but it hadn’t even been a month. You watched the city without dependence, yet the anger was the same as before. Watching Marcus enter the house, you realized what bothered you.It was too quiet here.You’d gotten used to the noise of Zaun. Music, conversations, shouts—they were constantly ringing in your ears, filling your head, drowning out part of your thoughts.You stepped into the street's shadow and briefly closed your eyes.But it still wasn’t the same.This silence was different. Sharp, clear, too precise.What you needed was to drown out everything around you. Like diving underwater.When darkness fell and the streets emptied, you could wait without hesitation for any move from Marcus. But now, the problem was exhaustion. The sleepless night was taking its toll. You couldn’t just fall asleep on the street.You climbed higher, hiding on a steep, slanted roof. You could hear voices around you. Below, someone lived, but they had no idea that you were using their house as shelter.Life had taught you one thing: take rest whenever you get the chance. You never know when the next opportunity will come.Even before the mutations, you had sharp hearing, and years of self-discipline had ingrained the habit of falling into a half-sleep. You woke up at the slightest sound, and now you could trust yourself enough to close your eyes.Except that’s when everything came rushing back.What you had been pushing away to avoid distractions at work suddenly attacked. Strongly and accurately.You saw more, but in that moment, you only wanted to close your eyes and forget everything you had seen by focusing on a single image.A fraction of a second when he slightly leaned toward your hand.It was surprising how easily he controlled everything around him while simultaneously giving you space. Rumors? He didn’t care about them. You knew that for a long time. But now, the past was separated by a thin line, because this time, he wasn’t alone in it. He wasn’t fighting the insinuations, not because he was ignoring them, but because if they ever got out of hand, he would crush them with a single order. He wouldn’t let anything threaten his position.Yet it was still a game on his terms. He let others know only what he wanted them to know. The insinuations about him being a toy? You didn’t care about them because you knew the truth. This world didn’t speak any other language; there was no room for understanding that this wasn’t a theater. But for you, there was no game in it.You accepted his nature. Only control gave him comfort. Since he left you space so you wouldn’t run away, you couldn’t expect him to stop controlling everything else. He admitted he wouldn’t push you away from work, because that would push you away from him. You didn’t press him to change – because you knew he would close off.By giving yourself to him, you gave him something more than he desired. You gave him what he needed. Your trust. That was the first step that allowed him to start opening up to you.This relationship was born out of fascination and need, but it was never planned. Neither of you was seeking what you found. And that was the most dangerous part – step by step, until suddenly, you found yourselves in a place where there was no turning back.At first, it was a game. Testing each other. You didn’t let yourself be intimidated. You couldn’t be bought. You were never supposed to meet. He was out of your reach, and you meant nothing to him – just another addict in his world. And yet, he didn’t treat you like trash. And you didn’t act like someone who should kneel before him.What came later was a side effect.This should never have happened – not like this.Respect and loyalty were supposed to be the end of it. Maybe you had forgotten about the boundaries? Maybe by the time you realized you’d crossed them, it was too late to pretend it was just that?Maybe. But even if you could turn back – you wouldn’t.You wouldn’t do it for anything. *** The cold pressed under your clothes, hurting your numbed muscles.But it wasn’t the cold that woke you, but the barely audible creak of frozen hinges. You opened your eyes immediately, making sure no muscle moved. The morning fog hung over the street, and the moon still hung low, as if it had no intention of giving way to daylight.What the hell was he doing at this hour?It didn’t look like a morning shift. It was too early even for the guards. If he were heading to work, you’d recognize it immediately – the blue uniform, the weapon, the heavy, noisy boots. But no. Marcus looked like someone who didn’t want to draw attention to himself. Ordinary, nondescript clothes, as dull as he himself was. And yet, something wasn’t right.You slid down the roof toward the edge. It wasn’t high – you landed silently on the cobblestone, instinctively crouching. He passed by the alley where you were hiding. You waited a few seconds, then followed him. The fog enveloped the ground, but it was too thin to hide in.What was wrong with him?How could someone be so confident as to not look down from the path? Not in a figurative sense – literally. Marcus walked straight ahead as if he had forgotten which city he was in. This wasn’t heroism. It was stupidity.But you weren’t him.No matter how confident he felt on these streets, you weren’t going to lose your vigilance, lured by the trail like a bloodhound. And him? He wasn’t heading to work. Not this way, not in this direction.Wherever his thoughts were taking him, he was doing exactly what Silco suspected.The day was left behind. Was he heading to start a manhunt? A secret operation no one was supposed to know about? No, that wasn’t his style. Marcus liked displays. He liked shows of strength. If he planned to strike, he would do it in a way that Zaun would remember.This was something else.Something he didn’t want the world to see.You followed him, not taking your eyes off his silhouette. As soon as he disappeared around the corner, your heart raced with fear that you’d lose him. By the bridge, you hesitated for a fraction of a second. He was heading to Zaun. You had to know, but in the open space, there was nowhere to hide. One look over his shoulder, and you’d be burned. But if you let him get away, you’d lose him in the alleys of the Lower City.You took a step forward, then another.Safety was less important than information. If he noticed you, you’d handle it.You reached the other side behind him.The bastard still hadn’t turned around.This wasn’t confidence anymore. This was sheer stupidity.Here, his uniform didn’t protect him. There were no guards coming to his rescue. He was alone, an easy target, laid out on a platter.All it would take was reaching out.All it would take was making a single move.You wanted to do it.The only thing stopping you was the word you had given.You clenched your fists.Don’t act outside the plan.But it was damn hard. Harder with every second as you watched him and reminded yourself who he was.You heard a gunshot in your head.The sound of Zarys's body hitting the ground.Cells full of people who no one even tried to judge, because they were from Zaun.The sweet taste on your lips, the one that ruled your life not long ago.Marcus deserved to die.Not a public trial. Not a dungeon.A free, brutal death for what he did.But your hands didn’t even move an inch toward your weapon. He was heading south, far from the river, so not towards the warehouse where shimmer had been sent further. Even if he resumed production – and you were sure he hadn’t stopped – he wasn’t going that way. He was taking you down the road along the edge of Lanes but didn’t go inside, so it wasn’t some sudden meeting with Silco.You passed people avoiding sleep or seeking it in their own way. Marcus moved awkwardly, weaving through pedestrians. It was easier to hide, but it was also easy to lose him.You reached a building. It looked like a workshop or a gadget store. The dusty sign didn’t necessarily indicate it was abandoned – not much in Zaun was clean. He stopped and for the first time looked around. Dodging would have caught his attention, so you let his gaze slide over you. He didn’t expect to see you, so he didn’t notice.Only when he focused on the lock did you hide behind a corner. He pulled a key from his pocket and boldly opened the door, letting the darkness of the interior swallow him. You stepped forward to follow but then several men entered. This wasn’t a coincidence. Was he meeting them?You cursed softly. You had to find another way inside. Quickly, before important words were spoken between them that you needed to hear. You moved closer, glancing curiously at the windows, but none were open, and the glass was intact, the locks were quite simple. You didn’t wait a second. A quick glance inside told you they weren’t in the room you’d been peering into through the dirty window. You pulled out a simple lockpick, and the lock gave way immediately. The window creaked slightly as you opened it, but the sound was lost in the surrounding noise. You jumped inside without hesitation.You looked around quickly. This was part of the shop. Probably still active, judging by the lack of musty smell and the relatively clean shelves. The floor was unmarked by footprints. You closed the window behind you just in case and then began searching the workshop.Going deeper, you realized it was just another store where you could buy or sell various inventions, more or less useful. Quite an ordinary place. But since Marcus had access to it, it meant there was something else hidden inside. Slightly bent, on your shaky legs, you made your way through the shop.You held your breath and moved toward the stairs you had seen earlier through the window. It was risky. You could have run into them if they were leaving, but from this position, you wouldn’t hear anything.You went down a few steps.The voices became clearer.“...or we’ll break your bones, and your clowning will be over.”They’re fast, you thought, feeling amused.“You got your share. What more do you want?” Marcus’s voice was cold, but you could hear considerable irritation in it.Money. The universal language of Zaun. You didn’t recognize the voices. They weren’t the ones gossiping when you were looking for alternative ways out of the tunnels.“Double it. For the trouble.”“No.”Someone laughed maliciously. Something metal clinked on the floor.“You hear that, guys? He’s resisting. And what do we do when someone won’t pay?”Another laugh, this one sharper.“Here’s your money, now get the fuck out,” Marcus growled.“That’s not enough. You didn’t say we wouldn’t be alone. Two of ours are dead. That’s extra interest.”A moment of silence.“Money shuts me up, but your orders are... specific. And they oddly tie to one person. We need more to convince us to go on his turf. First Last Drop, now this... You’re causing us a lot of trouble, Sheriff.”He emphasized it softly, mockingly. They knew exactly who they were talking to.“I don’t have any more on me.”“Your mistake,” the man snarled. “We’ll take that debt another way. Maybe we’ll pay a visit to your house and search for what’s ours? Pray there’s no family there.”You immediately recognized the sound of a weapon being uncocked. He didn’t hesitate. He fired. The noise was deafening. Something metal hit the ground with a loud bang.“What the fuck?!”“I won't miss next time,” Marcus said quietly but sharply. “Take what you’ve got and get the hell out of my sight.”“You’ll remember this.”“Maybe. But if you say another word, I’ll put a bullet between your eyes.”A moment of silence.“You’re fucking crazy,” the man hissed, his voice slightly trembling. Then he whistled briefly. “Let’s go. But this isn’t over.”You didn’t wait. You quickly went back upstairs to hide. They couldn’t see you. You pressed yourself into a corner, a little away from the entrance, just as the group was leaving the hallway. Their movements were nervous, as if holding back from running.You waited a moment to calm your heartbeat. Marcus was still downstairs, and it didn’t look like he planned to leave. If the meeting was over, what was he still doing there? Was he afraid the group would attack him the moment he stepped outside? Nonsense. There were no witnesses here – they wouldn’t find a better place to get rid of him.But you didn’t hear footsteps downstairs.Maybe it wasn’t about that at all?Slowly and carefully, you approached the stairs again, straining your ears. The silence was complete. You could feel the stress tightening your fingers around your throat. With each step down, you were more convinced he wasn’t there. But how could he have escaped?Unless he was standing in complete silence, not even breathing.You peered around the corner and saw an empty basement. Narrow beams supported the ceiling, but none were wide enough to hide behind. You looked around the small room more boldly, but there was no trace of Marcus. You cursed quietly. You lost him. Which was absurd in this situation.When you made sure you were alone, you began to search the area. Several old cabinets, a half-rotted table, a dirty leather sofa – nothing that could provide cover. So if he wasn’t crouching in one of the cabinets, he must have simply vanished into thin air.In theory, you should go back and report. But his disappearance hurt your pride. Sevika would mock you for weeks if she found out you lost the target in a closed room. And it wasn't funny at all—it was irritating.There had to be something here.You checked the closets, but they were far enough from the walls that you could easily peek behind them. They looked so rotten they would probably fall apart if you tried to move them. The floor, though dusty, seemed undisturbed. You looked for any handles or hidden compartments, but to no avail. With each passing minute, your frustration grew.You rubbed your forehead, tired and irritated. A few hours of light sleep barely washed the exhaustion off you. You couldn’t keep going like this for much longer, but you couldn't give up. You sighed heavily, leaning against one of the beams along the wall. You expected stable support, but the wood gave way under your weight.You cursed as you felt yourself tipping backward. At the last moment, you grabbed the wall. You watched in horror as the wooden column tilted at an odd angle. Luckily, nothing fell on your head, which meant it wasn’t a critical part of the structure. But behind it...You saw a narrow crack.Your heart sped up a little. It was wide enough for you to squeeze through. You peeked inside and saw that it wasn't just a simple recess—there was a tunnel, sloping downward. Without thinking much, you slipped inside and jumped down.You landed straight into a puddle, splashing your shoes with foul-smelling water. You covered your nose, disgusted. In these conditions, you could see little. The flashlight’s beam dispersed the darkness. The tunnel stretched in both directions.You listened, but there was no echo of footsteps.Then you saw it—a boot print in the mud. To the right.It wasn't a certain decision, but a lead. You could be wrong, but you had no other option.The tunnel sloped gently downward, and the slippery ground made it easy to slip. You took only a few steps before you suddenly coughed. You pulled your sleeve up to your mouth, but that didn’t stop the heavy air from invading your lungs. Your head spun immediately.Fumes from the mine.How did they get so high up?You could risk going further, but if you passed out here, no one friendly would find you.You had to give up.It was probably the first time you came up to the surface and decided the air wasn’t that bad. You gasped for it, feeling the constant scratch in your throat. You had never dealt with these fumes before.It undermined your professionalism, but this time, there was very little you could do.You pulled your hood over your head, distancing yourself a little from the lights and sounds of the city. You had less distance to Last Drop than to your own place, and Silco probably expected you to return with information.What could Marcus be doing in the tunnels?That question kept you uneasy, all the way to the bar.And only then did it hit you how damn early it was.Silco could be working late, but you didn’t expect to find him at this hour. It threw off the whole plan. Instead of heading straight up, you approached the entrance, relieved to see the familiar doorman."Tough night?" he asked, reaching for the handle to open the door.You stopped him with a gesture."Worse," you muttered, tired. "Is he upstairs?""Boss? No, he left a few hours ago.""Fuck," you cursed quietly. "And Sevika? Has she been here?""I haven’t seen her since yesterday. Maybe just wait?"The question was naïve in its simplicity.The luxury of ignorance.You rubbed your forehead, trying not to raise your voice."I’m afraid it’s a race against time," you pulled a coin from your pocket and tossed it to him. "Drink on me. Maybe I won’t go crazy. If you see Sevika, tell her I was looking for her."He smiled and nodded. He was pleased with the offer.But it wasn’t just an empty gesture. Jeff, like Sara, had a sharp sense of observation. He didn’t show it openly, but he collected valuable information. Buying him a drink gained you a bit of his goodwill.The problem was that the situation was getting more complicated.You didn’t know whether to follow Marcus or report first.But did you have a choice now?You couldn’t sit still.You could just grab your gear and go back to the tunnels.You wouldn’t be able to rest anyway. *** You were torn between what you felt you had to do and what you should do. Of course, no one had specified exactly what suspicious behavior you were supposed to report. But that was in the past—back when you chased after Zarys. This time you were also taking a risk because you had no idea what was lurking underground. You knew that if something went wrong, you couldn’t cover it under an ongoing investigation. Silco wouldn’t forgive you for this behavior a second time. Your issues with him were one thing—the risk of Marcus finding out someone was following him was a whole different matter.When you returned to your place, you "borrowed" a mask from one of the lockers, similar to the ones the guards use. It wasn’t labeled, so maybe no one would be looking for it. And in a few hours, you’d put it back.Of course, you didn’t find Sevika in the building. Wherever she went, there was no point in looking for her—she could be anywhere. You were in the middle of packing up the rest of your gear when something interrupted the usual rhythm of the place. Faster steps, more confident, heading toward a goal. You threw your backpack over your shoulder, hoping you weren’t the target."Wait!"You stopped, surprised by the shout. You weren’t sure if it was meant for you, but when you saw the familiar face coming toward you, you suppressed your reluctance. The guy from the hospital, guarding the room. They all must have learned it from Sevika—this intrusive sense of duty."What’s up?" you asked curtly, not hiding your exhaustion."Your friend escaped."You stopped putting on your gloves and looked up, furrowing your brows. You instinctively glanced around, as if the answer could be hiding somewhere in the shadows."Sara? Why would she run?""Sara?" he looked at you, confused. "I’m talking about the crazy one from the hospital."You processed his words for a few seconds too long. A cold shiver ran down your spine, but it was quickly replaced with irritation."Lacey?" you muttered, tasting that familiar bitter anger in your mouth. "And good riddance.""She got under your skin that much?"

“Literally,” you moved your hand over your shoulder, as if the wound might reopen at the very thought. “When did she escape?”
“This morning. Someone left the door open, and she took the chance,” he shrugged, as if it was just ordinary information, nothing too important.
You clenched your teeth.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“I thought you’d want to know,” he raised an eyebrow, as if it were obvious. “I’d want to know if some lunatic was wandering around the city.”
“Thanks for the concern, but I’ll manage,” the words came out sharper than you intended. You immediately winced. “Sorry, that was too harsh. Thanks for the info, but that woman is the last thing I want to think about right now.”
You probably surprised him with that sudden shift in tone. He scratched his head, as if unsure how to handle it.
“Like… nothing happened, I get it.” He nodded, still a bit flustered. “Not many people apologize around here.”
You snorted briefly, surprised by how much that amused you.
“I’ll remember to be more rude to you next time.”
He chuckled to himself and just walked away, not adding anything else. You shook your head, still unable to fully grasp the dynamics among these people. But it wasn’t something worth dwelling on right now. Lacey had escaped. And if you knew anything about people driven by anger, her first target would be revenge.
You probably had to prepare for more than just a claw fight. As if you didn’t have enough problems already, you’d brought an emotionally unstable widow onto yourself.
You wanted to hide even more in the tunnels beneath the city.
When you finished this, you had to figure out how to work with them when neither of them would be available. Absurd. Sevika complained you were acting outside the rules, but she didn’t give you any info until you started asking. Then she was surprised you were doing something on your own again.
There was no chance Marcus was still in Zaun. But it was your only lead for now. You decided to take a different route to the workshop. You entered unnoticed through the still open door, not waiting, not checking if anyone had visited the building after you. When you jumped into the mud and dirty water, you felt relief that at least your nose was covered.
It was humid, dark, and cramped – the mask only heightened the claustrophobic feeling. Each step echoed hollowly off the tunnel walls, but in reality, you barely heard it over the sound of your own breathing. In places like these, time lost its meaning. You could have been walking for hours, or maybe just a few minutes – everything blurred as the darkness swallowed your perspective, and the only clue left was the pulsing rhythm of fatigue in your temples.
After a while, you stepped onto slightly drier ground, and the tracks disappeared. You cursed under your breath. You checked every branch, making sure you hadn’t missed a turn, but most of them were closed off or blocked. The only path led forward. You still had the feeling you were heading south, but certainty in these conditions felt like a dream.
And then it started to annoy you.
Instead of focusing on the tracks, you kept thinking about the words of those guys who had threatened Marcus. What they’d said about Last Drop didn’t sit right with you. Everyone in Zaun knew that place belonged to Silco, and only a madman would dare try anything under his nose. And they didn’t look desperate. What could they have been doing there? You had no facts, just suspicions, and that unsettled you. You felt your teeth clench so hard it started to hurt half your face. What did Marcus have to do with Last Drop?
You stopped for a moment but didn’t risk taking off your mask. You needed a break. Anger was stealing your breath, and your fingers clenched into fists on your thighs. You knew you were being too emotional. You had personal grudges with Marcus – for what he’d done, you’d gladly see his dead body at your feet – but this shouldn’t be taking over you this much.
You needed answers, but for now, you could only rely on your own steps and the suffocating smell of old concrete.
You gathered yourself and moved on. This tunnel had to have an end. Marcus probably didn’t come here for a stroll. A cool gust blew the sweat from your face.
You stopped, hesitantly taking off your mask. The first breath of cold air was a relief. You were getting close to some exit.
You squinted, trying to see something in the darkness ahead. Just in case, you hid your flashlight, relying on your other senses. With every step, you made your movements quieter, almost to the minimum. The last few meters you took with maximum caution. Every step was controlled. You were tense and ready to flee.
When the darkness began to shift into gray, you knew you had reached your destination. The tunnel sharply turned left. The light suddenly became sharper, but that only heightened your anxiety. You clearly heard the sound of shoes scraping against the ground.
You cautiously approached the turn and glanced up. At the very end of the tunnel stood a man with a rifle in his hand. He wasn’t looking at you, just watching the area in front of him.
This was the end.
You couldn’t go any further.
You backed up, feeling the pressure in your body drop. Maybe you hadn’t found Marcus, but you’d gained something else. Who had a reason to guard an unused tunnel? There was only one question left: were these Marcus’s men, or Finn’s?
A question you wouldn’t answer standing frozen by the wall. Too much information had piled up in a single day.
You hoped that when you went to Last Drop this time, Silco would be there. You didn’t feel like looking for him all over Zaun.
After over an hour of making your way through the tunnel again, you entered the basement under the workshop and felt dirty. You needed to catch your breath. You massaged your cheeks, which surely had mask imprints on them. You’d had a similar one on when you pulled Lacey out of prison, and you could say one thing – never again.
You liked breathing too much.
The hum you heard as you climbed the stairs wasn’t your blood pounding in your ears. It started raining, which you welcomed with open joy. Eagerly, you stepped into the rain, letting it wash away the mud from your shoes, the last trace that you’d been underground.
In such weather, the streets had become a little deserted, which meant you could walk ahead without drawing attention to every passerby. A slight tightness in your stomach reminded you who you were returning to. You tried to suppress the excited smile threatening to creep onto your lips, but it was hard. The task had taken you long enough. Now, with a little more space in your mind, he was pushing his way into your thoughts, trying to dominate them entirely.
Shit, this was no way to work...
But you’d never admit how easily he distracted you.
The rain poured down your skin, soaked into your clothes, and squeezed into your shoes. You couldn’t care less. You breathed deeply, filling your lungs with the cold, moisture-laden air, but it didn’t help.
You couldn’t shake the familiar pressure in your chest. It was starting to hit you just how much everything had changed. It wasn’t about where you were now or what you were doing—it was that there was no longer room in your head for anything else. He was there.
How many times had you told yourself you were a professional? That you could control this?
Ha.

Don’t provoke rumors, behave, work above all.

Sevika’s voice echoed in your mind like a mantra. Familiar words, sensible, so damn sensible. And maybe, if you were smarter, if you were less you, you would’ve listened to them.
But you weren’t.
So instead of stopping, you kept walking, quickening your pace.
You entered the bar, indifferent to Jeff’s gaze. For a moment, you still felt the faint moisture of the rain on your skin, but it only took walking down the hall and climbing the stairs for your body to adjust to the familiar tension.
You didn’t have to wonder if he would be there. He was. Of course, he was. It was almost as if you sensed it subconsciously, drawn by thoughts of him.
The door creaked open quietly, and your gaze immediately caught his familiar silhouette. He was sitting behind the desk, focused, not even lifting his eyes.
You suppressed a slight disappointment when you saw that Sevika was in the room.
That should’ve snapped you out of it. It should’ve reminded you that this wasn’t the right moment, that you had to behave.
But you were tired.
You were irritated.
And it was fucking frustrating that the first bit of free space in your mind was instantly filled with his presence.
You knew what the priority was. But somewhere at the edge of your thoughts, a fantasy lingered, wishing he would dismiss her, beckon you with a finger, and invite you into the game again.
Screw it. You really wanted to do it again.
You slammed the door, harder than necessary.
Sevika raised an eyebrow, but Silco didn’t even look up.
"Finally on a job, I see?" you said, leaning against the door with false ease.
It wasn’t smart. But who said you were going to stay smart?
Silco didn’t tear his gaze from the papers, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. Damn… You needed to focus. Whatever was happening in your head, you had to keep it under control.
Sevika narrowed her eyes, watching you closely. She didn’t comment on the joke but clearly waited for some foolish move from your side.
You feared she was about to get it because your professionalism just flew out the window.
"What do you have?" she asked, not hiding her interest.
"I followed Marcus as long as I could," you sank heavily into a chair, ignoring the weariness settling over you like dust. "He disappeared into the tunnels under Zaun by morning. Before you jump on me for stepping out of line, I was looking for you," you added sharply, seeing Sevika open her mouth. "You weren’t here, so I went back to the tunnels to check."
Sevika took it with a look that balanced between irritation and amusement. She nodded. Go on.
You rubbed your face with your hand, feeling the growing headache.
"The tunnel goes far south. I don’t think it’s in use. The exits are blocked or permanently closed. The only one I found is guarded by armed men. I don’t know who they’re working for."
Sevika stood up and walked to the map on the desk. She stared at it intently for a moment, then gestured for you to come closer.
"Show me."
You leaned over the map, your hand tracing the streets.
"Here’s the workshop he entered from the inside. If I’m not mistaken, it’s somewhere here," you pointed to a spot on the map. "That’s the exit."
Sevika frowned.
"So you’d better hope you didn’t mix up the directions."
"Why?"
She looked at you with undisguised satisfaction. She waited, stretching the silence just to irritate you.
"Maybe you just pointed to the place I was looking for."
Your heart froze.
"Is this it? Do we have his factory?"
"No," Silco suddenly interjected. "Not yet."
His gaze was on you, sharp and expectant.
"What exactly was Marcus doing at that place?"
You sighed, trying to recall every detail.
"I thought he was having a meeting. But when he disappeared into the tunnels, I’m not sure anymore." You squinted. "After he entered, a few people joined him right away. I overheard their conversation. Marcus has some unfinished dealings with them. They were asking for money. But he didn’t leave with them, so I suspect they found him."
"What kind of people?" Sevika asked.
"How should I know?" You shrugged. "I only heard what they were saying. It sounds like they’ve been working for him for a while."
Silco tilted his head, his gaze piercing.
"How long? Can you estimate?"
You opened your mouth to answer but you were losing your cool with that look.
"Well," you started uncertainly, "according to what they said about Last Drop, it’s..."
You stopped.
Something cold ran down your spine.
No.
It couldn’t be.
Those people wanted money for the bar deal. But that place was heavily guarded. Nothing suspicious happened there—except for that one night.
That one fucking night.
You sprang to your feet so abruptly that the chair fell over with a loud thud.
Blood rushed to your head. Your vision blurred.
You had to grip the desk.
You couldn’t focus. You were breathing fast, too fast, as if you suddenly found yourself in a too-tight room.
How could you have missed this?
How could you have forgotten who was really behind it?
You clenched your teeth and spat out:
"What a sick, fucked up… motherfucker."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Reality crashed down on you with full force, making your breath burn in your throat. You stared at your boots, feeling a panicked laugh rising inside you, but clenched teeth let nothing out except a furious breath. This wasn’t a mistake whose oversight could cost you dearly. No. You had simply been given the full picture of who Marcus truly was."Who?"Sevika's voice reached you slightly muffled, as if you were underwater, but you could still sense the boredom in it. You pushed away from the edge and looked at her, barely holding back your rage."Marcus," you gritted out through clenched teeth."And?" she shrugged. "We've known that from the start. Just catching up now?"You raised your hands, tempted to tighten them around the sheriff’s invisible throat, but you let it go, clasping them behind your head instead. You took a step back, but the anger still pulsed in your temples, in your stomach, in muscles tensed for a fight."Do you just not give a fuck about what happens to people around you, or do you seriously not get it?"Sevika suddenly snapped, stepping closer. Ready to attack. But you didn’t back down. Not this time."Say that again," she growled.Her anger crashed against you like a wave against a rock. Surprisingly, her outburst didn’t affect you anymore. Maybe because you carried a greater fire within yourself."This wasn’t an accident," you started coldly. "This variant didn’t end up here by mistake. Marcus hired people to plant it in the Last Drop."Sevika narrowed her eyes. She didn’t back away, but something in her stance shifted—it wasn’t just anger anymore. There was something cautious, calculating."I don’t know what you’re getting at. We’ve known Marcus was behind it for a while. Why bring this up now?""Because I fucking drank it!" you spat out, as if the words burned inside you.Sevika remained silent, but her jaw tightened slightly. Her gaze scanned your face, weighing how much of this was hysteria and how much was an actual problem."That night, when I got the job, I drank that shit because Marcus thought it would be a great idea to put it into circulation here! Or maybe not just here, I don’t even know anymore..."You started pacing nervously, feeling the tension choking you. One night, one drink, and the life you knew crumbled to dust. Because one man used Zaun as a testing ground for his drug."Marcus isn’t stupid enough to start messing around right under our noses.""That’s the point—this might not be the only place!" you emphasized, gesturing sharply. "He knew that if overdoses happened at the Last Drop, no one would pay attention. For fuck’s sake, everyone knows where shimmer comes from.""I still don’t get why you’re obsessing over this," Sevika muttered. "You drank it, it happened. We know who’s behind it, and he needs to go.""It’s not just about the fact that it happened," Silco cut in.His voice sliced through the tension in the room like a blade. Slow, calm. Too calm."I don’t know if he was testing the product on people to see if anyone would notice or if he just wanted to cause chaos," you finished for him, enunciating carefully so Sevika wouldn’t take it as an attack. "The point is, he unleashed something this dangerous and then wiped his hands clean. Too many people have already died because of him, and he walks our streets like he’s untouchable."Your hands curled into fists, fury burning through you like wildfire. You had him in your grasp. No one would’ve noticed if a lone body suddenly plunged into the water. You were bound by a promise. You had given your word that you wouldn’t act outside the plan, but when you remembered his straight-backed stride through the city, never looking back, you regretted not reaching for your knife."Marcus is a two-faced snake. No surprise he bites wherever he can."You looked at her, exhausted from fighting to prove that your anger had the right to exist."Marcus doesn’t see us as people, just as test subjects for his experiments. He got bored of testing it on prisoners and moved on to Zaun," you spoke quietly, knowing that one note higher and you’d start shouting. "He knew what he was doing. No one’s shocked by another corpse in some dark alley.""This wasn’t a reckless move driven by curiosity," Silco remarked. "It was a calculated play to see how the half-product behaves in a different environment."You blinked. Suddenly, images flooded your mind—people swaying on their feet, uneven breaths, violet eyes gleaming in the dim light. Marcus watching it all from a distance, assessing, analyzing. That fucking overlord. Who did he think he was?"Do you remember when Zarys' records on prisoners stop?" Silco asked quietly.Your gaze was empty. Thoughts started flooding you, drowning you, pulling you under."Over six months ago," you murmured, searching your memory. "Right around when Lacey ended up in the Stillwater."Silco set his glass down with a faint clink. You cursed yourself for forgetting so quickly where you had first encountered the product. You had focused so much on survival that you did exactly what Sevika had noticed—let it go, no use dwelling on the problem, just find a way out.But what you had just learned made it painfully clear how desperate Marcus was to use shimmer as a weapon against Silco."I knew the statistics didn’t fully match reality when I got the first reports," he said quietly, pulling a stack of papers from a drawer. "I know what comes out of my factories and who buys it, but monitoring what happens with shimmer afterward isn’t possible. I heard about severe deaths on the streets, but when a drug passes through so many hands, it’s hard to track its purity."He stepped closer, handing you the documents, but they might as well have been in another language. You tried to read them, but the words blurred together into strange shapes you couldn’t decipher. This didn’t tell you anything."What a sick, fucked-up bastard. If only I could get my hands on him," you growled, voice breaking slightly as you crushed the papers in your grip.Silco raised an eyebrow slightly but didn’t comment. Whatever he was trying to tell you wasn’t breaking through the waves of fury crashing through your mind."I know revenge is driving you again, but you need to let this go. Can you?" he asked seriously.You nodded.There will be time for revenge. And when that time comes, you’ll make sure his punishment is just as painful as what you went through.Your conversation was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. A sliver of light slipped through the narrow gap, and a moment later, you saw Jeff’s uncertain expression—he wasn’t sure if he should step inside."Sir? I don’t want to interrupt, but I have a message."Without a word, Sevika walked over and snatched the letter from him. Jeff quickly pulled his hand back, as if afraid he might lose it. No surprise there—her current expression didn’t exactly encourage hesitation.You set the crumpled papers aside on the table and stepped away. Rubbing your temples, you tried to steady yourself, but the bitter taste in your mouth wouldn’t fade. The urge to step outside, to let the rain wash away everything connected to shimmer, gnawed at you.But looking at your hands, you knew it would never leave you."Who would’ve thought…" Silco murmured, reaching for a cigar.You lifted your head, watching as Sevika unfolded the letter to read it. He was calm, slightly amused, as if he had just received an interesting gift. Sevika scoffed loudly before passing the message to you."It was only a matter of time before he cracked."The surprise yanked you away from the abyss you’d been staring into. You hesitantly took the paper, sensing the weight of the gesture. You focused on the writing, but something still felt off—how had they read Finn’s agreement to Silco’s terms in this? It was just a time and an address."What is this about?" you asked."Finn found the one responsible for the shooting in the upper city and plans to hand him over to us tonight."You felt your blood freeze in your veins."But…""Yes, we know it was you. I was there," Sevika cut you off with a hint of derision. "I was starting to think the man had no sense of self-preservation."Something didn’t add up. Yes, you were responsible. But Marcus still needed a flesh-and-blood scapegoat, someone he could lock away. This wasn’t about an object—it was a person."He’s giving up someone from his own side? That man could deny everything.""You’ve been to Stillwater," Silco’s voice was calm but sharp. "It doesn’t matter what you’re in for. What matters is that the numbers add up. The Council has their culprit—they won’t even question him."You knew who should really be behind bars. But there was no one. You had no one to point to. It was you. You were the one the enforcers were hunting.In that moment, you’d had no choice. You hadn’t hesitated. The shot had been necessary—it happened. If someone had to die, it wasn’t going to be you. It was real, simple, undeniable. But now Marcus demanded a guilty party. He needed a scapegoat so the Council would back off.And you… you knew that if Silco were pragmatic to the extreme, he could name you.He hadn’t. And you were grateful for that—but that gratitude rested on shaky ground.You stole a glance at him."I know what you’re thinking," his voice broke into your thoughts. You looked at him carefully but didn’t intend to explain yourself. "Don’t dwell on what’s done. Don’t forget who’s truly behind this."You knew. You could see him clearly in your mind. And now, knowing how the variant had entered Zaun, your resolve solidified.You breathed steadily. You had your answer. The next time you met Marcus, one of you would end up dead."What’s next?" you asked firmly.Sevika studied you before shifting her gaze to Silco, but it was he who spoke first."I’ll hand Marcus his culprit, according to his own arrangements. Once the Council is off his back, he’ll stop wasting our time."That would be enough.For a moment, relief washed over you. You had no illusions about your nature, but the thought of prison still triggered an instinctive fear. Before Silco had told you outright that he needed you on the team, you hadn’t been sure where you stood. You didn’t want the only reason to be whatever existed between you.You had proven your worth. That was why you were still here.Sevika stood and walked over to the map, leaning over it in concentration."If he wants to make the exchange tonight, he’ll be less cautious.""I know. But we need concrete proof that he’s producing the variant there."Suddenly, she picked up the knife lying on the desk and stabbed it hard into the paper before her. You flinched in surprise, but Silco didn’t even blink."I checked the area," she said seriously, keeping her eyes on the city map. "He owns five factories side by side. But the only one I can’t get into is the one that’s guarded. The tunnel exit lines up with what we already know.""You don’t have to convince me. I know you’re right. But I want you at the meeting with Finn tonight—he can’t suspect anything."Your mouth opened before you even had time to think, letting three words carry all your determination."I’ll do it."Sevika turned her gaze to you, slightly surprised by your offer. You saw the flicker in her brow as if she were weighing her response, but before she could say a word, Silco cut through the silence with a single reply:"No."You clenched your teeth, holding back an immediate retort. His stare wasn’t just stern—it was so intense you could almost feel it against your skin, like water closing in around you beneath the surface.What was that?"You know damn well I’m the best for this. I know what to look for."You stepped closer, stopping beside Sevika. For a moment, he didn’t answer, his gaze locked on empty space before him as if he were weighing every word he was about to say."This isn’t just a break-in. You have no idea what you’ll find there.""Occupational hazard," you shot back. "You think I don’t know? If you can name one person better suited for this job than me, I’ll back off."You were provoking him on purpose. You knew he wouldn’t name anyone. You saw his fingers twitch slightly before he rubbed his forehead with a hint of frustration. When he finally lifted his gaze, you knew something had shifted—but you couldn’t put a name to it. The words were from your boss, but the look wasn’t."This isn’t about picking the best employee," he said quietly. "You’re willingly exposing yourself to potential contact with the variant."A nervous twist tightened in your stomach. Not fear of the drug. You shook your head, pushing the feeling away. You couldn’t let it distract you—not now, when you were so close to the answer."If you think that too, then why—"“Don’t make me remind you what happened the last time you recklessly ran off seeking revenge.”His voice hit you like a blow.“It’s not the same,” you replied, forcing calm into your voice.He took a step toward you. He was serious, but you didn’t feel any malice in him.“It’s exactly the same. You’re rushing into action without a plan.”“Who said I don’t have one?” you asked lightly, but the tension in the air was too thick to dispel with a single joke.“Yeah? Enlighten me. How are you going to get in?”“I’ll figure it out once I scout the area. That’s never been a problem for me.”You shrugged, but there was something heavy weighing on your shoulders, making the motion feel unnatural.“And then what?” he asked quickly. “What about the guards? Where will you start?”“What’s your point?” you snapped. “It didn’t bother you that we didn’t have a plan when you barged into Marcus’s house.”“The sheriff’s house isn’t guarded by people we don’t know. This isn’t peaceful Piltover. Someone loses their life with every careless step here.”You rolled your eyes, ignoring the sharpness in his words. Something in this conversation felt different. Not the topic, not the words, but him. You couldn’t read him in that moment.“Stop stating the obvious, will you?” you asked, feeling your frustration grow. “Don’t treat me like a rookie.”Silco narrowed his eyes. You’d learned enough about him to know he usually avoided conversations like this. He should’ve done what he always does—cut the conversation short with an order. But now, he didn’t stop looking at you, and that gaze was almost suffocating.“This isn’t a casual mission that you can bail out of when it gets dangerous. Have you thought about what happens if someone spots you?”“I’ll manage,” you replied boldly, but bravado wasn’t the way to him. “Zaun always comes first, right?” you asked slowly, seriously.He flinched suddenly, as if thrown off balance. It seemed like you heard a heavy, angry sigh, but it slipped away too quickly. It wasn’t a jab. It was the truth you saw, the truth you wanted to see. A faint movement beside you reminded you that Sevika was still there, but her presence faded into the background. You took a deep breath and stepped forward, focusing only on him. You hadn’t thought it through, standing so close, within arm’s reach.“That’s what it’s about, you know. This isn’t about me or you. One piece of evidence—that’s all we need. I’m ready to risk it.”Silco gritted his teeth, his lips twitching, but it wasn’t a smile. Finally, he looked away. You saw him reach for a glass, but he stopped halfway. His hand hovered in the air for a brief moment, then dropped limply by his side.“But I’m not,” he admitted quietly.Something in that confession burrowed under your skin. You shifted uncomfortably. You heard Sevika shift her weight from one foot to the other, as if she’d become uncomfortable. You hadn’t expected those words. You hadn’t expected him to say them with her there.“Don’t do this,” your voice came out quieter than you intended.You were afraid to look at Sevika, yet you couldn’t stop watching Silco. It was like seeing him for the first time, or maybe seeing him anew. But the image was different; you saw him, how he looked, what he was doing. It was different, and that’s what distracted you. Because you noticed the slightest shift in his body as he moved. It was like you were waiting for some sign.“Specifically, what?” his tone stayed gentle.Something was very off. You realized it when you saw certainty in his eyes and an urgency that pushed him further. He pushed away from the desk. He didn’t have to move closer for you to feel the heat radiating off him. It clung to your skin like wet clothes, but it was... comforting.“You weren’t supposed to pull me away from work.”Your words sounded weak, as if you didn’t believe in their meaning. Everything about him had changed. His posture, his breath… this wasn’t the control you’d expected. His words clashed with how he was acting. You felt Sevika’s gaze on you—warning, hard—but you ignored it. It irritated you that everyone expected professionalism from you, but when you tried to be logical, you suddenly became the problem.“And you weren’t supposed to play the hero,” his voice dropped to a threatening whisper as he leaned in slightly, not caring that you weren’t alone.And then it hit. The certainty, the lack of shame about what was between you. It was strong, intense, and too greedy to hide from.Still, you lifted your chin, forcing yourself to hold his gaze, though your heart was pounding in your chest.“If I were trying, I wouldn’t be waiting for permission… sir.”Seeing the shadow of a smile appear on his lips, you cursed inwardly. It was a mistake. You should’ve known better. You should’ve remembered what happened the last time you addressed him this way. You knew you’d gone too far when his gaze lingered on your lips for a fraction of a second.“Sir? And yet you still question my decision.”Fuck… His voice, his gaze, the way his presence seemed to consume you—all of it was making you lose your footing. He looked at you expectantly, waiting for you to back off, waiting for hesitation to break through your determination. You couldn’t let him have that.“Then say it,” you threw back, challenging him. “Give me the order.”Something flashed in his eyes. He wasn’t smiling the same way anymore. It was something darker, more decisive. Your breath became uneven, like after running through all of Zaun. You raised your hand to rub your tired eyes, trying to disconnect from the atmosphere.Before you could do anything, his hand closed around your wrist—not roughly, but with a force you couldn’t ignore. The air thickened in an instant. You sucked in a breath through your teeth, feeling his thumb lazily trail across your skin, as if testing your reaction.“An enticing idea,” his voice was a low hum, with barely noticeable admiration. “After all, the decision is mine, isn’t it?”Whatever was happening, you were too deep in it to want to back out. All it would take was to close your eyes and let yourself be swept away. Maybe you would’ve said something just as provocative if it weren’t for the sharp, impatient sigh.“For fuck’s sake, are you two finally deciding, or do I need to leave you alone?” Sevika’s snarl cut through the tension like a blade. The sound of her boot hitting the floor snapped you out of the game. “We get it. You two are a damn power struggle. But can we move the fuck on?”Silco didn’t let go right away. You felt his hand tighten slightly, as if he was calculating whether this moment should last longer. For a second, you were sure he would drag it out more—that he would push it further, but it was Sevika who broke the illusion.Finally, his fingers relaxed. Slowly, lazily, he dragged his fingertips across your skin before letting go completely.Breathing was a luxury you didn’t deserve. Your head buzzed, like you’d just surfaced from deep water, greedily gulping air. You didn’t take a step back, couldn’t, even when Sevika’s stare began to burn a hole in your back.“Fine,” his voice was a knife hidden beneath silk. “You have tonight to find the evidence.”You had no idea what had just happened. Your thoughts were pure chaos, your heart still beating too fast. You could feel his touch more clearly than usual, almost burned into your skin like a mark you couldn’t erase. Like something that brought to the surface things that had stayed dormant until now."We’re going," Sevika passed you, throwing you a brief, warning glance. "Don’t make me wait for you, because you’ll regret that idea."You gave Silco one last look, but he had already stepped back, returning to his usual mask of cold indifference. Only his eyes betrayed that he didn’t feel it at all. You shook your head, knowing that whatever came next was beyond your control.The problem was, you’d never had that control. And now you’d lost everything that had been its pathetic semblance.The door closed behind you, and everything suddenly became sharp and clear. Cold. You looked at Sevika’s back as she walked ahead of you. She was clearly irritated, and you understood perfectly why, but you had no intention of apologizing. You knew this had gone too far, but you weren’t alone in this relationship. Much of what had happened was his fault too. Although you still weren’t entirely sure, something had changed, but you didn’t know when it happened.You had barely walked down the corridor when she suddenly stopped, and before you could react, she jerked you by the shoulder, pressing you against the wall. The impact knocked the breath out of you, and pain shot through your ribs. You couldn’t even growl as you had intended."What the hell do you think you’re doing?""What’s your problem now?" you hissed, regaining your voice.Sevika looked around, then pinned your arm to the wall."You think that if you get under his skin, you’ll win something?""Someone has to get into that factory, and you know it damn well," you snapped, struggling aimlessly with her."I’m not talking about that," her voice carried a warning. "You think that if you keep standing up to him like this, it’ll be more fun? Damn… I told you not to stir up trouble in the team. You think he’ll just sit calmly and wait for you to come back? I won’t be surprised if someone loses their head.""Start being clearer, or I’ll go back alone," you pushed her hand off when the pressure lightened, but Sevika didn’t pay attention to it."I see you want him too. And it makes me wanna puke because of you. What the hell are you provoking him for?""What?" you gasped, feeling a sudden pressure in your stomach."Don’t play innocent," she scoffed, poking your shoulder with her finger. "You knew exactly what you were getting into, and you didn’t give a damn about the warnings. I don’t know why you’re tiptoeing around him like this, but it’s causing problems for others."You turned away, unable to bear not just her gaze but your own thoughts."Sevika...""No. Now you listen. And you’re going to do something about it, because if I come to him tomorrow and he’s still acting like he wants to bite someone’s head off, you’ll regret the day you lost your mind telling him how you feel.""It’s none of your business,""It’s my damn business from the very start! You’re complicating not just your lives, but everyone else’s too. If you’re that restless, go back there now and let’s get this over with. I won’t send you on a mission if you can’t focus."Her tone was icy, but her eyes were burning with anger. She was breathing heavily, as if she herself was barely holding it together. She clenched her fists, as though wanting to hit something just to keep from saying anything more."Fuck... The meeting’s in a few hours. Get yourself together by then. You know where to find me."She turned on her heel and walked away, leaving you with chaos pulsing in your chest. She left you not only shocked by her violent - even for her - outburst but mainly by the fact that her harsh words hit the point too much.You leaned against the wall, feeling that the rain was not enough to cool your thoughts. What had been burning in the background so far was now devouring your every thought.The fire wanted more.You rested your hands on your thighs and leaned heavily. You needed a sobering, an awakening - but did it have to hit so hard? You massaged the phantom pain in your ribs, but your breathing didn't return to normal. You pushed away the thought of where your relationship was leading. It was easier to focus on your work, because when you returned with your memories to the moments when he pressed you against that table with almost his whole body, you felt that you were going feral. You didn't have to search deep for those memories. They were floating just below the surface, ready for you to dive into them.You wanted it. Your body longed for his touch. When he grabbed your hand today, you felt like you were going up in flames. If that touch pushed you over the edge, the vision of what might happen next made you slide against the wall, losing feeling in your legs.You didn't quite called it by name. It was easy to push away the desire to be closer to him, to drown it out with work - but you couldn't run away from it. From yourself. From him. From the simple, unbearable need to go that one step further.“Damn...”You covered your face with your hands, certain that in this state you wouldn't be able to concentrate. Exactly as Sevika said. You didn't know what was holding you back. The vision of being closer to Silco provided too many sensations you weren't ready for. You felt him. You were touching him. His lips were hungry and his hands on your body were appropriating - bloody delightful in the way they took possession of you. It was too much. And at the same time - not enough.You took a shuddering breath, feeling yourself falling. The abyss was pulling you deeper and deeper as the fantasies became bolder and bolder. Risky. Tempting. So much so that you felt like going back to him and having all your plans go away.Fuck... you needed him.Now that you admitted it to yourself, you felt you wanted him more than oxygen.You knew you weren't alone in this - but did you really understand that? You remembered his gaze. It wasn't mere desire. It was something more. A depth. An abyss. A need that wanted to devour you. Something that, by some miracle, he had kept at bay. You wanted to give in to it. You wanted to see where it would take you.Why was it different?Because you were fully aware of who you were and what you were doing. Silco was known for the fact that if he needed something he didn't hesitate to reach out. You felt it perfectly when he stepped between your legs showing you directly what his intentions were. The result of a moment that would have taken you further. But Sevika interrupted you, entered the room bringing reality with her. If you were ready for anything then, why was it different now?Because now you were fully aware of what you both wanted.You tightened your fingers on your thighs, forcing yourself to take a deep breath. Now you didn't have time for that. No matter how strong the fire consumed your body you had much more on your mind than your needs. Sevika was right - if you can't focus, you might as well go back right away and spare yourself the humiliation.But you won't go back. You won't give her the satisfaction.You pushed the thoughts as far away as possible, even though you knew they were still there - waiting, hungry, ready to consume you again. You couldn't get rid of them, but you had to control them.At least for now.You lifted your head, pushing away from the wall. You were not ready to return to reality but you had no other. *** Before you entered, you pressed your forehead against the cold wall. If she sees that you're still losing control over yourself, she'll lock you up somewhere, even without your consent. Probably in a windowless room so you can’t escape. And she’d have every right to do so because you were acting like an addict reminded of what a drug tastes like.How on earth were you able to talk to him yesterday? You must have still been drunk when you did. How else, damn it, did you manage to keep your wits about you? You were alone. No one would have interrupted you. There was no Sevika to pull you out of that frenzy. Fuck... it was the perfect opportunity, and you wasted it. How did you manage to walk away, go back to work, convince yourself that you were still in control? Ridiculous. Pathetic. Because now you knew—that state had been just an illusion, the last remnants of the drug, whose taste had now completely evaporated. The sudden, intense, and desperate realization that you didn’t want to limit yourself to quick kisses exchanged in stolen moments hit you with full force.Maybe yesterday you didn’t feel the rush because you weren’t thinking about the future in such a mundane way. You focused on the work, on how others saw you. As if they were something greater than your own desires, as if only the moves on the chessboard mattered. Maybe then you could still pretend not to see the truth—that you didn’t understand why his confidence was so strong.But today, you couldn’t anymore.When you saw the hunger in him—this unflinching, certain desire to return to what had already happened—you understood that this wasn’t some fantasy. It was a simple, strong, real need that couldn’t be postponed indefinitely. It was no longer a question of if, but when.You entered the room with a vacant look, as if your thoughts were still somewhere far away, too deeply tangled in something you couldn’t shake off. You hesitated by the door, fingers gripping the handle just a little too tightly—maybe for a second, you really thought about turning back. There was no anger in you, no exhaustion that Sevika might have anticipated. There was something worse. Something that made it so that one glance was all it took for her to understand.“No,” she said immediately.You stopped halfway, your hand still on the handle, unsure of why she was denying you.“Am I supposed to…”“Get in, don’t stand there like a fool,” she snapped quickly.You shut the door behind you, uncertain of what kind of mood you had just encountered. She was still irritated, but not as furious as before. You tossed your bag under the chair and sat down heavily."I almost believed you," she laughed dryly. "I almost believed you had control when we talked yesterday. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t let you guard a pencil when you’re acting like a dangerous lunatic who should be locked away."You laughed involuntarily but quickly sobered under her sharp gaze."I haven’t been called that before," you muttered. "So if you don’t see any point in this, why’d you tell me to come?""Because unlike you, I can focus on work and not on whims," she growled, pinching the bridge of her nose with two fingers.You shrank a little under the weight of her words. You knew she was right, but what were you supposed to say? That you cut off the physical side of this relationship as quickly as you could because you weren’t ready to think of Silco as a partner? That the thought of finally being his, in the way that left no room for doubt felt like a madman’s fantasy, but when you realized how much you had hoped for, you couldn't get those visions out of your head? You gasped for air, tasting those words. Damn… this was Silco, The Eye of Zaun, he would never just be a man.“Give me a break, can you?” you asked weakly. “We either do this, or we don’t. Listen, I… maybe I’ve only just realized what I’ve gotten myself into, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what this fight is about. Your move.”You saw her wrestling with her thoughts. You didn’t blame her—whatever you two had started, it was from the wrong angle, piling up more and more problems over time. What happened today was entirely your fault. Not because Silco was waiting for you to join him, but because you hadn’t been looking at the two of you the way you should have long ago.“I’m going to regret this,” she sighed. “The meeting with Finn is in a few hours. I won’t help you get inside, but I can show you the safest routes. What you do after that is up to you. If they catch you…”“I know I know, I'm left alone with this.”“No. Silco will move heaven and earth to get you out.”You froze instantly. You waited for any sign that she was joking, but she was dead serious.“Well, it’s sinking in now, huh?” she leaned in and smiled menacingly. “You’ve got the obsession of the most dangerous man in Zaun on your head. How’s reality tasting?”You clenched your teeth, refusing to be provoked, but you could see clearly what this passion for finding his feelings had led to. Damn… This was The Eye of Zaun, he would never just be a man.“For someone who’s focused on work, you think about me too much,” you said boldly.You watched her expression shift from mocking to surprised, then to amused.“Maybe you’re not as stupid as I thought,” Sevika crossed her arms, leaning against the desk. “You have access to the equipment. If you need anything, just ask. You’re looking for anything that confirms the product is there. Without getting into a fight. No one can know what you’re doing there, you can’t eliminate anyone. Got it?”You nodded, fully aware of the weight of the task.“You think Finn’s dumb enough to leave traces?”“At the moment, I don’t suspect him of anything. The guy’s proven that logic isn’t his strong suit.”“You don’t get it,” you shook your head, furrowing your brow. “Finn might be an idiot, but Marcus isn’t. And the sheriff’s paranoid. If he’s working with Finn, he’s covering his ass every step of the way. What exactly should I be looking for?”Sevika sighed, shaking the ash from her cigarette into the metal ashtray.“Do I have to explain to you how to conduct an investigation?” she scoffed, but in her gaze, you saw a hint of respect.You ignored the mockery.“Wouldn’t it be easier to just take a sample of what we recovered from the upper city and say we found it at his place?”Sevika snorted with a short laugh."I like your way of thinking, but no. We don’t need an excuse to go in there. We could leave right now. We just need to be sure it’s the place we’re looking for."You furrowed your brow, feeling some of the facts not quite adding up."So, I’m supposed to take a quick look through the window and my word will be enough? You said we wouldn’t move without a solid reason. You can’t convince me that the rest of the team would agree to attack Finn’s factory without any tangible evidence."Sevika leaned her head back as if losing patience, but when she looked at you again, her gaze was sharper than before."This is Zaun, not pretty Piltover. We don’t need a reason to get to Finn’s ass."Her laugh, surprise, and usual certainty were unexpected. Just recently, they had planned a whole series of events to make sure no one questioned why they were sending people to Piltover, and now all it took was a word of confirmation?"How’s that?""It’s gang warfare, not Piltover’s court. If you confirm the product’s presence, Silco will give the order, because Finn might, I don’t know... be behind on payments. That’s enough for people to understand it’s time to put pressure on him."You opened your mouth, but couldn’t find a response. It was brutally logical in its own way. It was a show of strength for others, but both Silco and Finn knew more. Destroying the production would show Finn that Silco not only knew about the variant but also knew where it was being produced. And Finn wouldn’t be able to say a word, he wouldn’t take all the blame, and Marcus wouldn’t be dragged down with him."Well, I’ll get to work," you replied slowly, still trying to process the complexity of their plans.Sevika waved her hand at you, returning to her duties. You didn’t expect to know every plan and decision, but you wouldn’t have minded a voluntary explanation from her. You knew that loyalty to Silco meant no questioning of his orders, but had you ever really gone without asking questions? Sevika probably expected you to get bored of pulling her along for answers and eventually give up.Well, apparently, she didn’t know you that well yet.She gave you full access to the equipment in the building, but all you needed were lockpicks and knives. Everything else seemed unnecessary. You didn’t use gadgets or fancy weapons because you were capable of disappearing before anyone could reach for a gun.You had two paths to the factory. You could enter directly through the tunnel, but you wouldn’t be able to observe the guards from there. It was a bit more difficult, but you decided on the traditional method of observation from a higher point. You wouldn’t go inside without knowing the blind spots, patrol routes, or other exits. You had all night, and it was just beginning.The factory was far to the south, west of the bridge leading to the cemetery. Your target was in the middle of the complex, exactly where Sevika had pointed. This one was guarded by a few more sentries."Yeah, Finn, this doesn’t seem suspicious at all," you muttered to yourself, watching the gaps in the patrols.You lay on the roof of one of the buildings, scanning the area in front of you. The guards seemed sluggish and unwilling to do a night shift, but that didn’t change the fact that avoiding them would be difficult. The patrol routes crossed in many places and didn’t follow a fixed pattern. If there was any pattern to it, you hadn’t noticed it yet.It was too well planned. Marcus had to have his hands in this – you could feel the touch of someone experienced. Because of this, you still had no idea how to get inside. You’d have to suddenly grow wings to land unnoticed on the factory roof.You spent an hour observing, but the guard patterns didn’t change. These were individual units, gradually replaced by new staff. For a moment, you considered using the underground passage, but you didn’t have the right equipment to navigate through the dense fumes from the mines.You wanted to act, now, immediately. Sevika’s words stuck under your skin, not letting you rest. But again, you were doing what you did before. You threw yourself into work to have a reason not to think about him. Because you knew what would happen when you returned to him with information."Get a grip," you muttered to yourself.Then something caught your attention.On the right side of the building was a low ramp. What had previously seemed like a random structure was actually a set of connected containers. You watched as two workers stepped outside, dragging a huge cart full of scrap metal – pieces of metal sheets cut into smaller chunks. Even from your position, you could hear the terrible noise of them loading it into the containers.Before you realized it, they had thrown out three more carts. It was only then that you noticed a pattern.The guards avoided the ramp. You weren’t sure whether they considered it insignificant or if the noise put them off, but it didn’t matter. You had your entry.You descended from the roof, feeling the adrenaline rush to your head. Your hands trembled slightly as you approached the fence, but quickly adjusting your gloves helped you calm down.You crept closer, watching the gate near the ramp. Opening it wouldn’t be hard, but you didn’t have time for that. When the guard turned his back and walked the other way, you swiftly climbed the fence and jumped to the other side. You hid behind a container.Carefully, you peeked out from behind it, but the guard hadn’t returned into your line of sight. You waited until he made a full round, then climbed up the ramp.Your heart racing, you grabbed the wide metal door handle and pulled.It was open.You smiled with satisfaction. Their mistakes were working in your favor. Of course, constantly locking these doors must have been a hassle, but it had gotten you inside faster than you expected.You quickly scanned the hallway and noticed gray overalls hanging by the entrance. Without a second thought, you put one on and moved on, hoping no one would stop you.Act like one of them.You had no idea what was actually being produced here – and you didn’t really care. You focused on the surrounding smells, but you didn’t detect the familiar sweet notes. Everything smelled like metal and gunpowder.Searching for the drug here was like looking for a needle in a haystack. But you knew one thing.You wouldn’t leave without evidence.But where to start?The hallway led to a junction. On the left was an exit from the factory, on the right – the production hall. The noise coming from it was deafening. No one was expecting you, so you lifted your head and walked forward, as if you had a clear goal in mind.You stopped by the entrance, watching the workers, but no one paid attention to you. Seizing the moment, you quickly turned right. You didn’t know exactly what you were looking for, but standing still would only draw suspicion.You made your way along the hall by the wall, listening to the workers’ conversations, but they were trivial, unrelated to anything important. Suddenly, you spotted an armed woman heading your way. Your heart skipped a beat, but you didn’t slow down. You passed her without a word, not daring to look back, hoping she wouldn’t stop you and start asking about your duties.You turned into another corridor, but still, nothing smelled like shimmer. Could you have been mistaken? Maybe Marcus didn’t come here because of the product?“How much longer?”The voice from around the corner snapped you out of your thoughts. You pressed yourself against the wall, hoping no one would walk down the hallway now.“About fifteen minutes, but Maisy’s on watch today, so we might be here an hour.”It didn’t tell you much, other than that the two people talking were waiting for the shift change, and someone named Maisy was particularly incompetent.You heard footsteps behind you. You reached for the knot on your back, pretending to adjust your apron. Two workers passed by without a word, turning to the side. You waited a few seconds, then pressed yourself against the wall again.“Pass.”“Seriously? I just left, don’t you remember?” came an irritated female voice.“I don’t care,” replied the man sharply. “Entry only with a pass.”“Damn stickler.”You suppressed a quiet chuckle, understanding her frustration.But that exchange told you something much more important. Whatever was ahead was off-limits to regular workers. That meant it could be exactly what you were looking for.You glanced behind you, aware that standing still was tempting fate.You looked around the corridor, but didn’t see an easy solution. Of course, it would be too simple. You had to somehow draw them away from the entrance to sneak further.And what works better than chaos?You stepped back toward the hall, looking for one specific thing. Places like this had their security measures. Usually, it was a fire alarm or an emergency system. If everything was running according to procedures, activating it would force everyone to stop working. And that would give you the chance you needed.You carefully surveyed the area, walking along the wall. Alarms were typically placed at strategic points—near exits or hallway intersections. It didn’t take long to find it. In the corner of the hall, right next to the large metal doors, was a characteristic red box with a lever protected by a glass cover.You stopped, pretending to check something on your apron. A quick look around. Most of the workers were engrossed in their tasks, no one was looking in your direction. You had just a few seconds.You raised your hand and elbowed the glass. The soft crack was drowned out by the noise of the machines, and small shards scattered across the floor. Without hesitation, you pulled the lever.For a split second, nothing happened.Then a long, shrill siren blared.The machines began to slow, and chaos erupted around you. People raised their heads, nervously scanning the area. Someone cursed loudly, another threw their tools on the table. Yells, hasty footsteps, the clattering of closed valves. You saw one of the supervisors trying to shout over the alarm, issuing orders, but no one was listening. Panic and confusion took over.You smiled to yourself.You didn’t wait for events to unfold. Before anyone could notice you, you headed back down the corridor. You kept close to the wall, taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching the passages—everyone was busy with their own escape or trying to handle the situation.You reached the spot where you’d heard the conversation about passes earlier. The man who had been so carefully guarding the entrance had joined the rest of his companions, trying to figure out what had happened. You knew you only had a moment before they realized it was a false alarm.This was your chance.Without slowing down, you slipped past, though unease was creeping in. You still had no evidence, and the deeper you went into the factory’s corridors, the greater the risk of someone spotting you. You passed what looked like a metal curtain—now lowered halfway, maybe because of the alarm.You barely managed to straighten up when you heard footsteps. From the right. You immediately pressed yourself into the shadows between the metal crates, calming your breath.“What idiot did something again?”You recognized the voice. The same woman who had complained earlier about having to show her pass. You peeked out slightly, seeing her reach for the lock at the entrance and raise the lever. The curtain lifted with a screech. She didn’t even wait for it to open fully—she rubbed her hands on an apron similar to the one you were wearing and walked on.She didn’t seem disturbed by the chaos. Maybe she knew more.You waited until she was at a safe distance, then followed her.You didn’t get far.Something had changed.Suddenly, you lost the rhythm of your steps, your heart stopped in your chest.Your breath quickened. You inhaled through your teeth, but your throat was tight, as though an invisible hand was squeezing it.It.You knew that smell.Shimmer.It was here, somewhere nearby. You couldn’t see it, but you could taste its sickly sweet aftertaste on your tongue—it had once been your entire world.You couldn’t move.You knew that standing like a statue in the middle of the corridor was risky, but your legs wouldn’t obey.This was the proof you’d been looking for. Right here, under your nose.You clenched your teeth, fighting against yourself. So what if you knew? You had no idea where they stored it. How was it being produced? How much did they have in stock? You couldn’t return with nothing. You didn’t work like that.But now you couldn’t act at all.Your head spun. Trembling fingers pulled the scarf over your nose, but it only provided brief relief.You had to get closer.Every part of you screamed to run, but the given word pushed you forward.You hid your trembling hands in your pockets.You turned into a side corridor, following the scent growing stronger.There was no need to taste it, to lose yourself in it. This was no longer a temptation.It was something darker. Much worse.Fear.Your legs began to give out. You felt your knees buckle, your body weakening."It's impossible..." you mumbled through cracked lips.The half-product shouldn't have such power over you.Had Zarys lied? Rey hadn’t found any traces of the drug in you, but this was the first time you felt it since taking the mixture.You didn't know if you could keep going.You slid down the wall, unable to catch your breath. Your heart hammered in your chest, your back drenched in sweat.This wasn't an addiction.This was pure, paralyzing fear.Memories exploded in your head—pain, desperation, days when you were nothing more than a pathetic shadow of yourself. Pain behind your eyes. You knew it was just an illusion, but you still pressed your hands to your eyelids, trying to push it away.
This isn’t about me or you.

One piece of evidence—that’s all we need.

I’m ready to risk it.
And what’s the use of all these big words?You turned out to be nothing more than a weakness.You slammed your hand into the wall and forced yourself to rise.You hesitated.You wanted your determination to be stronger than the fear. You forced your muscles to work, feeling them tremble as if they didn’t belong to you, as if they couldn’t respond to this sudden need. You mocked yourself in your heart, imagining Sevika standing over you, shouting, furiously pushing you to keep fighting.And it worked. For a moment.You stood up, feeling as though someone had just kicked you in the ribs. A step. Another. Breathing through your teeth, every inhale burned in your chest, and your body didn’t respond the way you expected. Every movement felt like trying to escape from yourself.Two steps later, you realized you weren't alone.Someone had joined you behind, still too far to see you.“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me...” it slipped out, your voice a growl full of despair.You had no time to hesitate. You had to run. You had to.Anger at yourself surged over you like a wave, battling with the fear to dominate you. You pushed the scent out of your head, that crushing stench, the unease, forcing your legs to move faster. You almost ran, not counting the steps, not looking back. But the faster you ran, the more breaths you felt inside you—the weakness you tried to suppress returned with every second.You ran because you had no choice.You didn’t look where you were going, relying on instinct, which didn’t fail you. You ran into some room, feeling a cold gust of air filled with oil and rubber on your face. Your body pulsed in time with panic, but you didn’t stop. A quick glance around—looking for shelter.Nothing mattered until you hid.And then came that horrid screech of the opening gate.Before you could react, you jumped forward, shoving yourself into the back of the vehicle. Between the bags, between the things that were meant to shield you from it all. You tasted blood in your mouth. It was a reckless decision, walking straight into the enemy's hands, but you had no choice.You stopped, feeling the entire surroundings vibrating. You clung tightly to the bags as if they were the only things that could save you from everything you had left behind. *** It was weakness. Exactly what they had warned you about. You weren’t ready for what happened.A little past the factory, you pulled yourself together and jumped onto the street as the vehicle slowed on the turn. You hit the side of a building. You were alive. You got away. But what did it matter if you didn’t learn everything you were supposed to?Shit, and now you had to go back to him and admit that this was too much for you?More than his anger, you feared seeing disappointment in his eyes. And you were sure that was exactly what awaited you. You could endure his mockery if he threw it at you as The Eye of Zaun. But this was Silco you had talked to about your assignment. He was the one who admitted he wasn’t ready for you to risk exposure to shimmer. You didn’t want him to start doubting his decision about your position.But running away wasn’t an option.When the Last Drop finally came into view, something tightened in your stomach. You never thought you’d miss this place. It was absurd—to seek comfort in the chaos it offered. And yet, now, you needed only one thing: to hide away like a wounded animal, licking your wounds in solitude.No one even spared you a glance as you stepped inside. The place was emptying out; it was long past midnight. Some customers were passed out at the tables, two drunkards were arguing over something you didn’t care to hear. Music played in the background, but all you could hear was your own, unsteady breathing as you climbed the stairs.You expected many things upon entering his office. Sometimes, he would simply be working, paying no mind to whoever came in. Sometimes, he would stand at the window, looking out over the city, thinking about problems no one but him knew about.You had seen it. You knew it.But this was different.Your perception flipped on itself.You hesitated, hand on the doorknob.For a split second, your mind was still elsewhere—until it collided straight into him, and suddenly, everything else started to lose meaning. As if you had surfaced too fast from underwater.He was staring ahead, his head tilted back. He wasn’t asleep. Smoke curled from his lips, slower than your breath. And maybe that was the most surprising thing—he didn’t look like a leader.His vest was carelessly tossed aside. He was wearing only his red shirt, the one you knew. His tie was gone as well, as if he had lost the very thing that made him the boss while waiting for you.He didn’t look like him.Or maybe you were looking at him differently?You blinked, but the image didn’t disappear. Nothing changed, except that you felt it in your stomach now. As if the world around you had shifted again, but this time without his interference.He looked normal, human… like someone who had stopped playing his role for a moment.His gaze moved to you. In an instant, the exhaustion you had just seen vanished. He was waiting. For the first words from you.And that was what made this… different. Because he wasn’t waiting for you as your boss. This was Silco. The man.But for a long moment, you couldn’t speak.“It’s there,” you admitted quietly.He nodded.“Tell me.”You flinched slightly, feeling something constrict in your throat. You could swear the sickly-sweet scent of shimmer had clung to your skin, seeping into you from the inside.“It’s the right factory. Just past the main hall, there’s a restricted zone. That’s where they keep it.”You stopped. What else was there to add? That you didn’t know exactly where because the drug’s scent had shut down your ability to think?You heard movement. He stood up, setting his cigar aside. You didn’t look at him, your gaze fixed on some invisible point in the air, unable to shake the feeling that everything still smelled too sweet. You wanted to step closer, to feel the smoke and cardamom, to forget.But would he let you?“What else?”You winced slightly. You were used to him reading you like an open book, but this time, you wanted him to let you shut yourself off. Just for a moment.“The place is heavily guarded. I counted eight men outside, probably twice as many inside. Workers are there around the clock, but not all of them have access to the restricted zone. They likely don’t even know what they have right under their noses.”“I want you to relay this report to Sevika as well.”You nodded silently. You hadn’t noticed when he moved closer. But not close enough to reach. You should probably leave, rest, deliver the report—anything.Yet you still couldn’t move.“What really happened?”You tilted your head up, meeting his gaze.The resistance you had been holding onto started to crack.Being dishonest with him was worse than lying to yourself.“You shouldn’t give me any more tasks related to this case,” you admitted quietly.The surprise on his face was immediate. He hadn’t hidden it in time.“I’m not pulling you away from the job,” he finally said. “And you won’t do it yourself either. I won’t let you back out now.”“Maybe you should,” you said softly, feeling the weight of the words.You hadn’t meant to say it, but the words slipped out on their own. It wasn’t a conscious decision—it was something clawing its way out from within you. You tried to gather yourself, but your thoughts churned in your mind, merging into a chaotic, blurred image of what had happened—like reliving it all over again.“It was…” you faltered, searching for the words. “I couldn’t breathe. For a moment, it felt like something had spread beneath my skin. Something foreign. I knew it wasn’t just in my head. It really… touched me.”You closed your eyes, but that was a mistake. You saw yourself in that corridor again, heard the footsteps, felt like you were sinking.“I lost control of it. Of myself. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t go further. All that mattered was that damn smell,” you spat the words out bitterly. “I know, you warned me that I didn’t know what I was getting into. And you were right, as always. I thought it didn’t affect me anymore, that the mix helped. Maybe my body is healthy, but somewhere deep down, I still have that chemical cut.”Your fingers clenched around your forearm, grasping for any sense of reality.“I don’t even know when I started running. I just… I hate it, Silco,” you lifted your gaze, biting the inside of your cheek. “I hate that it beat me.”The silence between you was thick, suffocating at the edges. He didn’t break it. He waited—he always waited. And then, he spoke quietly, calmly:"You are not weak because you have retreated. You were able to walk away from it. It wasn’t an escape. It’s a return."There was no accusation in his voice. No pity. Just fact.And that was what made you feel something you couldn’t name.You looked away.His words struck you like a blow. You didn’t understand them. You couldn’t.“I feel like…” you trailed off, staring at your hands. For a moment, you could almost feel the weight of every vial you had ever emptied. The way shimmer had once poured through your fingers, seeping into you so deeply that no test could ever trace it.
Why can’t I learn?
The thought stabbed straight into your mind.
Why is there always something that pushes me further?
Your fingers clenched around the fabric of your pants. Like they did back when the ground felt like it was slipping away from beneath your feet. That unpleasant, familiar weight settled in your throat.You knew what he meant. You remembered his voice—cold and sharp—when you had thrown yourself after Zarys and ended up with a gaping wound on your leg.
"If only you held onto life this tightly."
You wanted to hold onto life. You didn’t want the drug to steal it from you again. But you still felt like you could have been stronger.You hadn’t taken care of Marcus, even though you could have. You had pulled back. You hadn’t thrown yourself blindly after the answers you so desperately wanted. You had done what you were supposed to. You hadn’t been caught.So why did it still feel like you had lost?“I feel… tainted,” you admitted, completely honest.You stared at your hands, convinced you could feel the weight of every vial you had ever emptied. You felt shimmer slipping through your fingers, sinking into you deeper, so deep that no test could ever find it.Tainted, not dirty. Dirt could be washed away. Toxins remained. They sank in deeper.Like shimmer."You can and will handle worse," he replied calmly. "You are not weak.""Didn’t you hear me?" your voice was sharper now. "I ran instead of gritting my teeth and getting more information. I let it consume me.""If that were true, you wouldn’t be standing in front of me now."He said it so calmly. So certainly. As if he truly believed it.And you… you weren’t ready to believe him.During your addiction, you had felt anger. Pain. Desperation to be free.Now, only fear remained.Because you knew better than anyone what it did to a person."It feels like all my fears… suddenly surfaced. I don’t know… I can’t control them."The words hung in the air.You hadn’t expected to say them out loud.You felt lightheaded.Suddenly, everything was falling into place—too much, too quickly, as if there was no barrier anymore between you and what you didn’t want to feel.No, you shouldn’t be thinking about this now.You rubbed your hands together, trying to wipe off an invisible residue, as if that could stop the thoughts.Maybe you just needed to turn away from this feeling. Focus on something else. Find something to drown it out.But then you heard his voice.“Show me.”You looked at him, questioning. But his gaze was fixed somewhere lower. You inhaled sharply, shallowly, feeling as he grasped your wrist and lifted your hand. This gesture was different than before. His fingers barely touched your skin, letting you decide. You couldn’t take your eyes off him, having no idea what lay behind his words.But something in you unlocked.You heard his voice in your head, saying he wanted to know you. You watched as he raised his other hand. You felt the faintest brush of his fingers against the bend of your wrist. A ghost of a touch before they slipped under the fabric of your glove.  You held your breath, feeling the rush of blood under your skin. There was something too intimate about this gesture, too delicate. As if he wanted to strip away this layer and intertwine your fingers. But that wasn’t his style.As the fabric disappeared, exposing your hand, you felt bare—not just in clothing, but in the barrier that had shielded you from him. You didn’t want him to see the chaos in your head. You wanted to forget it. Make it disappear and never come back.His grip tightened slightly. His thumb brushed against the inside of your palm, fingers closing over yours.How did he do that? How did he erase the stain?A sudden shiver ran through your body, leaving behind a growing hunger.This wasn’t quite holding hands.This was something else. This was his way.Only then did he look at you. His gaze locked onto yours, leaving no doubt about his thoughts. He saw it. He saw the chaos and reached for it willingly. Not to chase it away, but to show you that you weren’t alone in it.For the first time since stepping into his office that night, you managed to take a deep breath.But air alone hadn’t been enough for a long time. One breath wouldn’t chase away the thoughts clawing at your mind. You wanted to sink into water, let it cut off the noise, leaving only the soothing hush. Like him.You didn’t think. Your eyes dropped to your hands. You felt it too clearly. The way his hand still gripped yours. The way the lines on his skin caught the light. The way he didn’t let you pull away, though he hadn’t used any force.Why did he want to be tainted with you?Silco brought you peace. Or at least, that’s what you thought. That night, when you had returned home with his taste on your lips, you had felt calm. You had known it was the calm before the storm. Like waking up still drunk. Like the strength you felt after a dose, when the first phase passed. But this… this was different.You didn’t feel peace. Not like last time.He was here. Silently.That should be enough.You should feel relief.But you didn’t.Something inside you, instead of fading, only grew—demanding release. You reached further. It was as natural as breathing. As if you didn’t need to make a decision—you just did it, because your body knew the answer faster than your thoughts. Maybe you shouldn’t have so easily forgotten the words exchanged between you just seconds ago, but right now, you didn’t want to think. Consciously, you found his hand. Your fingers skimmed across his skin.You felt how his hand twitched—not as if he wanted to stop you, but as if he wanted to hold onto this moment just a second longer.There was no hesitation in it. But there was no certainty either.You felt the tension coil in him. How he holds his breath.And then you knew.Touch alone wouldn’t bring you relief. Not like this. You wanted to sink into it completely. Suddenly, it became so simple. Almost trivial.You slid your hand higher. Wrist, forearm. You felt the taut tendons beneath your fingertips until you reached the place where fabric met skin. You hesitated for a moment, knowing there would be no turning back once you moved even a fraction deeper. It wasn’t complicated. It was natural—it was something you wanted because you missed him.You pushed the fabric aside, your gaze lingering on his skin. You could already feel his warmth through the cloth, but when your fingers brushed the exposed flesh, it burned you to the bone. Or maybe it was you who had caught fire.And yet, it still wasn’t enough. You knew now that this hunger wouldn’t be soothed so easily. Not when he looked at you like that, like he wanted you—wanted all the chaos you carried with you.You heard Silco inhale slowly. It sounded too good. He was accepting your touch with unmistakable intent, as if he had been waiting for it. You slid your hand higher, gripping his shirt as if afraid he might slip away. But you didn’t pull him closer. You took another step instead, closing the distance entirely.He didn’t stop you. But he didn’t help, either. He simply waited, watching you with solemn intensity. His hands rested at his sides, untouched by hesitation. He didn’t reach for you. He didn’t have to. You felt him everywhere.It was the absence of a smirk—that ever-present, provoking smile—that made you realize just how much waiting had worn you both down.Your fingers clung to the fabric of his shirt, but it wasn’t enough. It could never be enough. You needed more—something that would finally let you breathe.You let your hand slide lower. It was bold, crossing a boundary you should have cared about, but you didn’t. You slipped your hand beneath the fabric, lifting it slightly, this time touching him not by accident but with full intent.You felt the tension in his body, the warmth that wasn’t just physical. It was something deeper, something that sent a message through every nerve in your body—reach further, press harder, take more.Silco didn’t move, but he wasn’t passive. He was tension, waiting. A silent permission that burned hotter than any words.You didn’t look away, but as your fingers traced the lines of his ribs, feeling each breath, the world blurred at the edges. This wasn’t about closeness. It was about escape. About finding something strong enough to pull you out of a place where nothing was enough anymore.Still not enough.You slipped your fingers further, pressing them into the space between fabric and skin, gripping slightly—like you needed proof that he was really there. That he wouldn’t disappear if you let go. That he wouldn’t leave you with the hunger that pulsed through every motion.His hand lifted, slow and deliberate. For a brief second, you thought he might stop you. But instead, his fingers traced the length of your arm, following your movements, as if memorizing every inch of this moment.You felt it. The way his breath shallowed. The way his body betrayed more than he would ever admit.He wasn’t unshaken.He wasn’t unaffected.And yet, he still didn’t cross that final line.You tightened your grip. You wanted him to.So you touched him again. You felt your shadow dissolve. You wanted him to cleanse you with pleasure.His touch was water. And you let it in.It should have drowned everything else, silenced it all. But in your head, it raged. Lighting every nerve with madness.Your fingers traced his skin again, deeper, firmer. Not enough. Not nearly enough. Have you had enough? The answer burned through you.And then you fell.You rose onto your toes, using his body for balance. Thought scattered—there was only the moment, the heat, the tension. Your lips brushed his, light, cautious, but you didn’t pull away. You couldn’t. You waited. Would he allow more? Did you have to take it yourself?His fingers tightened around your hand. He leaned in, deepening the kiss—the answer you needed.You breathed him in, finally catching the scent that always clung to him. Smoke and cardamom. You closed your eyes, parting your lips in silent invitation.You thought you heard him sigh in relief.You didn’t just feel his desire. It surrounded you. It was in the way he explored your mouth, in how he didn’t rush—as if he wanted to memorize every second. It didn’t just make you want to be his. It made you want to belong to him completely.And he didn’t pull away.Your fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, searching for something solid in a reality that was melting away. You tested him. Pressed against him, just slightly, just enough to provoke.He didn’t retreat.His hand found your waist, pulling you closer.The sound of footsteps echoed too loud in the silence.Something fell when you stumbled into a piece of furniture. The sharp noise cut through the air, but you were too far gone for it to reach you.You stood between his legs, caged in by his arms—both a prison and a sanctuary.It was terrifying how, no matter what you did, you still felt too far away.Your kisses shifted. They grew hungrier.It should have scared you.The way you responded to each other felt like fire reaching even beneath water.His hand rose, tracing along your cheek like he was searching for something. Fingers slid into your hair, grazing along your scalp before tightening.You wanted this fire to burn everything away. Every trace of the drug lingering in your veins. But it was buried too deep—in your bones, your muscles, your blood.Every time you heard more, saw more.The fire would have to consume you completely. Only then would you be free.And you didn’t think you minded.Can you burn while sinking beneath the surface?His fingers tightened in your hair—not quite gently. His thumb brushed near your ear. A wave of desire crashed through you, pulling the last remnants of caution away. You let out a quiet moan against his lips.You deepened the kiss.For a split second, his body tensed—just enough for you to feel it, to know he was losing. That he wanted you.Then he pulled you closer, as if you could belong to him even more.You wanted him to consume you whole.Your hands moved higher, your fingers hesitating for a fraction of a second over the last boundary, but the next brush of his lips pushed you deeper. He was here. He was with you—warm, tangible, real. And if anything could pull you from this reality, if anything could erase the pain and exhaustion, it was him.You reached for the buttons of his shirt, as if they were an obstacle keeping you from seeing all of him. The first one gave way quickly. The fabric parted only by a few centimeters, and yet it felt as if you had just broken something important. But he didn’t protest. He didn’t stop you. On the contrary—he kept breathing against your lips, moving closer, as if waiting for more.So you reached further.You were tired. You could feel the remnants of the mission in your body—the traces of tension and adrenaline—but it didn’t matter. None of it mattered. You just wanted to feel something other than the bitter taste of reality. You wanted…The third button.His hand suddenly closed around your wrist.He didn’t stop you by force—he didn’t have to. The warmth of his skin, the sudden resistance, was enough to make you pause."Don't."It was barely a murmur, as if speaking was difficult for him. As if he didn’t want to say those words. And yet, he did.He didn’t pull away from you, didn’t create distance. His voice told you to stop, but the way he breathed against you, the way his grip didn’t immediately let go—everything else seemed to contradict it."Not like this."His voice was low, rough, sounding as if he had to force the words out.Your heart pounded harder."Why?" you whispered, trying to find his gaze. "We both want this."He stilled.He pulled back just enough to see you, just enough so that you couldn’t hide from his eyes. He was searching for something on your face.You wanted to hide.But he saw everything."I want you, not your body."You shivered. Not because you were cold.You instinctively tried to move back, but he didn’t let you. His fingers tightened around your hands—not harshly, but firmly."What's the difference?" there was frustration in your voice. "I'm here. I'm ready.""You want to forget what happened."His voice was steady. It cut through the noise in your head, through the burning heat in your skin."I want you to remember."The air grew heavy. The words hit their mark—like a blade sinking straight into the place that hurt the most. You wanted to close your eyes. But when you did, the world shimmered in violet light."I want you."You said it quietly, sincerely. Desperately."You don’t have to prove it to me."The way he looked at you…"I can wait for you.""I'm not proving anything," you snapped. "This isn't just about you.""I won’t let you drown in this."You shuddered."I won’t agree to this if you’re not with me. I won’t be your distraction."You froze.That sounded familiar.You could feel the wind on your face. You could hear your own voice, saying those same words not so long ago.You didn’t know if he remembered. If he did it on purpose, or if it was instinct.But it pulled you to the surface. It forced you to remember."Should I give you permission or what?" you shot back, trying to regain control.His grip didn’t loosen."Look at me," he said softly.Your heart pounded against your ribs."Look at me and say it without trembling."Your fingers clenched around the fabric of his shirt."Look at me and say you want it for yourself, not to forget."You couldn’t. You didn’t even have to say what you had been reaching for—he already knew. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stopped you.Slowly, it sank in. What had just happened.You couldn’t pull your hands back. You stared at his shirt, its disheveled state a perfect reflection of the chaos in your mind. He didn’t fix it. He waited for you to understand, holding you close. A tangible reminder of how easily you had let go of everything.You looked around, feeling that strange sluggishness—like the moments just after waking up. You wanted to reach for what he was offering because it was easier to lose yourself in pleasure than to face your fears.And yet, he said you weren’t weak?He had felt your desperation firsthand. And still, he hadn’t pulled away. He hadn’t rejected you.When you finally looked at him, you felt like you were falling apart."Stay with me tonight."Now his voice was different—quiet, almost soft. But it wasn’t a request.You couldn’t do anything but nod. Words were your enemy now. He didn’t need to speak for you to know what he saw.He knew you. He understood. And he saw.He knew that if you walked out now, you’d start drowning again.After all, isn’t there peace in the water?But everything away from him was cold and unfamiliar, and you never wanted to be cold again.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It was harder than you thought.When you finally found the strength to pull away, you knew that you were just one word, one movement away from starting everything over. And both of you needed a moment.Two breaths. Three steps. You sank down onto the couch, not trusting yourself at all.The silence hummed with unspoken words. Explanations were unnecessary. What scared you the most was that you still wanted more. Your motives weren’t right, and if it weren’t for him, everything would’ve gone completely differently.And you saw that in your mind.That’s why you stayed silent – because nothing you had to say should be spoken out loud. Not now.He needed a moment too. Maybe even more than you. He leaned against the desk, staring blankly ahead. His hands clenched the wood so tightly that you were sure they’d crack. The mere fact that he didn’t pay any attention to his appearance told you how deeply immersed he was in his thoughts.The skin tingled where his hands had been. You weren’t ready to return to the moments where your hands had been, or what you intended to do next. It had been bold, awaited. But not now. Not this moment. You knew that, but...It was harder than you thought.You shifted deeper into the couch, resting your hands on the cushion. Only then did you notice you still had the second glove on. You stared at it for a moment, then tugged at the fabric, feeling like it was weighing you down, pulling you lower. You stuffed it into your pocket, not knowing what to do next.The air smelled of smoke, soaked with that familiar, heavy scent that settled on your skin, your clothes, deep in your lungs. You liked that atmosphere. More and more.The light from a dim lamp on the desk was barely enough to make out your surroundings, but it was enough to see him. Long shadows stretched not just across the floor, but over everything that had happened. You didn’t try to chase them away. There was no reason.You didn’t feel shame. Maybe you should?But there was no awkwardness between you – just that same kind of silence that appears when something was inevitable. Maybe the circumstances, as usual, could have been different.He asked you to stay.You didn’t want to leave. You caught yourself realizing that you didn’t want to leave at all. The thought of walking out now seemed absurd, as if the world outside the door existed in a completely different time.Staying the night didn’t seem so strange – you’d stayed here before. But sleep wasn’t for you. Not when your breathing still hadn’t found its rhythm. You felt the tension in your shoulders. Without thinking much, you took off your jacket, letting it fall behind you. Your movements felt heavy, as though each one was a conscious decision you had to make. The fabric rustled softly, and your skin, after a whole day in tight material, felt the cold.It was that sound – tiny, but foreign in the silence – that drew his gaze.He didn’t raise his head immediately, but you felt his eyes on you, following every movement you made, though he remained still. The wooden desk under his hand creaked when he finally moved, as if the weight of the thoughts that had held him down suddenly lifted.He didn’t approach right away.He hesitated for a moment, as if still fighting something, wondering whether or not he should, whether or not you should, but that night you had done too much to pretend you didn’t want to be closer.He sat on the couch beside you – slowly, but without hesitation. There was no doubt in it, just exhaustion, painted in every little detail: in the way he collapsed, in the short, sharp exhale, as though he had tried to hold it in but couldn’t.It was unavoidable.You didn’t look at him. Maybe because you knew he was already looking.He rested his elbow on the armrest, a gesture almost casual, but his hand hovered close to your back – close, yet without touching. For a moment, it lingered, the space between you filled with what hadn’t been done yet.He didn’t move his hand away.You shifted – slightly, instinctively, maybe even thoughtlessly. Maybe you just wanted to get more comfortable, maybe you wanted to see what would happen if you let it unfold, but your jacket was in the way.You turned slightly to pull the fabric from behind you – and then your knee brushed his thigh.A small, barely perceptible touch, yet stronger than reason.He didn’t pull away.Only then did you dare to look at him.He was watching you, but his gaze slipped away from your face, somewhere to the side, as though wondering whether it was worth risking just a little longer. You almost felt his hand on your shoulder.It was easy. Simple. Every nerve screamed for you to move just a little closer. For the first time, you didn’t see a warning in him – but an expectation.How were you supposed to keep your wits when he was clearly waiting for your next move?Hypocrite. First, he stopped you, and now he was practically inviting you in.He was too close, now that you had all too clear images in your head of what you could be doing at this moment. Your fantasies were clamoring for attention, now, at this moment when one move was enough to get you closer to him than before. Your gaze dropped lower – he still hadn’t finished buttoning his shirt. You gasped instinctively and turned your head away. One movement, one word, and you’d start falling again. But why did you have to be the wiser one?Who would you become, not just in his eyes, but in your own, if you so easily gave in to temptation? And it was so damn tempting.He noticed. Like everything you did. It didn’t escape him where your gaze had wandered.You heard a faint rustle. You felt your heart pounding harder against your ribs.And then you saw it.He didn’t move even an inch. He didn’t try to change anything, shorten the distance, or impose his presence – and yet, just one look was enough for you to feel that he held the advantage over you.Not because of what he did.Because of what he knew.He didn’t smile. That would’ve been too simple. Instead, something darker flashed across his face—an awareness, a decision hanging in the balance. Like a breath caught at the back of his throat, like a thought he refused to voice. You saw it in the tension of his jaw, in the way his fingers twitched before he forced them still again.And then he closed his eyes. Not completely – enough for you to read nothing from them. Slowly, lazily, as if someone who gives themselves a moment to enjoy it.Like someone who knows they don’t have to do anything – because what they wanted, they already got.This whole situation should’ve been painfully tangible. Terrifying in its power. Wasn’t it reckless, after everything, that the first thing you both thought of was pulling each other under once again?You needed a little more distance to calm the gallop of thoughts. What had happened, not only between the two of you but throughout the day had been eating you up from the inside. You needed a moment to process it, without the enticing thought to slip your hands under his shirt again enjoying the reaction you were eliciting in him. It was an impulse. Without thinking much, you kicked off your shoes and pulled your legs up under you. Since you were staying, you might as well bring at least a semblance of comfort. You pressed yourself deeper, shifting your weight to the side. He didn’t react. You leaned your elbow just beside his hand.It was... surprising. Just a few weeks ago, everything here had overwhelmed you. The heavy decor, the semi-darkness, and him – your boss, who for some irrational reason hadn’t thrown you out after your first rebellious stunt. Now? The atmosphere of this place was soothing. The hard edges, the dark colors had become anchors, something to hold onto. And most importantly – this wasn’t the same man you’d gotten a job with.This was Silco. Not the leader. Not in that outfit. Not with that smile.With that damn smile. The one that told you everything you needed to know.You covered your mouth with your hand, feeling the tension in your muscles slowly ebb away. You knew your body would soon demand rest. But you wanted to remember this moment. You were afraid that if you closed your eyes, the dawn would come too quickly, cutting you off from what was here and now.For the first time, you felt like you were just human beings.You tried to stifle the familiar pulsation under your skin. It spilled beneath you wreaking havoc. You knew there was only one way to control it. Some part of you knew he would never just be a man. You knew you wouldn’t be the first.But one night. A few hours just for you.Was that really too much?Somewhere near the edge of the light on the floor, there was a broken object. You didn’t even try to figure out what it was. You only remembered the sharp, broken sound it made when you collided with that cabinet. You definitely shouldn’t go back to that yet. You clenched your hand around your knee, unable to stop reminding yourself of what his skin felt like.Fuck...Involuntarily, your gaze shifted to him. You couldn’t suppress a small smile. Whatever stopped him from pulling himself together, you silently thanked it. You didn’t want to lose a second; you soaked in the sight with your whole being, knowing you might not see him like this again for a long time.He tilted his head back, the proud smirk gone from his face. Shadows fell in such a way that his features appeared sharper. He seemed almost relaxed, but the slight clenching of his teeth betrayed that he wasn’t asleep. His hair was more tousled than usual, falling over his forehead and temples... he looked so good. So real. It was hard not to reach out to make sure it wasn’t an illusion.You tried – really tried – not to look at his neck, but it was like a magnet. Lower, that small patch of skin you had felt under your fingers.You held his gaze. Too long.A barely noticeable, broken breath – almost as if... waiting.Maybe it was just your imagination, maybe nothing had changed. But for a split second, you felt that if you reached out, if you touched – something would snap.You didn’t do it.Enough, you reminded yourself, knowing it was a vicious cycle.You wanted to believe that, just as much as you, he wanted to stay suspended in this moment.The cigar smoke took over the air, displacing everything else. You were glad. There was no longer the sweet scent of shimmer. There was nothing that could leave an invisible trace on you. His touch wiped everything away. You could close your eyes, and the memories from the factory would fade like mist. It was a pleasant vision - to sink into dreams of him, hearing in his thoughts that desperate, uncontrollable sigh he let out when he felt your hands. And why the hell did you imagine that?But you didn’t close them. You didn’t want to forget.Because you knew it wasn’t shimmer that pushed you to this.Not Sevika.It had been in you for a long time. The events had just accelerated something that was already bound to happen. It wasn’t a mistake. Nothing that had happened between you two was a mistake. And yet reality was trying to force you into that pattern. Otherwise, it wouldn’t throw so many obstacles in your way.How many times now?First, there was Margot.Then Sevika.Now this.It had been easier to swallow before, because you were still drifting on the surface. Today... today it hit you like a blow. You were tired of waiting.It was never about shimmer.It wasn’t him who made you cross the line.It wasn’t the reason you wanted to do this.It was just a shadow of an excuse, a whisper of permission you never needed.It's always night. If anything happened between you, it was at dusk, behind closed doors, away from others' eyes. Until a while ago, you were afraid that he was driven by shame from this relationship, but now... now you were happy that it was only yours. This is how it should have been from the beginning.The nights had belonged to him for a long time.But you should not have only them.Not anymore.And then something began to change.It wasn’t the light—there was none to mark the passing of time. But the world outside had started to stir. At first, it was distant, nothing more than a shift in the air, a hum at the edge of your perception. Then came the faint, rhythmic thud of boots against the metal walkways, the murmur of voices in the bar below—muffled but steady, building. A reminder that the night had ended, whether you wanted it to or not.You hadn’t noticed at first. Suspended in the same space, the same moment that stretched far beyond what should have been possible. But now, reality was pushing back, clawing its way in through the cracks.And he—he remained still. Unmoving, silent, giving nothing away. If he had noticed, he didn’t show it. If he was awake, you couldn’t tell.You were still here. Still caught in something that was never supposed to last this long.Reality, perhaps for the first time, met you halfway.It didn’t throw another obstacle between you, didn’t tear the moment apart prematurely. It let you stay suspended, even when the night came to an end. It was mocking, taunting. It played with you, offering the illusion that there was a chance for you. Your heart wanted to believe, but how many times had you been hurt, how many times had you washed that same hope from yourself before finally learning not to reach for it?No.Reality had nothing to say here.You fell, you bled, and you suffered along the way. To trust that hope would have been a blow to your strength.This is Zaun. If you wanted something, you had to tear it away, fight for it, take it with your own hands.And the motive and the goal were right in front of your eyes.And then you heard it.
If I had a choice... But we don’t have any more time, nor any other reality. There’s only what we have now.
A voice so familiar that for a moment, you almost felt the warmth of his breath on your skin. His presence was unshakable in your mind – even now, as he remained motionless beside you.Now.The word started to chafe, as if it suddenly reminded you that you had a body. That you were more than a thought, a gaze woven in suspension.You had been still for too long.You felt the weight. Muscles, tension, the cold air that now seemed too sharp against your skin. You felt yourself.You straightened your fingers, feeling them return to their place, the bones straightening under your skin, the blood circulating more steadily. You must have been in this position for hours, since daylight greeted you. The first sounds from outside began to break the silence, reminding you that the world still existed.You didn’t know if he had slept. The eternal shadows under his eyes betrayed that he didn’t allow himself much rest. You didn’t want to move. You didn’t want to break this moment—let him have a moment of peace, at least now.But in a moment, you'd lose feeling in your legs.Strange. You usually didn’t pay attention to yourself, and now you felt every tiny bit of tension beneath your skin. You slowly turned your head to the side, raised your arms, stretching your shoulders—"Of all the places you could have sat, you picked this one?"His voice sliced through the silence.You blinked. For a split second, you weren’t sure if he had spoken aloud or if you only heard it in your head. His voice was quiet, and you could hear more than just a question—something else, something that made it clear how much this night was wearing on him. You looked at him. He still had his eyes closed, only his lips twitching in that half-smile you knew all too well.You didn’t look away. It was impossible, worse than a sin."Would you have preferred I sat somewhere else?"Your words came out lower than you should have let them, your voice still rough from hours of silence.You pushed yourself up with your hands, wanting to find a more comfortable, safer position—before that familiar “fuck it” appeared in your head again, before you did something foolish. You couldn’t be the one to give in again, even though you wanted it too much.And then he looked at you.You froze mid-motion.It wasn’t the first time he’d watched you like this, but something in his gaze made your heart race for a second. Then his posture relaxed—an exhale you didn’t even register slipped from his lungs. Too loud in the silence. Too similar to the one you’d heard before. Slowly, you sat back down, raising an eyebrow. Not much, barely noticeable, but he knew what it meant.You fought with yourself not to add: Give me one word."I had my hopes."You clenched your fingers tight on the armrest of the couch. Those words were too light. Too... loose for what they carried. He had hope? He had fucking hope? Then why was he sitting still instead of just reaching out?His voice changed at the end of the sentence. Like some block inside him had cracked. And it was too late to take it back.You felt something tighten inside you, as tension drove into your skin. You shouldn’t react. Not to this. But his tone. The way he said those words. It wasn’t wordplay. Not this time. It wasn’t provocation. He was waiting for you, like always. You saw it, understood what he was doing. You knew that if he let go of that control, nothing would stop you both.So why wasn’t he doing it, when you hadn’t protested once?Why didn’t you do it?You bit the inside of your cheek, too aware of how loud the silence was. Your body was speaking for you. You were tense. You were on the edge.Of course, he noticed.You had the feeling that something like distance was ceasing to exist. His gaze slowly scanned your face, stopping far too often on your lips.And you couldn’t stop.You leaned slightly toward him. Slowly, deliberately, you mirrored his movement, watching him clench his teeth as your gaze began to wander lower. You didn’t know you had that much courage in you, but it felt too good. As he sat there, you saw more, and it only fueled the fire. You held your gaze on him a few seconds too long to call it an impulse.Slowly, you returned to his eyes. And then you saw it. The tension building in him. His fingers tightening on the armrest. The way he was trying to suppress it. Like he was fighting himself, but you knew that fight was already lost."Don’t test me."His voice sounded like a warning, but there was no threat in it. Only something raw, straining to break free.This was the moment.If you were going to pull back, you should’ve done it now. If you were going to pretend it was a joke, you had one last chance.But you did nothing. You just waited.His breath was too steady. Too controlled. Like everything he did. But you knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t last long. The silence stretched for a fraction of a second too long.And then he moved.You didn’t even have time to blink before he suddenly rose and leaned over you, resting his hand on the armrest right next to your shoulder.He was close. Too close.The warmth of his body, the scent of smoke and leather, the quiet tap of his boots on the floor—all of it suddenly filled the space between you.You couldn’t breathe. You didn’t want to. Too aware of how much you had been waiting for this move."Keep looking at me like that, and I won’t stop this time."He had the nerve to say that. Just like that.Before you could even think about reacting, he pulled back sharply. Like something inside him snapped. Like just saying that had been close enough to the edge. He left you there, with your heart pounding in your chest and your breath caught in your throat. And then—like nothing happened—he reached for the glass on the table.With one motion, he drank it all and for a moment twirled the glass in his hand before placing it back down. A strange disappointment burned under his skin. You knew you had terrible timing. The world was alive around you, yet you acted as if nothing else mattered. For God's sake, anyone could walk in at any moment. And not just Sevika."It would be easier for me if you didn’t look… like that," you said quietly, pointing at his disheveled clothes."Absurd" barely covered it. The worst part of all this was that you weren’t trying to play any games. This time, you truly didn’t care about the consequences. You wanted more and weren’t afraid to reach for it. After all, that was the point, right?He glanced down, as if he had just remembered everything. He raised an eyebrow, slightly amused, and began to button his shirt, blatantly holding your gaze.He didn’t even try to pretend he didn’t find this action necessary. He wasn’t in a rush, but you weren’t any better. You shifted to the edge of the couch, reaching for your shoes, knowing it was best not to tempt fate any further.You were bending over them when suddenly someone entered.You looked up, meeting Sevika’s surprised gaze. She stood in the doorway like a ghost, fear evident on her face, a reminder that your time together had just ended."Maybe I should come back later?"Sevika stopped in the doorway, squinting, as if unsure whether she wanted to step into the middle of this storm. The atmosphere was so thick, you could almost feel its weight in the air.Silco didn’t even glance her way. Casually, he reached for the vest lying beside him, as if it had been there from the start. Calmly and with confidence, he buckled the straps, not caring how he looked or that Sevika seemed ready to throw in some comment."You have a day. You leave before dawn."His voice was even, controlled, as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn’t just been looming over you moments ago, ready for more than just a conversation."I’ve let them play this game long enough."Sevika sighed softly, returning to her role. She seemed relieved that the conversation had switched to professional matters. Meanwhile, you went back to lacing your shoes, ignoring her gaze, which almost burned through your skin."The team is ready, just waiting for orders.""They need to know only what’s necessary." Silco finished buttoning up and adjusted his collar with the same certainty in his movements as in his words. "The factory must be taken before anyone can alert Finn."His name triggered a memory, something that had slipped your mind for a moment.You stopped mid-motion, rose, and leaned your elbows on your knees."So, it’s done? We’ve got Marcus off our back for now?"Sevika watched you closely, narrowing her eyes, as if wondering where that question had come from. You didn’t know how to explain it—how you had been too preoccupied with something else, and now it had just occurred to you to ask."He’ll definitely lock himself away for a while, but he won’t give up," her tone was calm but certain.A day. That’s what separated you from solving the problem with the variant once and for all. Marcus would be stripped of not just the product but also the equipment. He’d be a complete fool to return to it after such a clear warning.But something told you Marcus might be that stupid."And what about shimmer?" Sevika pulled you out of your thoughts.Silco looked at you and nodded, signaling you to speak."The factory is divided into two parts. One is regular production, nothing suspicious. Only authorized workers have access to the rest. I don’t think they know what they have right under their noses. A bit before the garages, they store the variant. I didn’t manage to find anything more."That was the most succinct and evasive summary you’d ever given Sevika. You didn’t want to revisit the memory of how the drug’s scent almost incapacitated you."It’ll have to do."Sevika lit a cigarette, inhaled deeply, and released the smoke. The smell was familiar but not what you were looking for. You glanced around for your jacket. It should be somewhere nearby…That’s when you saw it, draped over the back of the chair where Sevika had been sitting.You cursed inwardly."So, what’s the plan?""I asked at the lab, they’re far from finding a solution. I think there’s only one option left."There was something in her tone that already told you—you weren’t going to like this plan.You shifted your gaze to Silco, but as usual, his face remained closed off, completely unreadable."We’ll need to plant charges in several places since we don’t have full data.""You want to blow up the factory?" you asked, though the answer was painfully obvious."The end justifies the means," Silco said slowly, as if weighing every word. "This has taken too long. Marcus is getting more arrogant. The explosion will cover up the existence of the product."You felt something tighten in your stomach.It wasn’t just about the explosion—it was about what would happen afterward. The devastation that would be left behind not just by the fire, but primarily by the flammable drug. Just the scent of it was dangerous enough, let alone the whole stockpile.You weren’t sure if one could become addicted to the smell alone.But you were the last person who would want to find out."Well, in that case…" Sevika started, her gaze fixed on you. "I suppose there’s only one person who can do it, right?"You knew she was talking about you. Only the three of you knew what you were dealing with. If Silco didn’t want anyone else involved in the operation, you were the first and only option. Your throat tightened at the thought of going back in there. You felt you could handle it. When you had walked through the tunnels under Piltover, searching for the goods, you hadn’t sensed it once. The barrels had been sealed tight.Someone must have been tampering with the drug yesterday if it was detectable in the air now. You clenched your fists, feeling your determination return, ready for action. Even if there was another option, you wanted to be part of it to make sure you had a hand in destroying the product.And maybe, by some miracle, a certain guard from the upper city would meet your blade? Who knows…You felt Silco watching you, but you didn’t shift your gaze from Sevika. You couldn’t. You would do it, you would show him you weren’t unsure of the task ahead. Maybe you had been too casual about the problem yesterday, focusing too much on it—well, you still wanted it more than you should—but now you saw that you had been too harsh on yourself. It was the first time in a long while you’d come into contact with shimmer. As usual, you wanted too much too quickly, and that moment of weakness you had considered a damnable failure.But if you did what was expected of you, you wouldn’t have to live with fear anymore.“If this is the last time, I can take it. After all, I can and will handle more, right?” you replied calmly, finally looking at him.The contemplation on his face shifted to clear acknowledgment, but you saw uncertainty in his eyes. He hesitated – for a few seconds too long.“Right,” he admitted finally. “You’ll get the materials by the end of the day.”That was unexpected. Not like him, it made you wonder if you'd said something wrong. But who else could have gone there? Sevika had the whole team to manage. He couldn't even leave Last Drop without other barons finding out.It was you.“Are you sure it’s a good idea? Zach has more experience making bombs, maybe he…”“This is not up for discussion,” he cut off her doubts quickly.“She’ll kill us one day,” Sevika sighed quietly.You didn’t know what that was about, but you’d learned not to press when Sevika was more irritated than usual. You had bigger problems than questioning the difference of opinion about who was in charge of the charges. The point was, it had to blow up, right?“To set this off, I’ll need enough time to find the target. Because, if I understand correctly, it’s not about blowing up the whole factory, just the product?”“Our people will go first,” she answered seriously. “You’ll use the chaos to sneak in. After that, you’ll manage.”Just like always, you snorted mentally, but you just nodded, forming an initial plan. Depending on how Sevika led the team, you’d have at least three ways in. You were relieved to know you could work alone, your way.Of course, you were aware that many people would lose their lives that night, but like they'd been telling you for a while – that was the risk of this job. You were just glad you didn’t have to do it yourself.“I don’t mean to nag, but how sure are you that the attack will scare everyone off? I’d like to believe that not all of Finn’s men are complete cowards, but some will definitely try to hide. I’d rather not accidentally run into a small army armed to the teeth, guarding shimmer.”“I can’t give you backup. No one can know the real purpose of our visit there. You’ll figure something out.”You wanted to roll your eyes, but the situation was too serious for joking. You knew what you were getting into when you accepted the new role. But admitting to them that you weren’t entirely sure what to do wasn’t an option.“You’d better hope they run after you, because I doubt your lessons will help me take on several at once.”“Luck doesn’t play a role here,” Silco interjected. “But when they see me, they’ll lose their nerve.”“What? And what are you doing there?”You stood up, surprised, not thinking about what you were doing as you moved closer. You ignored Sevika’s piercing look, not having time to apologize for your behavior.“Don’t forget who I am,” he said quietly. “Do you think I’m just going to sit here and wait for the outcome?”“I’m not forgetting,” you replied, but your voice was too quick, too tense. “I know what you want to achieve, but it’s risky. Marcus still wants to throw you into Stillwater, and now he’ll have another reason when this comes out.”You gritted your teeth, feeling the tension hit your chest. You knew Silco didn’t speak lightly. If he said he’d be there, it meant the decision had been made. But it was pure foolishness—he didn’t need to be there.For a split second, the thought of him within range of a blade or the barrel of a strange gun hit you harder than it should’ve.You mentally took a step back. This wasn’t your decision.You felt his gaze, but there was no anger in it, more of a silent acknowledgment—because he saw. He saw that you knew he was worried, but he also saw that you knew when to stop.“I understand,” you finally said, calmly, logically.He didn’t comment on it, but you saw the slightest relaxation on his face.“So you can be taught something.”Sevika snorted quietly and looked away.There was nothing more to add. You’d exposed yourself a bit too much at that moment, showing your feelings so openly, but you weren’t going to take it back. You needed more than a few minutes of hard planning before your mind even started to straighten out.You weren’t worried about the boss. You were worried about the man.You were doing something you should’ve kept buried deep inside so no one but the two of you could see it. Zaun wasn’t a place for such feelings. You knew Sevika would take out any word that came from your mouth, but no matter how tough the training would be, it wouldn’t change what had already happened.“Time for us,” she quickly threw at you. “I’m sure you don’t want to screw up the mission because you’re wobbling on your feet, right?”She raised an eyebrow, giving you a small smile. You frowned, ignoring the jab. You reached behind her, pulling your jacket from her back, and slowly put it on.“Not everyone has time for sleep like you.”You thought you heard a faint snort behind you, but you could’ve easily imagined it. You didn’t wait for Sevika to follow you. She was right, you were exhausted, but you wouldn’t admit it to her. Not now.As soon as you stepped out of Last Drop, the familiar noise greeted you, echoing off the wet streets as usual, but this time it seemed sharper, more piercing. You shoved your hands into your jacket pockets, searching for warmth—and found a lonely glove.“Shit,” you muttered under your breath, glancing over your shoulder.You’d left the other one upstairs. A small thing, but it was annoying. You could go back for it, but this time, you wouldn’t be out until evening.Sevika caught your movement out of the corner of her eye, threw you a brief look, but didn’t comment. Instead, she turned into a side alley and casually leaned against a wall. Before she even reached into her pocket, you knew what she was going to do—just a moment later, a cigarette gleamed between her fingers. She took a slow, lazy drag, and the smoke she exhaled drifted in the cool air.“So, yesterday things went smoothly?” she asked calmly, but the biting tone in her voice betrayed something more.She wanted this conversation. So don’t let her say later that she regretted it.You leaned against the opposite wall, crossing your arms over your chest.“You know that when I take on something, I always succeed.”Sevika raised an eyebrow but only gave a faint smile.“You better. Have you finally calmed down?”“You could say that.”“Spare me the half-words, I’m not stupid.”She tilted her head slightly to the side, and the corner of her mouth twitched. She knew you too well to be satisfied with an evasive answer."I gave you a full report… unless you're asking something else?"Sevika snorted and flicked the ash from her cigarette."You think I give a damn? You're not that interesting.""And yet you’re still askin’," you replied instantly, almost sweetly, stretching the last word.In the darkness, her eyes flashed, and the expression that appeared on her face could have been either amusement or irritation.You were sure this would earn you a solid punch. You could almost see her hand tense, silently thanking her for not using the metal one. You tensed, wondering if you could dodge it before she attacked, but instead, a familiar voice surprised both of you."So the rumors weren't lying."You turned your head and saw Camille. She stood a few steps ahead of you, shifting her gaze from you to Sevika. There was something about her that made it seem like she wanted to back off, but forced herself to stay in place.You rolled your eyes. This was the last thing you needed."What do you want?" you asked reluctantly."I can't believe you really work for him. Do you know who he is?"For a moment, you weren’t sure what she was getting at. You were so used to conversations with Silco’s people that you forgot the rest of the city saw you differently."Now you're concerned?" you asked dryly, taking a step toward her.Camille stepped back half a pace – subtly, but you noticed. She hadn’t expected such confidence."Did you sell out so easily?"You let out a short laugh, but it held no humor."You’re saying that?" you snarled. "Need I remind you who dug up that wonderful job?"This time, she stepped back more clearly. Good. Maybe now she’d realize you weren’t the same person she remembered."Was that really all it took to get you out of here, waving money in front of your face? I didn’t think you were that desperate for money to work for… him." Camille shook her head in feigned disappointment. "I didn’t like you, but I didn’t think you had no dignity."You clenched your jaw. You shouldn’t let her step all over you, but… you were done with her."One more word, and you'll be picking your teeth off the street.""Now you’re so clever because you’ve got her behind you?" Camille shot Sevika a look full of mockery. "I’m sure—"You didn’t let her finish. You grabbed her firmly by the arm and pulled her aside, slamming her back against the wall. Surprised, she gasped sharply, and for the first time, you saw real fear in her eyes."Can you leave us?" you tossed over your shoulder to Sevika. "It’ll take me a moment here.""And I’m supposed to give up the show?"You smiled slightly."See?" you said to Camille, leaning in closer. "Now I have to show her that I don’t throw words around."Sevika chuckled, amused. She knew what you were doing, and it seemed like she enjoyed it. If you learned anything from her, it was that people like Camille needed to be kept on a short leash before they stepped all over you."You’re insane!" Camille hissed, but her voice cracked."Maybe." You leaned in even closer until she could feel your breath on her temple. "But you’re one step away from something worse.""I’ve always known you had something wrong with your head." She tried to sound confident, but the trembling end of her sentence betrayed her. "Anyone who works for him is a monster. And you’re no different. You’re just as rotten as he is."You leaned closer to her ear, lowering your voice to a whisper."You can make me your villain. I don’t give a shit."You pulled back and released her with a sudden motion, forcing her to steady herself."Pray I won’t see you again."Camille shuddered but didn’t say anything more. And that was good.You wiped your hands on yourself as if touching her had left some dirt on you. You turned back to Sevika. You expected some biting remark, but instead, you saw her leaning against the wall, holding back laughter."Well… the trash took itself out," you muttered.You weren’t proud of yourself. Such a brutal display of dominance was typical in Zaun, and Camille had pushed you to your limits. You weren’t amused. Well, maybe a little. Or maybe you just didn’t care."I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the sight of someone being afraid of… you."You shot her a glare and pulled your hood over your head."Are we going, or do you want to stand here like a pole?"She chuckled, amused, but didn’t protest. She stubbed out the cigarette with her boot and waved you ahead, handing you the lead. *** For the first time in days, you stepped onto the rooftop.You weren’t looking for peace or relief. You needed a plan. The room felt too small, the air inside too stifling. Zaun was never clean, but anything was better than the stale air of four closed walls. Here, you could think.Well, maybe there was one more place, but that would mean going back to the Lanes. Tempting.Gathering information was easy, especially now that your hearing had sharpened. But planting explosives? You’d never handled them before. The last time something exploded near you, your entire team had died.How could you not see that as a curse?You sat on the damp surface, inhaling the scent of wet earth and water. Your hands were cold, but you didn’t mind. There was something familiar about it.When you returned to your room, you collapsed onto the bed, your backpack still on your shoulders. Sleep came quickly but brought no rest. It was too vivid, filled with scents you shouldn’t be able to smell in dreams.Smoke.Your skin, clothes, hair—everything was soaked in it.It was tempting to pull the blanket over your head and forget the world.But that wasn’t who you were.It was heavy, but it didn’t matter. You couldn’t afford excuses. Even if, for a split second, the thought crossed your mind that you could go back to him—for a forgotten glove, for nothing, for anything—you knew the mission wouldn’t wait.Tonight was the night.A few more hours, and you’d finally be free from what could have dragged you under. The scientists were still working on a safe way to dispose of the substance, but this particular batch wasn’t a threat to you.You were going in through the garages. You’d once fled from there in a panic, but you remembered the way. A straight path, no traps. Getting there wouldn’t be the problem.The stench of the drug? That was another matter entirely.But it had to work. Sure, there were plenty of others who could plant the charges more efficiently, but only you knew what Finn was really hiding in that factory.You wanted trust to mean something. To be strong. You wanted to feel like you deserved it. And now, it wasn’t just Silco—Sevika trusted you to pull this off too.You needed that.And yet, somewhere deep inside, uncertainty crept in.You let yourself hope that this time would be different. That you wouldn’t smell it the way you had yesterday. But hope didn’t survive in Zaun.You needed something solid, not illusions.But nothing came to mind.How do you protect yourself from a scent without cutting off your oxygen?You lay on your back, watching the dark sky as storm clouds rolled in. You could feel the rain in the air, but it would be hours before it fell.You didn’t want to set off an explosion in the middle of a downpour. But even he couldn’t control the weather.You covered your face with your hands, silently praying for the rain to start now.But the smell of smoke still clung to you. Just like the memories—sharp and ever-present.
Don’t test me.
You sat up quickly, balling up the blanket in your hands, muttering curses under your breath. On one hand, you were glad you could finally see things for what they were, but you still lacked the ability to fully lose yourself in the work.
I won’t let you drown.
Your hand trembled as you grabbed onto a protruding brick. You felt your heart lurch into your throat.When did you become… like this?You slid onto the windowsill, debating whether to stay inside a little longer and keep your head in the clouds or go search for some gear. Of course, you were more rational when you were away from him. You and your damn timing. You scolded yourself for your own blindness. If you had understood yourself—and him—sooner, you wouldn’t be heading into this mission with your head cluttered with thoughts of him."I don’t think I could be any more pathetic," you muttered to yourself, stepping into the hallway.Sevika had given you permission to use whatever gear they had, but you doubted you’d find anything that could help against a particularly strong and addictive drug. Maybe you should track down Rey? He worked on the product; he had to know something.Then again, your last meeting hadn’t gone well—he accused you of working against Silco. He probably wouldn’t be too willing to help.You returned to the storage room, the same one where you’d swiped that mask last time. You weren’t even sure what you were looking for. You scanned the shelves stacked with weapons, knowing none of them would help. Blindly shooting wasn’t a solution.You were afraid you’d have to trust yourself the way they trusted you. And that meant believing you could do this. Not just saying it or thinking it—but clenching your teeth and finally stopping the self-pity."I could wrap ten scarves around my face, and I’d still smell that shit," you growled, slamming a cabinet shut."Can you not take it out on the equipment?" a voice suddenly cut in. "I got something for you."You whirled around, only now realizing you weren’t alone. Either she’d learned to walk as quietly as you, or your thoughts had been louder than the sounds around you.Sevika reached into a box filled with spent bullet casings and pulled one out."And what am I supposed to do with an old round?""Not that, dumbass," she shot back. "Take this."She tossed you a small pouch. You caught it instinctively. Inside was something misshapen, solid—nothing recognizable by touch alone.You reached in, curiosity piqued.You almost laughed but instead smiled faintly, unable to believe what you were holding.The mask looked identical to any other. It covered the nose and mouth, fitting tightly against the face—something like a simpler version of what the enforcers wore. A piece of paper fell out from inside. You bent down to pick it up, knowing full well who it was from.
I know you can, but right now I need you conscious.
At this point, it no longer surprised you that he knew what you were facing. You had taken on the task resolutely, sparing everyone the need to issue orders. You knew he would have to do it otherwise, and something in his hesitation told you that he wasn’t sure. This wasn’t the boss—this was him. It was Silco who didn’t want to give the order.As an employee, you knew what needed to be done, but as a person… you were simply glad he remembered.You turned the paper over, noticing unfamiliar handwriting bleeding through from the other side.
Double carbon filter. Strong enough but not permanent—it’ll last you a few hours. No promises, but it should block out all other smells.~R.
"What’s with the stupid grin?"You shrugged. Maybe you had misjudged Rey after all? You lifted the mask to your face, testing how it sat against your skin before actually using it. Adjusting the straps, you secured it in place and only then took the first breath.You froze mid-motion, then slowly lowered your hands. Closing your eyes, you took another breath to make sure you weren’t mistaken.You would recognize it anywhere. It was burned into your memory. There was always the scent of smoke, leather, and tobacco around him, but this—this spicy note—appeared every time you had the chance to be close.You removed the mask reluctantly, tightening your grip on it as if you might lose it at any moment."Maybe I do have a chance.""Maybe?" Sevika raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, you’re acting weird. Can you focus, or have you drifted off again?"You let out a short laugh but quickly grew serious, knowing that Sevika should hear this regardless."I smelled it yesterday," you began quietly. "I didn’t find out where they’re keeping him because… because I couldn’t. The scent alone overwhelmed me.""Great timing to tell me this," she muttered."I know," you admitted. "And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me to sit this one out. I know I can’t afford to mess it up because something is stronger than me.""I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you’re absolutely right. Has Silco gotten into your head so much that you didn’t think this detail was important?""You were the one who offered me this task. Of course, I took it knowingly. I also want to see it burn," you started to raise your voice but stopped yourself—this wasn’t something to say in anger. "Yesterday, I was sure I couldn’t do it. I’ve never felt anything like that before. It was…"You hesitated, realizing you wouldn’t be able to tell her everything.She leaned against a cabinet, giving you a sharp look."I won’t pretend I understand what you’re feeling," she admitted, a bit uneasy. "I still think you shouldn’t expose yourself to shimmer. I don’t know if I’m more impressed by what you’re doing or if I think you’re being reckless again. But I don't deny that what you did helped to solve the case."You raised an eyebrow, surprised."Appreciation from Sevika? I almost wish I had witnesses."For both of you, these conversations were difficult, and usually, you quickly fell back into jokes and teasing. But this time, the words stuck in your throat, sounding weaker than intended."And if you don’t make it?"You didn’t avert your gaze—too much depended on whether she believed you. You could’ve lied, kept the previous night to yourself. But this was Sevika—Silco’s right hand. You needed her trust as much as his. How else were you supposed to work with them?"I will make it."Sevika snorted softly, but there was no mockery in her eyes."Tell me why I should believe that."You lifted the mask."Because I have this.""Gear won’t save you.""I know. But it gives me an advantage. And the rest…" you gripped the mask tighter. "The rest is me."Sevika studied you for a moment as if weighing every word. Finally, she straightened and adjusted the cloak hanging off her shoulder."I don’t care how you do it. But you’d better come back. No one has time to go looking for your remains."You smiled slightly."You won’t have to look for me. I’ll find my way back."

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The first thing you noticed was a half-loosened shoe and a scrap of patterned pants as the door nearly flew off its hinges, swinging open with a loud bang.  The mask slipped from your hands, hitting the floor with a soft thud.  “Shit,” you muttered, quickly bending down to grab it.  "Your conversation must have been fascinating, but you're not alone."  You froze for a moment. The voice was female, but younger than you expected — and clearly irritated.  You lifted your head, ready for a sharp retort, but the words caught in your throat. Standing before you was a teenager, eyeing you with a mix of impatience and nonchalance. She held a box crammed with something metal and colorful.  "You were supposed to wait until I finished," Sevika growled, her tone as hard as usual, but... something about her posture was different.  "And what else? Think I have time for your permissions?"  Something was off. You looked between them, trying to grasp the dynamic of this conversation. Who else had the nerve to talk back to Sevika? She looked like she was about to tear the girl’s head off. And that was strange — because instead, she limited herself to words.  And this girl... Since when had Silco hired someone so young?  In the next second, the girl kicked the door shut behind her and stepped further into the room. Her two long blue braids swirled in the air as she threw the box onto the table right next to you.  "Fuck! Can you be more careful with that?" Sevika jumped back, glaring at her. "You want to blow us up?"  "Relax," the girl muttered, sending her a tired look, as if this whole situation was a waste of her time.  You stood there, watching the spectacle, and with each passing second, you found it more and more amusing.  "Let's get this done quickly because I want to get back to tasks that don't include you."  Sevika snorted, reaching for a cigarette. You raised an eyebrow but held back from commenting — seriously, was she planning on smoking next to something she just deemed potentially explosive?  "Since when are you so important?"  "Am I the one having a meeting with this scientist, or are you?"  You coughed, trying to mask a laugh. You covered your mouth with your hand and subtly turned your head. You had no idea who this girl was, but anyone who, like you, managed to get under Sevika's skin immediately earned your sympathy.  You curiously glanced at the box, but the problem was... you had no idea what you were looking at. Inside, metal objects the size of your fist piled up, looking like caricatures of simple toys. Or at least, that’s what it seemed like. You tilted your head, trying to decipher if those were drawn eyes or some bizarre design.  "I don’t care what you do later, but for God’s sake, stop throwing your gadgets around," Sevika said with a biting tone.  You raised your head just in time to see the girl dramatically roll her eyes and turn her back on her.  And then she looked straight at you.  There was no hostility or anger in her gaze — only curiosity.  "If you're with her, it means I was looking for you."  You crossed your arms over your chest, slightly lifting your chin.  "Maybe you’ll tell me who you are first?"  Silence hung for a moment.  You noticed that Sevika glanced at you briefly, as if wondering whether your question was serious.  But you didn’t take your eyes off the girl.  And she... had that distinct gleam in her eye. Like she had just accepted a challenge.  "Jinx."  You raised an eyebrow, thinking for a moment that she was joking. But no—she was dead serious. And alert. Like she had tuned in to that one word. You shrugged slightly.  "I take it this is for me?"  You pointed at the box. There was some tension in the air, but this time, for once, you weren’t the source of it. Sevika was burning a hole in Jinx’s back with her stare, and the girl didn’t even flinch. It was impressive.  The girl nodded and casually jumped onto the counter. Sevika had to step aside, clearly displeased.  "What do you want to blow up?"  You lifted your gaze from the box and gave her a short look. Jinx was the person Silco had mentioned, but you weren’t sure how much you could tell her. The problem was that Sevika was still staring at the ceiling, seemingly counting in her head, trying to calm herself down.A medium-sized factory," you muttered, growing serious.  You were only a few hours away from the action. You furrowed your brow, fighting the growing anxiety. If all went well, the problem with the defective drug would finally be resolved. You tightened your grip on the bomb a little too hard, and when the metal pressed into your skin, you calmed yourself.  "Take everything," Jinx poked the box with her finger. "I have more."  You nodded. You wanted to ask about some details, but the sudden sound of a squeaking shoe on the floor interrupted you. Sevika threw the cigarette butt away and then slowly ground it out with the toe of her shoe.  "If you're late, forget about coming back to work," she snapped suddenly.  You looked at her, surprised.  "And what’s suddenly bitten you?"  You knew you should’ve yielded to her gaze. For your own safety. But this time, you hadn’t earned her anger. She didn’t answer — she just turned and left quickly.  For a moment, you watched her go, feeling like something slipped past you, but for the life of you, you couldn’t guess what.  "I see she doesn’t like you either," Jinx snorted.  "Yeah, I give her indigestion," you laughed softly.  It was oddly interesting to find a common front against Sevika. When it turned out she wasn’t just sharp-tongued with you, it felt like someone had lifted a weight off your shoulders.  "Why?"  You grinned widely, leaning against the cabinet behind you.  "Disobeying orders, running away, mouthing... want more?"  Jinx didn’t answer right away. She stared at the space in front of her, slowly swinging her legs.  "And you’re still here?"  You sighed heavily, closing your eyes for a moment."Let's just say, whether she likes it or not, I have information that no one else could get."You saw that Jinx didn’t buy that answer, but she didn’t press further. No matter how curious she seemed, you couldn’t go around talking about the variant. This mission was kept secret not only because of shimmer but mostly because of the enemy. It couldn’t get out that a person working for Silco was playing both sides and trying to destroy him."But it smells like a secret," she laughed. "If you don't want to tell me, don’t.""And you?" you asked quickly, genuinely curious."Let’s just say my inventions don’t always get the recognition they deserve."You raised an eyebrow, amused by her response. She bounced the ball back exactly in the same tone as you, and you were starting to like her for it—despite knowing practically nothing about her. It was rare for you to feel such ease around a stranger. Maybe it was her carefree attitude, or maybe because you didn’t have to watch your words.You were extremely curious about who she really was since Silco personally involved her in this operation. Even if it was just to deliver the charges."Once they blow what needs to be blown up, maybe I'll come back for more."The words came out more dryly than you intended, but the stress of the mission didn’t fade, even with this unexpectedly intriguing conversation.Suddenly, she jumped down to the ground, and the soft thud of her foot broke the silence. Only now did you notice the weapon strapped to her belt. It wasn’t a rare sight. On the streets of Zaun, people were always waving knives around, and often, they were younger than her. You felt deep down that Jinx was more than she tried to show, but you weren’t about to ask.Not now.Not when you could still smell the scent and phantom pain in your muscles.Everyone was hiding something."If you don't have any more questions, I’m going back to my tasks.""Which, as I recall, don’t involve me," you replied, pretending to be serious. "I have one."Jinx didn’t say anything, just raised an eyebrow, as if waiting for some revelation. It was pathetic, but you had no choice."How does it work?"For a moment, she looked like she was about to laugh in your face, but instead, she shrugged. You had no illusions; her gadgets looked complicated. In fact, you weren’t even sure how to approach it."Where have you been hiding?" she sighed, almost like an adult. "Sevika must have lost it, giving you this task. Does she want to get you killed?""She probably has those thoughts sometimes," you answered lightly. "But this task is from Silco."Jinx’s reaction was immediate. She visibly reacted to Silco’s name but quickly masked it with a not-so-subtle shrug. You doubted she knew about your new position, but if the rumors spread as quickly as you suspected, nothing was certain."Geez… Fine, I’ll show you, but quickly."It was strange. On one hand, you were facing a teenager who was undeniably a strange technological genius. Yet when you listened to her, it was as if sometimes she was speaking to you like an older guy, and other times just like an ordinary girl—something that didn’t make sense but, at the same time, fascinated and unsettled you.She started explaining how the charges she brought worked, but she didn’t do it with the condescension you might expect from someone with more experience. You had no reason to feel embarrassed. You’d never used anything like this, but right now, it didn’t matter. You were here to learn, to understand what needed to work. It all depended on how well you grasped the rules.The thought that everything depended on your decision grounded you. This mission was based on whether you could complete the task on time. Or rather—whether you could beat time. You stopped thinking about the race. This was a battle with yourself. You had to get through your own limitations, your uncertainty. And most of all—through the heavy responsibility weighing on you like never before.You listened to her intently. Every word she said, though spoken at dizzying speed, felt like a survival manual.And suddenly, you felt that breathlessness. Your stomach tightened, and the sour taste climbed up your tongue. The mission, whose goal was to destroy the drug that could shut you down in a second, was like a sword hanging over your head."Hm?" Jinx broke her gaze from the charge, as if she had fallen into a trance. Her eyes became cloudy.You glanced at where she was looking but only saw a scratched wall. You waved your hand in front of her eyes."Everything good?"She looked at you surprised, as if she had forgotten you were there. She quickly checked herself, brushing her hair off her forehead, then took a step back."I'm out," she threw over her shoulder without warning. "You’ll manage. And try not to die. I don’t want to deal with Sevika’s moods alone."You didn’t have time to reply before she rushed out of the room, leaving behind a blurred blue streak. You stood there for a moment, motionless, unable to process what had just happened. Did she hear something? Did she remember her meeting with the scientist?Teasing Sevika was fun, but even you knew not to tempt fate. She was already irritated by Jinx’s presence, so it would surprise you if she took it out on you.She told you not to be late.But she didn’t say what time you had to leave. *** You arrived at the location several hours before dawn. You didn’t know when the rest would show up, but you needed this moment of solitude to organize your thoughts. The whole operation, planning, chaos—it all ultimately came down to you. It was overwhelming.You watched the area around the factory, looking for the fastest way in. The ramp was out—you couldn’t sneak past the main hall during the fight. The best option was the garages, the same route you had escaped through, but you had been too panicked to remember the way back then."Yeah, sure. Rush into action without a plan," you muttered angrily to yourself.Not this time. You needed a plan. A stable one. A concrete one. Not the delusion that you might get lucky. Thinking about it only pushed you into a spiral of uncertainty. You needed complete focus. This time, you weren’t alone, and running away wouldn’t help if you made a wrong move. Everything depended on whether you could handle it. You felt panic tighten its cold fingers around your throat.The only way to fight it was with anger.You kindled it within you.On Finn.On Marcus.On the drug.But not towards Zarys. The thought surprised you more than it should have. At some point, you stopped seeing him as the enemy. He was a pawn. Just like you. Like Lacey. Like every prisoner who had been tested with shimmer. Like every dead person who happened to take it.Marcus...His name echoed louder in your mind. What terrified you the most was that getting rid of the product didn't close the case.Not as long as he was alive.Deep down, you hoped he’d be inside when the fire reached him just as it had reached the whole nightmare trailing behind him. But even more, you wished he would die by your hand. But that was as likely as the Council finally letting you go.There was no point in remembering the patrol routes. After all, everyone would rush into battle when the rest of the team entered. You trusted your hearing – if anyone appeared on the street, you'd hear them right away. You lay on the uneven roof, staring at the smoky sky. You didn’t notice when you started breathing more deeply in this air. You didn’t need to escape upward anymore to catch your breath. It still tasted awful, but there was something familiar about it. Something that was yours.It tempted you to put on your mask. Just for a moment. But a short note from Rey had already warned you enough. You didn’t know how long you’d need that help. Wasting filters for your own pleasure wasn’t wise.Maybe after tonight everything would slow down. At least for a while. You didn’t remember the last time you had a full night’s sleep. It bothered you that you didn’t have time for each other. You tore it away from reality by force. And still, reality knocked on your door.You glanced at the backpack, filled with Jinx’s inventions. You hoped you had understood her explanations correctly. That girl wouldn’t leave your mind. You wondered how she managed to be so close to Silco and you had never met her. Was she that busy? Or was it because of your collaboration with Sevika? After all, they didn’t get along. But did Sevika like anyone at all?Curiosity grew, but it wasn’t your problem. Whatever relationship they had, you trusted Silco. If he thought those gadgets were worth attention, you had no reason to question it.You knew that without Jinx, this mission wouldn’t move forward, so you were grateful to her for explaining how to handle the charges. She strangely fascinated you. A young girl on Silco’s team. At odds with Sevika. A technological genius. The most alive person you had met in a long time – full of energy, emotions, unpredictable. Sometimes unsettling when she suddenly stared at the wall, but most of all… real.Jinx had wormed her way into your head because she was a breath of fresh air.Every day you saw the same grim faces, people who could only talk about violence. A moment with her made you realize you actually didn’t have any friends. Sevika wasn’t your friend, sometimes you doubted she even tolerated you. Sara didn’t want to know anything about what you did.You didn’t feel bad about it. It was a reality you had gotten used to. And, in a way, you had embraced it with relief. You had no one else. No one you had to worry about. This job didn’t exactly inspire people’s affection, and making connections among the other workers didn’t seem appealing.Strangely enough, it was more comfortable that way.Something rustled below. The rhythm of the city shifted for a moment as you picked up a new sound in the background. An extra screech of sand. Like steps that shouldn’t be there. You crawled to the edge, but you didn’t see anyone. You didn’t think you had misheard, not with that hearing.Still, you reached for the backpack and carefully slid the straps over your shoulders. Jinx had shown you how to secure them, but you had the feeling the metal would heat up for a moment before the explosion. You slid down instinctively, hiding in the shadow. You crouched at the edge of the pale light. Sunrise could be a few hours or a few minutes away. Sevika wouldn’t be looking for you on the rooftops. If she didn’t see you, she’d assume you hadn’t shown up.You could be reckless but not stupid.Something stiffened in the air. It grew, gaining significance. Like the moment before a lightning strike. You raised your hand to your neck, feeling the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. You looked around carefully, but nothing seemed immediately dangerous. Out of everything, the most dangerous thing right now was you with a backpack full of equipment capable of blowing the whole building to dust.Seriously, you were starting to burn. The warmth seeped through your jacket, but you knew it was just an illusion.So when you felt a weight on your shoulder, you instantly jumped back, pulling out your knife.“Fuck, are you out of your mind?” you hissed at Sevika, sheathing the blade. “Do you have a death wish?”“Yeah, like you could do something to me,” she scoffed, amused.You stood up, brushing dust off your pants. You shot her an angry look, which of course, she didn’t care about. Now she was getting ready to joke. You rolled your eyes, unable to keep up with her mood swings. Sometimes, you doubted who was more unpredictable. Silco or Sevika.So far, she was winning.“Where’s the rest?” you asked, glancing behind her.She nodded towards you and walked between the buildings. You followed reluctantly, the disgusting stench of decaying food hitting your nose. You pulled your scarf over your nose, but it didn’t help as much as you’d hoped.She dragged you through the whole length of the alley before stopping at the other end. She calmly leaned against the wall and, without hurry, began adjusting the strap on her chest. You didn’t know if she was deliberately dragging out her response to give weight to her words or if she was genuinely considering it.“You got everything?”You nodded, but she probably needed specific words.“According to Jinx, what I have will easily blow up half the factory.”At the sound of her name, Sevika clearly grimaced. She pulled out a cigarette, lighting it quickly, almost as if searching for peace in the habit.“Don’t blow us up, okay?” she muttered reluctantly, as though talking about the task left a bad taste in her mouth.“Seriously, what’s your problem? If you have something to say to me, just say it, stop pouting like there’s no more whiskey at Last Drop.”For the first time, Sevika irritated you. You sighed angrily, leaning against the wall. You had to do it – even if later she’d try to make up for it by picking a fight. You’d made your mistakes, but you had changed so much since then. You didn’t want to be her punching bag, physically or emotionally.“Fuck this,” she muttered, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “What’s your plan?”You watched her for a moment, trying to understand the sudden mood swings, but in the end, you pushed it out of your mind. You had more important things to focus on than her."I'll enter through the garages," you replied, almost whispering. "They're far from the main hall. There's a corridor leading to where they're likely keeping the product. That's where I felt the shimmer the most."Something was definitely off. This wasn’t the same kind of control you were used to before an operation, the kind you had experienced yourself before transporting shimmer from the upper city. She was being very careful in the conversation, as if she wanted to bring up a subject but was avoiding it at the same time. She didn’t need to remind you how important this night was – you felt it in every nerve."Do you know how to get in?"You hesitated."No," you admitted honestly. "Opening the lock won’t be a problem, but I still won’t be able to lift the gate on my own. I thought about an open window, but I’m not sure…”"I knew it. You're coming with me."It took you five whole seconds to understand her words. They echoed faintly off the building walls, searching for a path to your mind, but something didn’t sit right."Well, I don't think so."She tossed the cigarette butt into a puddle and fixed you with a tired stare."You don’t have a full plan. No one’s going to wait while you figure it out," she pointed out, unbothered. "Don’t flatter yourself. It’s a necessity.""As far as I’m concerned, you just want to keep an eye on me."She gave a crooked smile but didn’t deny it. Blood thickened in your veins. You hadn’t expected her to accept your reaction to the plan without hesitation, but you thought the distrust phase was behind you."We don’t have time for fooling around. You need to get in with the load as quickly as possible.""What about the others?" you asked quickly, coldly."They’ll manage," she replied, unperturbed. "I don’t need to hold their hand to make sure they know what they’re doing.""But I do?"A heavy silence fell after your words. You couldn’t and didn’t want to let it slide. If she didn’t trust you, it was better for her to say it now. The problem was, she remained silent. Unlike usual. She wasn’t angry. Not even irritated. And when you saw that calmness in her, it terrified you more than any threat she could have thrown your way."The whole mission has to go smoothly. And believe me, I’ll do everything to make sure it does.""Oh, for fuck's sake, cut the games and just tell me what you really want? Because I don’t believe it’s just about clearing the path for me."She fixed you with a look. You knew she was evaluating you, but this time, she was searching for something beyond just readiness. Something was seriously wrong. Your instinct was failing you."No, you’re right," she sighed. "You’re carrying a load that could kill dozens of people around here. You need to watch that. I need you not to lose your head during this."You focused your gaze on her, looking for something that would show hesitation, a lie – anything. She held your stare patiently, waiting for you to process the plan."You’re lying," you said nervously, cracking your fingers. "What happened to 'I can’t give you support?'"She shifted her weight to the other leg, crossing her ankles. It irritated you that she was suddenly changing the plan and telling you about it just moments before the operation. It was true that you weren’t sure how you’d get in, but you had never failed. Maybe, naively, you had believed that she finally trusted you."I know you have the mask, but I don’t trust it. Whether this blows up in our faces or not depends on everything. I won’t trust equipment that hasn’t been tested."Your hand mechanically moved to the strap where the mask hung. You touched it lightly, confirming it was in place. It could have been a mistake to place your hope in it. But your will wasn’t strong enough to face the shimmer."Why now?" you asked quietly. "Just a few hours ago, you didn’t care how I did the job. Look, if you don’t trust me, you should have said that before I came here."She wiped her face with her hand, delaying her response. You were starting to get impatient. She had told you not to be late, and now she was holding you up with unnecessary exchanges."Fuck..." she groaned finally, her voice flat. "I wanted to avoid this. I trust you, alright? You’re stubborn enough to finish this even if you’re barely alive. And that worries me."For a moment, you waited to see if she would add anything else, but the words clearly wouldn’t come out of her throat."Could you be clearer?""You can’t be pushed aside, you’re useful," she started quietly. "But it would be easier if he didn’t have such a fucking obsession with you. It’s getting annoying."You wanted to roll your eyes and brush off her words. Unfortunately, every nerve in your body told you that this wasn’t just caution on her part."Silco? What does he have to do with this?""Everything, don’t you get it?" she snapped suddenly. "He surrounds himself with people he cares about more than he should. I’ve come to terms with the fact that no matter what happens, you’re not going to leave him. You’re too attached. Since it’s inevitable, I might as well ensure you enough safety so you come back to him in one piece."You froze. You were starting to see where this conversation was heading, and you didn’t like it one bit."Sev… No," you cut in slowly, feeling your hands begin to tremble.She flinched at the sudden change in tone. She didn’t even comment on the fact that you shortened her name."I never thought I’d say this, but you’re acting more irrationally than I am. I took this job knowing the risks. Do you want to do this every time?"She laughed, but it sounded like nails on a chalkboard."What I want doesn’t matter," she replied dryly. "If you haven’t noticed, I’m doing the dirty work. We’re in deep. And even though I’d like to leave you to fend for yourself, that’s not an option now. The stakes are huge. Not only does the way this variant affects you affect the Marcus problem, but also, if anything happens to you, at best, he’ll accuse me of not ensuring your safety.""He wouldn’t do that," you assured her firmly, but she waved her hand."Are you sure?" she asked seriously, but with a strange, sarcastic undertone.You hesitated.The weight of it all suddenly crashed down on you. This wasn’t just a mission. It wasn’t only about exposing Marcus or breaking the case. You were responsible for more than just completing the task – you were responsible for coming back. To him.In Sevika’s words, you heard the same concern you had heard a few days ago. Back then, she had been reluctant to assign you shimmer tasks. But you both knew there weren’t enough hands for the work. And he knew that too. He didn’t give you this task directly. It was a decision you had to make for everyone, putting Zaun above yourself.Sevika wouldn’t speak this bitterly if she weren’t certain of her words. You understood why she took on the safety of those important to Silco. Your word was the only thing you could offer. And you had given it to him, promising that you’d come back. That’s why none of this scared you. You felt determined. Silco trusted you. He knew you could handle it. And if he believed that, there was no room for hesitation.

You lifted your gaze to Sevika. You were aware of the trouble you were causing her, but Sevika didn't see everything.
"Zaun always comes first, right?" you asked quietly.
You weren't sure if she heard it. Something flashed across her face—an expression of amusement mixed with resignation. She could try to hammer her rules into your head, trying to position herself so that you'd dance to her tune. It had never worked before. As she had pointed out, you couldn’t be pushed away from the job. It was too late for doubts. You had to live with it somehow. You shrugged. After a moment, she snorted, accepting your explanation, which didn’t offer anything new, but you both understood it all too well.
"I just have to watch out for his daughter, who does whatever she wants. Good thing you have enough sense in your head for my words to get through," she added after a moment, eyeing you carefully.
Daughter.
The word hit you suddenly, brutally, ripping your thoughts apart. You straightened up quickly, turning toward her. Something scraped as you dragged your backpack along the wall. How could you have forgotten? He had told you about her after the visit to Marcus's house. You had that conversation somewhere in the back of your mind, but since then everything had picked up at a dizzying pace. Every day brought new problems, and the topic of his daughter... it simply slipped down the list of priorities.
"Fuck..." you whispered with dry lips.
You hadn’t expected to meet her so soon. Hell, you hadn’t expected it at all. What was happening between you and Silco was still too chaotic to even think about it. And now...
Daughter.
"What's wrong with you again? You look like you've seen a ghost."
You shook your head, as if you could shake the thought out, but you knew it wouldn't go away. That one word had opened a flood of questions. Meeting her would mean... what? A couple? Just like that?
"Fine," you mumbled, trying to regain focus. "If you’re not going to have a heart attack from this, then fine. How do you want to do this?"
Sevika raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised that you agreed so easily. But you had neither time nor the will for any back-and-forth. You already felt the mounting wave of stress at the thought of the drug. And now, as if that weren’t enough, she had to remind you about his daughter.
How could you have forgotten her?
It was so shallow and pitiful...
"When they make their move, we go as soon as the guards on the square are down. You stay right behind me the whole time. Put on the mask as soon as we’re inside, got it? If you feel anything, you pull back. Only when I’m sure that mask is blocking everything will you operate on your own, understand?"
You nodded without a word. You adjusted the straps of your backpack, trying to regain at least a little control over your thoughts. You had no idea if Sevika noticed how completely you’d been thrown off balance, but you wanted to hit her for making you dwell on it now.
How the hell had you not asked about her before? Damn, you didn’t even know her name! Silco had never mentioned her, she never came up in conversation, as if her existence was meant to stay a secret. Maybe that was his goal? Maybe he’d intentionally kept her away from everything, hidden her from the world? Maybe he didn’t want anyone – maybe you – to know?
No, it wasn’t like that. It was a necessity. If you were in his place, you’d have done the same.
But that didn’t change the fact that you were just... ashamed.
You’d focused so much on yourself, on him, on what was between you—that you’d forgotten something so obvious.
"Great, just what I needed," you muttered under your breath, shoving your hands in your pockets, as if that would help organize your thoughts.
"What are you whining about?" Sevika glanced at you over her shoulder.
You snorted, irritated.
You couldn’t tell her that, instead of focusing on the mission, you were wondering what you actually were to Silco.
She’d tear you apart and leave you with nothing but scraps.
You had to focus on something, but everything weirdly kept coming back to one word.
You stopped near the gate. Hidden in the shadows, you waited for the attack. When it dawned on you that this was it, you finally felt the familiar adrenaline. You reveled in it. You let it wash over you, filling your veins, sharpening your senses. You checked if the lockpicks were within reach, then touched the handle of your knife, just in case.
Sevika was focused to the limit, as if she hadn’t completely shattered your calm. She wasn’t calm. Her hand nervously circled the weapon. She was tense, ready for action. It wasn’t wise to pull her out of this, but you had to ask.
"And what about him?"
She glanced at you over her shoulder, shocked that you had the nerve to speak up.
"Seriously? Now?" she snapped at you, irritated.
"Don't snap at me," you raised your hands in a defensive gesture. "First time going on an operation with you guys. Shouldn’t you be, like, with him?"
Sevika muttered something under her breath before answering.
"You really think he’s going to walk into the middle of a fight?"
"Honestly, I expect anything from him," you muttered, disheartened.
"He shows up whenever he wants. Even I don’t know what exactly he plans today," she replied dryly. "We don’t question orders—we act. You’re setting the charge, and I’ll make sure everything goes according to plan."
Yeah, you didn’t like that he’d be there. Not because it distracted you. You knew what he wanted to achieve. Intimidate. Cause panic. Show that Finn really got under his skin if he was showing up in person.
But that didn’t change the fact that some stray bullet could still find him.
"I don’t like this," you pressed on. "I’d rather you be with him now."
She had a look on her face as if she hadn’t expected you to surprise her even more.
"That’s why you’re not giving orders. Are you finally going to shut up?"
You couldn’t help but smile. You definitely preferred when she threw out snide comments instead of being as serious as she had been a moment ago.
Whoever threw the first grenade had your gratitude for life.
A terrifying blast echoed. The ground trembled slightly. A second later, you heard the first screams. You exchanged a glance with Sevika.
It’s time.
You moved closer. The square was already in the midst of a fight—brutal, quick, no warnings. Bodies were hitting the ground one after another. The area was cleared in a matter of minutes. No one had expected an attack in the early morning. This was a professionally planned operation, and instead of fear, all you felt was growing admiration.

The fight moved inside. You adjusted your harness and, one breath later, you were already leaping to the other side. The baggage yanked you back, forcing you to quickly correct your balance. For a moment, you had to re-center your own weight.
You didn’t often work together, but despite that, communication between you was wordless.
You waited in the shadow for her signal. You didn’t flinch when a bullet flew overhead—the whistle of it almost pleasant in its familiarity. The enemy was lurking outside, waiting for an opportunity. They didn’t get one. Sevika fired without warning. The explosion cracked the air, and yet you still heard the dull thud of a body hitting the ground.
"After me. Keep your head low."
She didn’t have to repeat herself. You curled into yourself, holding onto your backpack strap so it wouldn’t slip off during the run. The bomb charges dug into your back, reminding you of their presence. You were right behind her, almost stepping on her heels.
You reached the wall. Your heart pounded so hard it felt like it was breaking your ribs. You reached for your weapon—hoping you wouldn’t have to use it. Killing was never pleasant, but now it was a necessity. And it wasn’t just death you were facing. Each bullet could hit the charge.
Sevika scanned the surroundings before gesturing toward you. Without hesitation, she disappeared around the corner. You followed, glancing around cautiously. The mask brushed against your leg, reminding you of his words.
You took a deep breath.
Every sound around you seemed amplified—the creak of sand beneath your boots, the screech of metal, heavy breaths. You had the sense that the whole world could hear you slipping toward the garages.
The team had done its part, pushing everyone inside, but it wouldn’t last forever. You’d rather not be outside when the square filled with fighting again.
You were above Lanes, which meant more light. The rising sun cast long shadows—perfect cover.
"Wait," you whispered, stopping suddenly.
Sevika turned immediately, scanning the area cautiously.
"Where?"
She was looking for a threat, but that wasn’t why you stopped. Worn tracks marked the ground. You followed them, uncertainly recognizing the building. Sevika was leading you toward the side addition where one of the vehicles was parked. The problem was, it was too far.
The last time you left here, you were beyond the gate in seconds. A straight path out. This time, something was off.
You hadn’t stopped by accident. You weren’t looking for tracks—you knew where to go.Without a word, she followed.
You kept your weapon low, ready for use, but a menacing silence hung in the area. You exhaled in relief when you saw the lone gate, hidden in the building’s corner. This had to be it.
You crouched by the lock. The mechanism wasn’t complicated, but the adrenaline was still coursing through you. Your fingers trembled, working slower than you wanted. You cursed quietly under your breath. After a few seconds, it gave.
A little too long.
Sevika yanked at the metal. Even she had to exert force—she growled quietly under her breath as she lifted the gate just enough for you to slip through.
"Take your time," she muttered with clear irritation.
You rolled your eyes but didn’t comment. Instead, you grabbed the lever on the side and pulled sharply to get the gate moving further. The noise ripped through the air. A terrifying, metallic screech. You hoped no one heard it amidst the chaos of the fighting.
You raised an eyebrow as you watched Sevika stride confidently inside.
"Feel at home?" you teased.
She shot you a deadly glare. You knew she could see little—darkness was second nature to you, but temporarily a hindrance to her.
"Mask," she reminded you sharply.
Something inside shifted. Your breath slowed.
The familiar scent filled your lungs.
You smiled widely. She wouldn’t see it anyway.
You climbed onto the raised platform. Before you, a dark corridor stretched ahead, calling forth memories.
How far was the shimmer?
How far had you run, lost in panic, searching for an exit?
Your footsteps echoed off the walls. The light flickered uneasily—the building’s electrical system must have been damaged. You felt nothing sweet. It gave you courage, but your legs still trembled. You didn’t recognize this place. Honestly, you couldn’t remember anything from that night except the fear.
"I don’t smell it," you told Sevika.
She accepted it with only a brief nod. You reached a junction. The corridor veered left. You glanced inside curiously, but it was met with darkness. You were starting to get anxious—it would take more time to find the place than to plant the charges.
"Wait here," she ordered, turning into the offshoot.
You trusted the mask, but that didn’t mean you wanted to walk into a puddle of shimmer. Someone could be guarding the equipment. You wiped your sweaty palms on your pants, recalling Jinx’s words.
You didn’t even try to understand the mechanism. You just needed a quick guide: how to place them and when to detonate. Sevika returned moments later, stepping out of the shadows. She gestured for you to follow. You entered the darkness, and after a few steps, you found yourselves in a small room.
You froze in the doorway, not believing your own eyes.
Before you was nearly identical equipment to what was in Silco’s factory. Smaller, more awkward, and clearly made from scraps, but it was it. It covered an entire wall, casting an ugly purple glow over everything around. It tore through the darkness, making you feel nauseous.
Familiar-looking barrels were lined up against the walls. You knew Marcus hadn’t stopped production. Fortunately, since the theft, he’d only managed to fill eight tanks. You were tempted to pour it all out and just set it on fire, but fire could be put out.
No, this needed to be destroyed completely. Leave nothing but scraps.
You felt Sevika grab your elbow, forcing you to look away from the equipment.
"Focus," she snapped, pulling you from your thoughts. "You’re on your own now, got it?"
Her gaze pierced through you. You swallowed, feeling dryness in your mouth, and nodded. Words could betray you, and then she wouldn’t believe you could do it.
"Our people are keeping watch to make sure no one gets in, but we can’t stay here forever. I left one man outside. Signal him as soon as you’re out. Five minutes and you blow this whole place. Got it?"
You were breathing more shallowly now. The weight of responsibility crushed you to the ground more than the backpack full of materials.
“I got it,” you replied calmly, though everything inside you was convulsing at the thought of being left alone here.
She didn’t respond. She nodded silently, but you could see a shadow of relief in her eyes. You were glad the mask altered your voice, so she couldn’t latch onto any trace of uncertainty.
She passed you without a word, as if she wanted to be as far from this place as possible.
You watched her disappear into the shadows. You closed your eyes for a moment, steadying your breath, and inhaled the familiar scent.
“Let’s get this over with,” you muttered.
You crouched down, quickly sliding the backpack off your shoulders. The metal lightly clinked against the ground. Aside from the disgusting sound of liquid sloshing through pipes, you heard nothing more. Your breath sounded twice as loud as usual.
You grabbed two charges and quickly attached them to the main tank.
You repeated her words in your head. First, the assembly. Then, the detonation. The biggest effect would come from placing them in strategic locations to initiate a fire. Shimmer was damn flammable. A spark would be enough, and everything would go up in smoke within minutes.
But the equipment—the device—that had to be destroyed differently.
Placing the charges took about ten minutes. You thought you’d used everything, but at the bottom of the box, you found something else—a smaller version of the bombs you’d used before. You hadn’t taken everything. It must have gotten tangled during the packing.
You caught yourself thinking that now you had an excuse to find her. Yes, you wanted to meet someone who didn’t growl at you every time you asked a question. You slipped the gadget into your side pocket so you wouldn’t forget about it.
Arming the detonator meant one thing—press the button, and everything would explode in a planned sequence. You held it tightly, afraid to even twitch your finger.
Something clicked.
You lifted your head. Your heart stopped, and your muscles tensed instinctively.
You spun around quickly, reaching for your weapon as the sound of a gunshot sliced through the air. Fear hit your head. You were certain the flames would consume you in an instant.
But nothing happened.
A man stood before you, gun aimed directly at you. Tall, thin, his clothes hung on him like they were on a hanger. His face scarred. The shot hadn’t hit any of the charges. A warning.
“Drop it.”
You hesitated, tightening your grip on the gun. You wouldn’t even have time to aim before he shot.
“I told you to fucking drop it!”
You let go. It hit the ground with a dull thud.
“Move,” he growled, motioning with his gun.
You slowly stood, clutching the backpack. Thoughts raced in your head. You had to keep him away from the charges. One wrong move, and you’d both be blown to pieces.
“Fine,” you reassured him calmly, taking a step toward him. “I’m going, alright?”
If he wanted to kill you, he’d do it right away. You weren’t sure what he wanted, but you’d find out later—if you survived. The rule was simple—better to die on the spot, because what could await you elsewhere might be worse. But in this case, your life wasn’t more important than the people waiting for your signal.
Two steps.
You felt like you knew him from somewhere.
Another step.
He was tense. He licked his lips every few seconds, his hand shaking on the gun, adjusting his grip.
Uncertainty.
Two more steps.
You grabbed the handle of your knife. You yanked it out and sliced through the air.
A scream ripped through the silence. You hit something soft, maybe his arm. You didn’t intend to check. His gun fell from his hand.
You bolted.
You turned left. The garage was too far. You had to find another exit.
Your footsteps pounded against the floor. Your heart thudded in your chest, your breath burned in your throat, but you couldn’t take the mask off. Shimmer could still be in the air.
But the footsteps behind you were too close.
You tensed your muscles even more. You saw an opening ahead. You were just a few steps away from it.
Something crashed into your legs.
You fell, hitting your nose against the floor. Everything exploded in light. You instinctively curled up, rolling onto your side. You ripped the mask off, gasping for air. You felt blood running down your cheek. The bastard broke your nose!
You didn’t have time to try to get up before he was on top of you. His hands instantly tightened around your neck.
You dug your nails into his hands, scratching the skin until it bled, but he didn’t let go. You couldn’t breathe. You kicked your legs, trying to throw him off, but it was useless. He was stronger, taller—better. You knew you had no chance in a fight, but you didn’t want to die choked by a man who smelled like he hadn’t bathed in two weeks.
Damn mask. If it weren’t for it, you would have sensed him right away.
You let go of his hand.
His face blurred in front of your eyes.
You lifted your hand to his eyes, trying to strike.
You tore his skin on his cheek.
You felt something sticky under your nails.
He howled, turning his head. Sweat-slicked hands slid on your neck. You struggled with him, but you couldn’t escape.
Your vision blurred, and oxygen was slipping from your lungs.
Then everything exploded.
At some point, you dropped the detonator. One of you must have hit it, activating the blast.
The shock hit you like a shockwave, vibrating through your ribs. The world flared with orange fire, and the echo of the explosion tore through the silence. The man above you hesitated for a split second—too long. His grip weakened. You inhaled the burning, dusty air and with all your might, punched him in the face.
He staggered. You seized the moment, driving your elbow into his ribs, then crawled out from under him, desperate like an animal fighting for its life.
He grabbed your leg.
You kicked him in the face, with all the force you had. Something crunched under your foot. He groaned and collapsed to the side, spitting blood.
The second explosion shattered the air.
The world shook again, and a wave of heat rolled down the hallway. In front of you, only a few meters away, flames licked the walls, rolling toward you like a living beast.
This wasn’t happening…
You heard screams in the distance. The explosion must have intensified the fight. Around you, the walls were marked with a network of cracks. Above your head, metal screeched ominously, as if the building was holding itself back from collapsing.
You rose heavily, frantically searching for the knife. It lay half a meter away from you. You lunged for it just as another explosion went off. Reflexively, you curled up, hiding your head in your arms.
The metal groaned and gave way.
Behind you, the ceiling crashed down with a deafening noise, cutting you off from the rest of the team. A sharp pain pierced your back as a shard hit you. You fell to your knees, dropping your weapon. In front of you, the man snapped out of his shock. He spat blood onto the ground and waited. He stood across from you, tightening his grip on the handle of his own blade.
Fuck… He didn’t just want to kill you. He wanted to fight.
You had no way out. The passage behind you was blocked. A gaping hole in the ceiling let more light inside, but the dust wouldn’t settle. On the edge of fear, the names of those who were waiting for you flickered in your mind. Those who trusted you. Those you were betraying right now.
You coughed violently, feeling the dust particles in your throat.
Then you felt a kick straight to the stomach. You fell to the side, gasping for breath. Your muscles refused to cooperate, but you forced your body to focus for even a moment.
“I told you I’d kill you,” he hissed over you.
You wheezed, struggling for air.
“And who the fuck are you?”
He laughed and took a step back. You cursed under your breath. You could’ve guessed it was more than just an attack. That’s why he hadn’t killed you immediately.
He knew you.
And you, for the life of you, couldn’t remember from where.
Another explosion rumbled in the distance, but its force didn’t reach you as strongly as the previous one. He didn’t flinch as the flames, fueled by another blast, quickly climbed the walls beside you.
“I’ve been waiting for this,” he spat, pointing at you with his blade. “I promised myself that when I caught you, I’d pay back all those weeks of waiting.”
“I have no idea what the fuck you’re talking about.”
Another kick came immediately. You felt your ribs bend under the force of the strike. You tried to pull back, but he caught you in a second. He pinned your wrist to the ground with his boot, crushing it. You howled in pain, but pulling your hand out wasn’t an option.
“Remember?” he said, lowering his voice.
You didn’t answer, but he didn’t wait for one. He crouched over you. The foul smell intensified. In his eyes, you saw pure madness. Fury. Obsession.
Waves of pain rolled through your body. Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t remember any fact from the past that you could connect with him.
“He told me to wait. That I’d get you in my hands,” he whispered, spinning the knife in his hands. “You presented yourself so nicely. Should’ve stuck to Sevika like a loyal dog.”
You didn’t wait. You quickly twisted, grabbing his ankle with strength. You yanked hard. He lost his balance and fell on his back. You rolled away fast. Your hands slid on the floor. You couldn’t find your footing.
You grabbed the nearby backpack and took a few quick, trembling steps toward the fire. It was the only way. You barely managed to get a few feet when he lunged at you again. He pinned you to the wall, pressing his forearm against your neck, cutting off your air supply. You saw the glint of his blade. You jerked, trying to pull away. He gently dragged it along your cheek.
“I’ll butcher you exactly the same way you did her,” he said quietly.
He now held you by the collar, pressing the blade to your neck. You had free hands. You could’ve attacked him in any way, but one wrong move, and you’d end up like…
That smell. The stench of sweaty skin.
The vengeance that had driven him all this time.
You remembered. You met him on the first day.
He was a madman. You couldn’t call him anything else.
A madman who was now holding a knife to your neck, ready to exact his own, twisted justice.
Out of all the people, why the fuck him? You expected a lost guard or one of Finn’s men, but this? How the hell were you this unlucky? He still believed you killed his sister. This was some sick joke.
“So that’s why I’m still alive?” you mocked with a trembling voice. “Because you don’t have the balls to kill me before I tell you what you want to hear?”
It wasn’t smart. You were provoking him to open up. To make a mistake you could use. If you read him wrong, if you miscalculated, you’d be dead in seconds. Images flashed in your mind. Yes, it was definitely him. But what the hell was he doing here?
“You remember her, I know you do.”
“And what if I don’t? What then?” you mocked further, pretending the situation didn’t scare you. “All your life was for nothing? All that damn revenge?”
“Shut the fuck up!” he hollered, after which he hit you on the face with a fist.
He panted heavily, looking down at you. His eyes were wide, frantic. He couldn’t control himself. That’s exactly what you were waiting for. Ruminating on his presence wouldn’t do any good. Acting, though, would.
You reached into your backpack’s pocket, your fingers closing around the cold metal. One more moment, and…
The blade cut through the fabric of your shirt, embedding deeply.
Pain exploded in your body.
You howled, but you couldn’t breathe. The warmth of your blood immediately spread across your skin, pulsing in time with your frantic heartbeat.
“So much talk, and what?” he whispered with undisguised satisfaction. “You’ll die exactly as I wanted.”
He twisted the blade.
A scream tore from your throat before you could stop it. Your whole body arched in a spasm of pain, your breath catching sharply as if something had ripped your lungs out.
You couldn’t focus, couldn’t gather your thoughts.
You clenched your fingers around his shoulder.
No, not yet.
You wouldn’t let him win.
You clenched your teeth so hard it made your jaw ache.
“Maybe,” you rasped, tasting blood on your tongue. “But you won’t see it. I won’t give you the satisfaction.”

Each movement tore open the wound, you felt the blade tear at your insides. Nausea hit you in waves, the world narrowing down to the pulsing pain in your stomach and the burning fire beneath your skin.
But you couldn’t leave on your own.
You pressed your hand to his chest. You groaned in pain as your muscles refused to obey, but you clenched your fingers around the pin.
Adrenaline burned through you from the inside.
You yanked.
You heard the characteristic click.
His eyes widened in surprise.
“What...?”
You shoved him.
He staggered.
He caught your shoulder, but it was too late. He lost his balance and crashed down into the rubble, straight onto the charred remains of the roof that had fallen earlier.
The explosion shook the air, blinding you for a second. It wasn’t as intense as the previous ones, but it was enough.
When you opened your eyes, his body was just a distorted shape amid the flames.
You slid down the wall, your hand instinctively pressing against the wound, but you couldn’t stop the bleeding.
You were too weak.
Your head spun.
Fighting the nausea, you lifted your gaze to the gaping hole in his chest.
He was dead.
But you probably were, too.
You lay on the ground, struggling to breathe. Your lungs burned as though the fire that blocked your escape had spread inside of you.
You were cold. Or maybe it was the blood pouring out of your wound, taking your warmth away?
You wanted to rise, but your body refused to obey. Every movement was another wave of pain—tearing, ripping, as if something were trying to pull your insides out piece by piece.
The blood-soaked blouse clung to your back, your stomach, your skin, as if it were trying to stop the blood that was already flowing from you. You pressed your hand against the wound, clenching your fingers as if you could hold the blood inside, but you knew it was pointless.
The world shook, the lines blurring into quivering shadows.
You gasped for air, feeling as though the flames were reaching your lungs. At least the sweet, sticky scent that had ruled you for the past few months was gone.
Now it's gone. Everything is gone... Well, she was right. You finished the job. Equipment destroyed. No product. The factory would soon crumble to ruins. You barely made it out alive. No positive outlook on the horizon.
The only thing on your mind was whether the others managed to escape in time when everything started to collapse.
You almost wanted to laugh.
But all that came out of your mouth was a pitiful sob.

You have to come back.

Your exhale sounded like a cough.

So that you return to him in one piece.

You pressed your hands weaker and weaker against the wound.

I don't plan on dying.

You couldn’t close your eyes, terrified you’d slip away completely.
Why...?
Why was everything against you?
What was it punishing you for? For daring to hold on to life?
Your body pulsed with pain, your heart beating weakly, like a bird trapped in a cage, slower, less desperately.
Reality mocked you.
It robbed you of every second you tried to steal for yourself.
You had nothing else. You had no choice.
Maybe in another reality...
It’s not fair.
Why not in this one?

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

It sounded like footsteps.You heard them, and each one felt like another needle piercing your eyes. You squeezed your eyelids as tightly as you could to stop the blinding purple flashes.Your body was on fire, yet at the same time, it was freezing cold. It was a horrible combination. You were sinking deeper and deeper into the icy water.But it was different. Evil and dangerous. There was no peace here, only emptiness. Yet your body didn’t respond to the screams when you begged it to start fighting. You didn’t want to die like this. Trapped in your own thoughts, unable to move a finger.You didn’t hear it right away.Vibrations flowed through your body. At first, chaotically, you didn’t know when the next one would come. You drifted between them, trying to find a pattern.It began to change. It was more rhythmic, like music you hadn’t heard in a long time. There was something comforting about it. It hit you with such force that it ripped the rest of the air from your lungs. You didn’t even know you still had any.Then your body started to fight.Every muscle ached. It pulled and tore, reconnecting itself. You hadn’t felt this in a long time – not since you got rid of the addiction. It was bearable. Someone once told you that feeling means you're alive.The rhythm. With every second, it grew more steady. Stable and stronger, it was the beat of your heart.
If only you held on to life tightly
You did. You clung to it with your fingers, unable to let go because you finally recognized the hum on the surface. One voice that cut through the rest.It was like someone had grabbed your hand and started pulling. You wished you were brave and could find the strength to get out of this on your own. Your heart and mind were rushing to follow the voice, but your half-dead body weighed you down like a ball and chain. That’s why you accepted any help with gratitude – it wasn’t your time. It couldn’t be.You were coming back.It was footsteps. They were moving away from you. Your hearing sped up, catching a change in the steady rhythm. You felt someone was nearby, but before you could open your eyes, the sensation disappeared.The first conscious breath tasted divine. You didn’t feel the water in your lungs. Only a complete heaviness. You were alive, you felt your body, and every part of it was irritated as hell. For a moment, you couldn’t believe the omnipresent purple was only in your head.You watched the shadows cast on the wall, not knowing why they were different from what you knew. Awareness didn’t want to wake from its stupor yet. You remembered you were dying.Nothing more. The pain drowned out everything. Except that voice.The hum on the edge of your memory didn’t stop. You closed your eyes, massaging the bridge of your nose, seeking comfort. But it didn’t cease. It took a moment for you to realize you weren’t alone. There was a conversation going on beside you, but strangely, you couldn’t understand the words.You didn’t feel good in your own skin. You raised your hand, watching the light flow through your fingers. You saw a few scratches on your forearm.Memories started to return.When he crushed your wrist with his boot, you were sure he’d broken something in it. Now, though, it seemed as unreal as the drowning you had just felt.You gently touched your neck. You could feel your pulse under your fingers, but you could swallow and breathe normally. You remembered the pain but didn’t feel it.If this didn’t mean you were dead, then what did? After something like this, you should have been recovering for days. You furrowed your brows. You had no idea where you were or how long you had been unconscious.The air smelled different.You glanced to the side. You followed the light with your eyes until you reached a narrow but high window. Someone had left it open. You smiled involuntarily. Lanes might not have smelled nice, but everything was better than the dust and the stale scent of an unused room. The glass, cut irregularly at the edges, was dirty. This was familiar – Zaun was never clean, no matter how much anyone wanted it to be.Your hand involuntarily went to your stomach. Until that moment, you weren’t sure if you had truly woken up. Of course, you remembered. Now that everything was coming back, you couldn’t shake the memory of the blade sinking deeper.Someone had bandaged you. You could feel the bandages through the fabric.But the pain was missing.You needed it now. It wasn’t just a stab. Something inside you was different. And you didn’t like it one bit. For many weeks, you hadn’t understood your own body when it was controlled by addiction. You never wanted to feel that again.You propped yourself up on your elbows, accepting the protest of your numb muscles with gratitude. You had noticed that you weren’t at home. Everything was different, yet the same. It wasn’t even about the furniture. It was the strange atmosphere that lingered, hovering under the ceiling, waiting to see how you’d react to it.Someone found you.Someone put bandages on you.Someone took care of you.How could you believe that reality had any power when there were people who had pulled you back to the ground?“And fuck you too,” you said firmly, quietly. “I have my people, so get your filthy fingers out of my life.”You were absorbed in watching the dust particles dance in the light when suddenly you felt a chill on your shoulders. A solitary breeze swept into the room, soothing, pleasant, and as anticipated as rain. It could be raining now. You quickly scanned the room, painfully realizing that you couldn’t see your jacket. Of all things, this struck you the hardest. You hadn’t suspected you were sentimental, but its absence hurt worse than any wound.Not just that.Everything that made you the person you knew was missing.Your backpack, your gear… everything was left behind in the factory. You shuddered hard. It felt as though you’d woken up in someone else’s life.Before death, you’d fought fiercely with reality. Was this the punishment now – making you live in another one?“What stupidity,” you scolded yourself.You had personal debts with it. It had tried to take your life, but you were saved, so it stole something else that was important. This wasn’t just about sentiment – these were your tools. Without them, you were useless. Was this what it wanted to show you?A draft opened the door, and the creak of the hinges sliced through the silence with a sharp sound. You grimaced – the explosions from the factory still reverberated in you, thundering in your bones. You were sure that at some point, you started bleeding from your ears.Steps echoed again. A faint creak of the floorboards. Fleeting, but clear to someone with a good ear.„Sir, what about…”You would recognize that tone anywhere – Sevika. Which meant the second person had to be…„Not now,” he replied harshly.Confirmation that he was nearby wrapped around you like a blanket, warmer than the one you lay under. Relief. You were both alive.You clenched your teeth and moved to the edge of the bed. Your muscles trembled, greeting the effort with silent protest.„I understand, but this is the second time he's insisted on a meeting.”How much time had passed? You had no idea. You only knew one thing – it was time to get back to work. Anxiety gripped your throat. The mission. It had to succeed. You couldn't have more people on your conscience than necessary.„Tell him to wait,” Silco growled. „I don't have time for this now.”Your heart leapt into your throat. What if the plans had fallen apart because of your carelessness? If only you had secured the detonator better, it would have just been a fight with this man.You placed your hand on the nightstand next to a metal tray with bandages. You needed to find out how badly you'd messed up the task. With some difficulty, you moved your sluggish limbs.But maybe you had rushed too much.Your hand slid under the wood, snagging on some tools. You collapsed to your knees. The clatter of falling tools was deafening. You slammed your elbow into the mattress, trying to keep your balance. The room spun. You clenched your fingers into the sheets. You were still a little weak. You saw stars in your vision, but it was better than the purple flashes.To feel meant to live.A little longer before you stood up. You weren’t strong enough yet.You registered everything with a slight delay. You knew someone had entered, but before you could raise your head, you felt a hand on your shoulder. A firm grip. Familiar.You hadn't even had time to flinch before a second arm supported you from the side. He lifted you to your feet before you could try yourself.„I got you.”Your breath trembled in your chest before you forced the words out.„Shit. You... you made it.”When your faces were level, you couldn't tell if he was more irritated or amused. All that mattered was that he was alive.„You almost died and you're worried about me?”You involuntarily smiled, hearing a large dose of disbelief in his voice. He didn't take his eyes off you as though checking if you were joking. You shrugged slightly.„I know I’ve been alive for several minutes,” you replied calmly. „You—only a few.”Although you were standing firmly on your feet, he didn’t let go of your shoulder. You didn’t want him to. He didn’t respond immediately. He exhaled roughly, as if trying to calm down, but even through his clothes, you could feel his heart beating a bit faster than usual.„I swear... oh, fuck this.”He suddenly leaned in, searching for your lips with his. You sighed, surprised by the sudden turn of events, but the last thing on your mind was protest. He moved your hand to his back to get closer. Instinctively, you pressed closer. You closed your eyes, savoring the warmth of his lips.He was your air, and you were desperate to breathe.You shivered slightly as a gust of breath brushed against your neck. You clung to him tightly, feeling all logic slipping through the open window. One day with him—had you asked for too much?„I swear, if you ever…” he rasped between kisses, not breaking his lips from yours.His voice faltered. He hesitated, stopping. Not because of a lack of words, but because none of them were enough. He pressed his forehead to yours, breathing heavily. As if trying to calm down. As if he didn’t want to.It lasted barely a few seconds. That was enough for you to forget about the whole world. You could feel your heart racing. You dug your fingers into his arm, afraid to pull away.Well, there was no better confirmation that the mission had succeeded, but you needed to know more.„Can you tell me what happened?”You were afraid you already knew the answer, but until you heard it from him, you didn’t want to form the words.He pulled back slightly, enough to regain his composure but definitely too far for your liking.„The variant was destroyed.”He admitted it firmly, without hesitation, as though making sure there was no room for interpretation.A trembling exhale escaped your lips. You remembered perfectly the stench that filled your nose as you fought for your life. When the fire started consuming the shimmer, the smell no longer had an effect on you.And now, it was gone forever.You would probably have collapsed again if it weren’t for his arm. You didn’t even notice when he supported you. You wanted to let the relief pour through your mind, taking all the anger and fear with it.But it wasn’t over.You could feel he was waiting for one question. Suddenly, he was too tense, too quiet. You turned your gaze away, not wanting to read the answer from him before you heard it.„Why am I alive?”Uncertainty poured out of you because the answer was at the tip of your tongue. There was only one explanation for how you recovered so quickly.You saw it in him first. How the tension spread across his frame, how he clenched his fingers on the fabric of your blouse before he released it. How he began to pull back. Slightly, slowly.You clenched your teeth. That was confirmation.„We gave you shimmer.”Those words squeezed the last breath out of your lungs. You didn’t want to believe it, but it was naive to think you got through this on your own.The coat slipped between your fingers as he withdrew his hand. You expected this. He knew your opinion on the drug.You grabbed his sleeve.This couldn’t look like this.„Don’t,” your voice came out sharper than you intended. „Stay. It’s more bearable when you’re here.”It seemed like he breathed a little easier, but your thoughts were too chaotic to be sure. It hurt—knowing you had that damn thing in you again.The problem was, Zaun had no other cure.You needed a moment to process it, but you didn’t want to do it alone.It's not that you wanted to stay as far away from shimmer as possible. You got involved with it indirectly, through Silco. Where he is, there is the drug.The problem wasn’t shimmer itself, but that damn variant that nearly destroyed your life.You snorted quietly, not caring that you were being watched.Something saved you, something you had fought against."Oh, who am I kidding..." you suddenly blurted out, unable to stand the mood you had forced upon yourself. "I promised you something. If it were necessary, I would have drunk more—if it meant bringing me closer to you."The honesty came out of you naturally. You could spit and scream about how much you hated shimmer, but the truth was, you would have done anything to return to it.You weren’t trying to play the saint. You’d already taken it. The most important thing was that it wasn’t that variant.Funny. For this man, you bent and broke your own rules. This wasn’t the first time, and it certainly wouldn’t be the last."You are..."Watching him stumble over his words, shaken by your confession, made you forget about all your problems. He, always composed—now uneasy, struggling to say what he felt."Infuriating? I know," you interrupted him casually, ignoring the familiar knot in your stomach.He smiled slightly. He looked at you from above. Something in his gaze burned you to the bone, but you couldn’t look away."I was going to say addictive, but we can go with yours," he replied lightly.You choked on air, your face flushing bright red in an instant. You quickly turned your head, fighting off a foolish smile. He said it so calmly, as if the words didn’t matter. He could’ve whispered them in your ear, and the effect would have been the same.You suddenly forgot how to speak, embarrassed. You looked for a retort when the door slammed in the background. You didn’t want to go back to reality yet. Not after what he just said.It was easy to forget everything when he kept you close, but it wasn’t that simple.You heard her before she appeared in the doorway. It was impossible for him not to have noticed, yet he didn’t give her a single ounce of his attention. Sevika was drilling you with a demanding gaze. You wanted to ignore it, dismiss her, or simply close your eyes and wait for her to leave.Instead, you put your hand on his chest as a reminder."You have a meeting."It wasn’t a question. You had heard what they talked about earlier. Silco sighed heavily."I almost lost you, do you think I want to leave now?"You had no idea what had gotten into him that day. He was rarely this brutally honest with himself— with both of you. He spoke as if it were just the two of you, and he had finally understood his thoughts. It was easy to get lost in that."We both know it’s not that simple," you replied tiredly. "Only..."Sevika suddenly growled. You heard a quick stomp and her muffled curse."Don’t just stand there like a lump in the doorway, will you?"You leaned forward slightly, horrified as you looked at Jinx. You had no idea where she came from. But what scared you more was the fact that she had seen more than she probably should have.And he didn’t even move."Oh, I guess I came at the wrong time.""No," he replied quickly. "Nothing happened."You froze. Whatever was happening around you was happening without your knowledge. You quickly took your hand away, hiding it behind your back. Jinx looked at you curiously, completely unbothered by the fact she caught her boss in an unusual situation.Why didn’t Sevika react?"I got what you wanted. Rey wasn’t happy I took it."She waved some notebook in the air.It was Zarys’s journal. No wonder Rey wasn’t happy—you thought no one should know about it. You shifted your gaze from him to her, realizing that the three of them knew more than you. Why was no one except you shocked?He still hadn’t stepped back.You felt you should take a step back, move—anything. But what would be the point? You weren’t ashamed of what you had with him, it even flattered you that he openly admitted it in front of others. But you didn’t want Jinx to think of you as someone having an affair with her own boss!You felt the awkwardness grow with every passing second. You looked for anything in their expressions that would give you an answer. You were disturbed by the sudden mocking smile on Sevika’s face as she didn’t take her eyes off you. But what could she mean by that? Since she didn’t stop Jinx, it meant she couldn’t.Who was that girl?"I don’t like this. You’re supposed to be here when I come back," the order echoed lightly off the walls for a moment, staying in the air, but you didn’t pay much attention, too preoccupied by the softness in his voice. "That’s why Jinx stays with you."Two seconds passed before his words found their way to you, and you blurted out the same moment as her."What?" you said, stunned."Why me?" Jinx groaned with clear disappointment.Silco closed his eyes for a moment, as if fighting rising frustration. He glanced over his shoulder at the girl. You studied his face, his posture, anything that would give you a clue as to what was going on. You couldn’t move, frozen in place by the force of the gaze between those two. Jinx and Sevika. Curiosity and mockery."Because I’m asking you," he said gently.Just a moment ago, he had growled at Sevika when she dared remind him of his duties, and now he was speaking... gently? Everything around you screamed that there was something more here than a simple professional relationship. You didn’t know her well enough to know how they communicated with each other. But she wasn’t afraid of him, she got under Sevika’s skin, and clearly knew more because he allowed her to.And there was only one person Sevika couldn’t put in line, she had said that herself.Oh god, no...You slowly shifted your gaze from him to her."Fine," she groaned, rolling her eyes. "But I want new gun."Silco chuckled lightly. He suddenly pulled away, leaving you with the coldness and emptiness. And the overwhelming weight of growing understanding."Nothing too fancy," he agreed calmly.Sevika looked like she was wondering whether to burst into laughter or bite someone’s head off. But that was your smallest problem.They left without a word, completely unfazed by the atmosphere they left behind. Or maybe it was just you who felt it.You didn’t take your eyes off her, seeing everything.

The gun stained with blue and pink paint, just like her hands.
The same colors you saw in his office.
Drawings on the furniture.
The modified toy with which you killed that man.
In your head, Sevika's words echoed when she told you to be careful with his daughter.
Oh fuck...
She watched you with the same curiosity, as if she, like you, was analyzing the situation you both had been drawn into. Thoughts flowed through you to the rhythm of your heartbeat.
You felt you had to speak first, but no words felt right. Your mind was blank. She locked eyes with you, tilting her head slightly to the side. Almost like you could see the same understanding in her that you felt within yourself.
How could you have missed this right away? You had her gadgets in your hands. The answer was literally exploding in front of you, and you were too distracted by everything around you to notice such an important fact.
“Well, yes, that was obvious,” you muttered more to yourself, but it drew Jinx’s attention.
“Yeah, no shit,” she scoffed.
At that moment, it didn’t surprise you that she understood right away. She jumped onto the table by the door and started swinging her legs slowly. Just like before. She definitely seemed more at ease in this situation, and you couldn't tell what she actually thought about you seeing her father.
That thought hit you in the gut. You turned your head, biting the inside of your cheek.
“Well, you didn’t say a word either,” you said dryly.
You shouldn't have taken it out on her. Still, you were frustrated and embarrassed to have met his daughter under these circumstances.
“You didn’t ask,” she shrugged.
You couldn't stop a chuckle of amusement. God... this situation was starting to feel like a farce. It helped a little that Jinx didn’t seem bothered that you hadn’t recognized her.
“Maybe if he didn’t hide it so much, it would’ve been easier.”
That was so typical of him. A slight irritation slowly began to burn through the embarrassment. You had no idea how to behave around her.
You had all the facts in front of you, which made you feel like this was a deliberate move. As if he had purposely sent Jinx with the materials. Sevika could’ve delivered them to you, like always.
“Yeah, he does that…” She broke you out of your thoughts with a change in tone, more... indifferent?
She surprised you. You’d been prepared for mockery or nastiness from her, but instead, you got... complete indifference. This should have calmed you down. But you remembered her as a rather curious person, so this sudden indifference felt strange. Of course, she knew more about him than you did; she’d been in his life much longer.
His behavior didn’t surprise her. Their dynamic was a mystery to you. You’d probably look at it differently if you were just an employee.
He hadn’t tried to pretend nothing was going on when she entered. Since he didn’t feel the need to hide it, why did Jinx seem surprised? Did she not know about you? About you two? Would Silco hide something like this from his daughter?
Well, there was no point in beating around the bush since you were both thrown into the deep end.
“How long do you know?”
“About you? As long as you know I’m his daughter,” she laughed. “I heard the rumors, but…”
“About them…” you started quickly, but she interrupted you by jumping down onto the floor.
“I’ve heard enough, and that’s all I need to know,” she shuddered. “Trust me, the last thing I want to know is what my dad gets up to after hours.”
You pressed your lips together, turning away. Of course, she knew. After all, the rumors were directly related to a member of her family. At that moment, you were even relieved that things had worked out this way. You preferred not to think about how your first meeting would have gone if she had known who you were. If you had known.
You were still processing her choice of words, unsure of what to say. You felt frustration rising within you. This was probably the worst possible time to meet her. Embarrassment—yet another price reality had made you pay for life.
“Geez… I’m not blind,” she sighed dramatically, breaking the heavy silence. “I didn’t know it looked like this, but with all the unknowns, I’m glad I know you.”
“Like that?”
“He told me to stay with you,” she shrugged. “You can figure out the rest yourself.”
You’d rather not do that, because thoughts were swirling in your head like crazy.
When the initial shock passed and it dawned on you that Jinx had no problem with you being with him, it was easier to view everything from a distance. You weren’t in any way prepared to meet his daughter, so you hadn’t expected any specific outcomes. You weren’t entirely sure what she meant when she said she knew you, but your mind wasn’t in a state to process it right now.
The problem was that one persistent thought kept nagging at you, and it wouldn’t let you go. Spreading this around was out of the question, but if anyone asked, you had no idea how you’d respond. In your head, an exciting thought formed—that you were actually officially together.
You were flustered by your own thoughts. The next sentence came out of you unknowingly, like a defense mechanism against thoughts you couldn’t handle.
“I have to ask, why do you actually work for your dad?”
You probably managed to confuse her a bit. For a few seconds, she tasted the question, unsure whether she had an answer.
“And what’s your excuse for sticking around?”
She threw you off with that question. Her gaze was a little distant as she twirled her weapon in her hands like a toy. You involuntarily smiled, noticing an interesting resemblance between her and Silco. However, you didn’t answer her question. Well, you knew the answer—because you wanted to, because you could, because it was what you desired. She didn’t need to say it outright, but you felt her answer was similar. No one was forcing her. This was her conscious path to having a role in his plans.
Funny how, despite the awkwardness, you were starting to understand her. Silco was a man who lived for his work; you’d recently had a perfect example of that. You’d felt firsthand that, for him, there was no such thing as private life. In a strange, fascinating way, what drew others to him were shared goals. For you, it was revenge, finding an answer to addiction. For her? You had no idea, and you didn’t feel you were in the right position to ask. Whatever had made her decide to take this role remained a mystery.
“Is that why Sevika is messing with you so much?”
“She wasn’t too happy when she saw how... never mind,” you replied almost instinctively, not thinking about your words until halfway through when you realized you almost blurted something out.

You quickly stopped, but you knew you had already revealed too much when you saw the familiar mocking smile on Jinx's face. Ah, fuck this… she wasn’t stupid. You preferred not to think about the gossip she'd heard among Silco's people. Her smirk didn't fade, leaving you with a bit of lingering embarrassment.
You pushed off the wall and dropped onto the bed, giving your tired muscles a moment of rest. The skin pulled gently under the bandage reminded you of something.
"Thanks," you admitted honestly.
The gun hung loosely in her hand as she glanced at you curiously. Her behavior reminded you of the ravens you often saw high up. She tilted her head in the same way.
"For what?"
"I found one of your bombs in my backpack," you replied, now more serious. "If it wasn't for it, I'd be dead by now."
She scrunched her nose as if trying to detect the lie in the air. You weren't surprised. After all, you'd spent a lot of time with Sevika, the Sevika who didn't tolerate her inventions. Judging by her expression, she probably suspected you'd picked up that habit, especially now, after you nearly died in the explosion.
"Maybe next time don't throw it under your feet, huh?" she mocked, but this time, it sounded a bit different.
A grimace crossed her face. She suddenly stiffened and walked briskly to the window. She leaned her hands on the windowsill and peered out curiously. Whatever was going on in her head, you weren't sure you wanted to get involved now.
For now, you were just glad the awkwardness had disappeared.
"Next time, you better check what you're giving me," you threw out provocatively. "What was in it?"
She glanced at you, and that familiar smirk returned to her lips.
"I had to explain how to arm them to you," she pointed out. "I seriously doubt you'd understand how they’re built."
"Try me," you retorted boldly, lifting your chin.
She gave you a doubtful look, suggestively pointing at the bandage that was clearly visible under your shirt. You shrugged and flopped back onto the mattress, closing your eyes. Of course, learning how to build bombs wasn't an option. She probably had something on display, but you didn’t have the mental energy to learn anything right now.
You felt a flood of thoughts crashing down on you that you didn’t want to deal with. You had just regained your life after hours of being sure that your end had come. The explosion. The variant. Shimmer in your blood. That colorful genius, Jinx – his daughter – sitting on the windowsill humming some song.
His lips...
You sat up quickly, feeling the familiar knot in your stomach. You cursed yourself for allowing him to return to work. It was logical. Rational. But you so badly wanted to be reckless again. Seriously, one day, for fuck’s sake!
Jinx didn’t even notice your outburst. She was absorbed in her own thoughts. You felt relief knowing she didn’t want to press the misunderstanding further. It wasn’t like you had moved on as if nothing happened. You didn’t expect her to suddenly like you. You knew you’d have more opportunities to talk. You weren’t planning to leave your job now, not when the variant problem was practically resolved.
Thinking about the future made your head spin.
It was like someone had suddenly opened your eyes. For months, you had been living day by day. Reality had been grinding you down, taking every second you wanted to dedicate to thinking. And now it had given it back to you. Hard. Painfully.
You needed him now. Selfishly, just for yourself. You had to know what would happen next.
So when you heard the door creak open and footsteps approach, you lifted your head, hope rising in your throat. You curled into yourself when you saw Sevika standing in the doorway. Jinx immediately tensed, staying on guard.
"Can you leave us?" she asked bluntly.
Jinx didn’t move. Something was starting to crackle in the air.
"I don’t think so."
She shot her a glare, not caring that Sevika involuntarily clenched her fist. You didn’t want to get involved in their personal matters. Neither of them would thank you for stepping in. This wasn’t a heroic intervention to calm the brewing storm. You needed silence, and they were clearly going to try to escalate into an argument.
You didn’t even get a chance to open your mouth before Sevika sighed, tired.
"Can you not be a pain in my ass just this once?"
Jinx must have sensed that beneath the exhaustion, there was something more. She snorted in anger but didn’t protest further. She expressed her objection by slamming the door loudly. You thought you heard her muttering curses on her way out, but today, certainty wasn’t on your side.
"I’m done with this day," Sevika sighed, pulling a chair closer. "Now, talk."
You closed your eyes for a moment. You were damn tempted to dodge the subject – anything, really. Hell, you could even get mad at her. You didn’t care. You had just returned from the dead.
"Do you have to now?" you groaned pitifully.
You, who had lived for work for months, just wanted to catch a breath. But was it that strange? The variant was destroyed, the biggest problem was solved. Was it too much to ask for one damn day for yourself? For him? You were sure you would die breaking the promise you’d made to him. Now, after coming back, the last thing you wanted was to return to reality.
She didn’t respond. Her heavy gaze drilled into you, waiting for you to break.
Sevika often gave you chills, and you feared her more than you wanted to admit. But she was the only one who could think about work nonstop. Of course, you’d never tell her that. Still, you knew it was pointless to run from it; you had to face the memory of the attack.
"How much do you know?"
You didn’t ask this defiantly. You didn’t want to repeat yourself. Sevika calmly lit a cigarette before answering.
"We found the body at the scene, but it was too burned to recognize. Did you know him?"
"Yes and no," you answered dryly. "I met him the first day I started working. He attacked me…"
"Another one?"
"Will you ever learn not to interrupt?!" you snapped at her, irritated.
"No. Keep talking."
You thought you knew her well enough to recognize when her irritation reached its peak. But this wasn’t that. You saw the deep exhaustion on her face, the shadows under her eyes made them appear even more sunken. It was as if she hadn’t slept for days. Something was wrong, and you weren’t cruel enough to torment her.
"This guy lost his sister. He thought I killed her. I don’t know how he found me, but he decided it was the perfect time to seek justice."

She leaned forward, resting her elbow on her knee. She waited. She formulated her thoughts while closely observing every movement you made. You knew this – she was looking for insincerity.
“After checking the team’s condition, we’re short two people. What did he look like?”
You searched your memory for his face, but all you saw was the image of the gaping hole in his chest. You suppressed a grimace and nervously rubbed your wrist, easing the phantom pain.
“Tall, thin,” you answered quietly. “I don’t remember much. His face was scarred.”
She flicked the ash onto the floor and massaged her forehead.
“Fucking traitor,” she growled. “He was the one you were supposed to signal that you had planted the charges.”
“Wait, what?”
She stood up and began pacing the room restlessly. The energy radiating from her was overwhelming.
“I hope I’m fucking wrong. Otherwise, I’ll dig him up from the grave and kill him myself.”
You raised an eyebrow, slightly amused by the threat, though you fully understood the seriousness of the situation. You thought it was some personal matter, with you as the target, but what if it wasn’t? What if it was something bigger, and you just happened to be in the way?
“What do you know?”
She glanced over her shoulder at you, as if wondering whether you should know. She stood with her hand on her hip, quickly finishing her cigarette. She tossed the butt out the window and then answered you.
“Whatever that asshole was up to, he hid it well. Or someone helped him,” she snorted angrily.
“Do you think someone knew what this mission was really about?”
“Who the hell knows? Now that I know which one he was, I can check him out better, but if he worked with Finn or Marcus, there’s little chance I’ll find anything.”
You slowly nodded, not even trying to pretend you had a solution. You couldn’t find the connection between Silco’s betrayal and the attempt on your life. When he attacked you, he made it clear it was for revenge. But if Sevika was sure about the betrayal, it meant she had reasons for that.
But why? Why did he do it? What was his connection to Finn? Or worse, to Marcus?
“I should fucking yell at you right now. And I would if you didn’t look like complete shit.”
You looked at her, stunned by this sudden outburst. She tore you away from your thoughts, leaving you unsure of how to respond.
“What did I do now?”
“I told you so. That’s why I thought it was stupid for you to keep working on this case.”
A cold shiver ran down your spine. You had no idea what she was accusing you of now, but what you saw in her wasn’t just anger. You’d never seen her so shaken, and now you were starting to feel the panic creeping in.
“I know I could’ve secured the charges better, but he didn’t give me any time, and…”
“You almost died!” she shouted at the top of her lungs before reaching for another cigarette.
Your surprise only grew with every moment, and no answer seemed to be in sight. You didn’t want to justify yourself, but how could she accuse you of something you had no control over? How could you have known that this man was going to try and kill you?
“Listen, I’m not pointing out that you missed the threat, so for God’s sake, don’t blame me for what happened, okay?”
You stood up quickly, ignoring the tension around your stitches. You were fed up with her constantly searching for blame in you. You didn’t just happen to run into his knife. That was absurd.
“Listen, I tried to escape, but I just couldn’t! Is that what you wanted to hear? That I’m weak and can’t fight?”
She seemed oddly unfazed by your accusations. Her face was expressionless, revealing nothing but a strange, unsettling emptiness. The Sevika you knew wouldn’t have let you yell at her like that. No wounds would’ve stopped her from trying to put you in your place.
And yet, she didn’t even flinch.
So who was standing before you if not Silco’s right hand?
“When we found you, you were barely warm,” she said with difficulty. “The knife missed the vital organs, but you still almost died.”
You hid your hands behind your back. The sudden change in tone was unsettling, but it was also painfully real. It was as raw as she was. She wasn’t here, not mentally. She didn’t take her eyes off you, as if she couldn’t believe they pulled you out of there. But what were you supposed to say to her now?
“I wanted to find you myself, but I couldn’t stop him,” she continued, undeterred by your silence. “I’m serious, try to stop Silco once he gets something in his head.”
“Sevika, what are you…”
She raised her hand, silencing you, before dropping heavily into the chair.
“We couldn’t move you in that state. I should’ve beaten the shit out of you for what you said, but you were fucking right. I didn’t foresee the danger, and you almost died.”
You wanted to believe that everything she said was just a continuation of her words from before the mission. You wanted to believe it was about him, that she was worried because of him. You wanted to believe it wasn’t personal. So why couldn’t you?
“Occupational hazard,” you managed to force out, trying to maintain your composure.
She stood up so fast that the chair slammed against the floor with a loud crash.
“Say that shit to him,” she hissed. “When we found you, he looked like he wanted to burn that factory down again. He didn’t say a word, just started to stop the bleeding.” She wiped her face with her hand, and you could see she was still in shock. “I gave you shimmer. Not him.”
You took a step back, not because it was a blow, but because her honesty was laced with a clear sense of guilt. She wasn’t looking at you. She was staring at the wall as if the answers she was searching for might appear there.
“I’ve already talked to him about this and…”
“You don’t understand,” she interrupted harshly. “I didn’t want to do this. But he didn’t respond to anything I said. It was… fuck, I never want to see him like that again. I know you don’t want to take this, but it was the only option.”
You weren’t sure if you knew where this conversation was heading.
“I thought it was better for you to have a problem with me than with him.”
With every word, she drove you deeper into the ground, but it was the last sentence that really hit you. It echoed in your head, the conversation where she complained about being responsible for your safety. You really doubted that he would accuse her of it. Maybe not that, but perhaps she was haunted by the thought that she would have to face him over it?
You appreciated that she was honest with you. It didn’t sound like an excuse, but a real need to get it off her chest. But one thing kept bothering you.
"I have no problem with any of you about it. I’m not stupid – I wouldn’t sacrifice my life for just one rule. I thought I told you."
In an instant, that intriguing concern disappeared, replaced by something familiar – disbelief, irritation. She angrily huffed, extinguishing a half-burned cigarette between her fingers.
"As if you haven’t noticed, he doesn’t confide in me about everything," she snapped sharply. "Maybe I didn’t want to see you dead either."
"Do you…"
"One word, and I’ll hit you where it hurts," she threatened, avoiding your gaze.
Suddenly, she pulled something wrapped up from beneath her worn cloak and shoved it against your chest. Not very gently. You staggered back, taking two steps away.
"If you lose it again, you’ll be looking for it at the bottom of Zaun," she snarled before storming out of the room like a gust of wind, leaving you in a heavy daze.
You stared at the door for a moment, waiting for the explanation to come in and explain to you what had happened. Did this mean Sevika liked you? Did she care... just like that? Not because she had to?
You sat on the bed, reaching for the pack. Something soft wrapped in plain paper, tied with string. You felt the hope slowly kindle inside you, but when you pulled it into the light, you immediately noticed something had changed.
The fabric laid in your hands just as it always had. The familiar texture felt more comforting than you’d ever admit. You laid it across your lap, unsure of what you were supposed to feel. You’d had it for as long as you could remember. It used to belong to your mother, you thought, though you weren’t sure. You’d never seen her in it. It was something that kept you grounded, showed who you were and where you came from. That’s why losing it hurt more than any wound.
You fought the instinct to bury your nose in the collar, gently stroking the cuff with your thumb.
It was red.
Embroidered with delicate golden thread.
All the dirt and rips were gone. The clumsy patchwork you had done on the sleeve had been replaced with new fabric. You couldn’t help but marvel at how discreetly, yet firmly, someone had made alterations. They hadn’t marked their style, hadn’t forced changes – they’d improved it, without taking away what was yours. Something inside you sought attention, something strong you couldn’t control. The lining had been replaced with a new one. Your black on the outside, and his red on the inside. The new pattern didn’t impose itself, but it was visible to anyone who looked closely.
Just like your relationship.
This jacket was your shield and uniform. You wore it to work. You hid beneath it what the world shouldn’t see. Of course, you could have bought a new one, a better one.
But you didn’t want anything perfect.
You wanted this.

Some things aren’t thrown away just because one element is damaged.

These were his colors. And now he wanted you to wear them.
Labeling. Possession. Belonging.
You pulled it on with pleasure. It sat a little stiffly on your shoulders. New role – new uniform. You closed your eyes, searching for the familiar scent in the collar. It was missing the one you knew, but it wasn’t particularly irritating.
It was smoke.
You had felt it on you nonstop since you woke up that day. You had soaked it into your bones. And yet…
Yet, this was different.
And that was absurd. Maybe you just wanted to believe it, to push the memories away from yourself. You could feel him in it. Maybe that’s how it was.
Or maybe you needed him now more than anything.
You returned, you returned to him. You hadn’t broken your word to him. But everything inside you screamed that, in reality, it was he who had pulled you back. He promised he wouldn’t let you drown. It was his voice you heard as you sank to the bottom.
The weight, overwhelming and squeezing the air from your lungs, grew somewhere in your chest. Finally, you had a mind free from your biggest problem. Mostly because you had finally come to your senses and simply pushed everything outside the door. The only thing you wanted in your head, the only thing you wanted to think about, was him.
You were sure you had lost him. Not only him – he was worried as hell. Bleeding out didn’t hurt as much as the thought that your death would hit him even harder. And you couldn’t allow that. You held onto life for yourself. But for him, too.
Because you had finally accepted all your feelings. All that he gave you, even though he couldn’t say it.
You collapsed onto your back, feeling the weight slowly crumble to dust. You breathed, feeling your heartbeat, the rush of blood in your ears. You were alive.
And you had had enough.
You did what was expected of you. You put work first. But that bitter feeling didn’t leave you because you didn’t want to face that choice.
Not today. Not now.
You heard mocking laughter in your head and knew that, although it was irrational, reality was mocking you again. Fatigue. Irritation. Anger. You had carried all of this inside you for a while, not knowing where it all came from.
Now you knew. You knew because you had had enough.
Jinx didn’t need to keep an eye on you. You wouldn’t have moved an inch from this spot because you wanted him to know where to find you. You wanted him to come back to you.
The problem didn’t lie in the work. In how you viewed it. The sense of duty was overwhelming, making you feel guilty every time you thought about yourself. Maybe because, in this matter, you were alike, you were able to work together. But because of that, you didn’t have time for each other.
If you wanted him for yourself in the end, if you wanted him to have you, you had to push the whole world out the door, no matter who would protest.
And you had to do it today.
At least for one day, one night, for fuck’s sake!
 
***
 
After Sevika left, you didn’t have the strength for a conversation with anyone. Two hours passed before Jinx curiously peeked inside, then entered without a word, laying out her tools on the table. You weren’t sure if she needed company or if she was seriously taking Silco’s request to heart. She didn’t seek conversation with you, for which you were incredibly grateful.
You needed this silence.
The variant disappeared...
It seemed too simple.
All the work you had put in. You lived with that problem, so the awareness that it was over didn’t quite reach you.
Well, maybe not so much over, but a concrete turning point. Marcus had lost all the equipment he had. You doubted there was another like it. After what had happened, Finn would have to be a complete fool to keep working with him. Silco had made it clear that he was done with their maneuvers and had finally taken matters into his own hands.

It was strange to have time off, but you needed it badly.
The funniest part of it all was that for the first time in a long while, you didn’t want to think about what would come next with your work. It didn’t matter – whatever you were assigned, you'd handle it properly.
You watched the city, though you weren’t really seeing it, as your thoughts drifted freely in unfamiliar directions. It was oddly soothing not having to keep them in check.
Jinx was still sitting in her place, making something out of nothing – you had no idea what the result would be, but it seemed like she was enjoying herself. She intrigued you just as much as before, but now there were more questions. How did she end up with him? You knew he had taken her in, but the circumstances had escaped your attention. Or maybe no one had talked about it?
You felt a fleeting thought at the edge of your calm that you had never asked about her, so whatever was happening now, you had brought it upon yourself. But would Silco have given you an honest answer if you had asked?
Probably before, but lately…
It didn’t turn out too badly. You weren’t sure how she had taken the fact that you were the source of the rumors, but since she hadn’t distanced herself from your company, you couldn’t complain.
Would it be different now?
At some point, the bandage started to bother you, so you decided it was high time to assess the damage. Jinx didn’t even look up when you left the room. The apartment wasn’t anything special. Tight and gray, like everything in Zaun, but clean.
The small mirror in the bathroom didn’t offer much, but it was enough for you to see the wound when you stood on tiptoe. You had expected something much worse. Dried blood, a torn-up body. That’s how you felt when the knife had sunk into you. Horrible images flashed in your mind. You had only four stitches. The wound had healed thanks to shimmer. You knew that even before you saw it.
You touched it gently, but the skin wasn’t hot, it didn’t hurt. Just like last time. In only one day, your body had healed enough that the stitches were only an added safeguard. You were tempted to remove them, but you didn’t have the right tools with you.
You were throwing the bandages into the trash when you heard a faint creak of the door. You didn’t even manage to lean out before you heard the conversation.
“Were there any problems?”
Jinx chuckled lightly.
“Like you don’t know me. I’ve got everything under control.”
He still hadn’t noticed you. You leaned against the doorframe, watching them from a distance. You had already noticed that Silco acted very differently toward her. More patiently, more gently. After all, she was his daughter. He placed his hands on her shoulders and breathed deeply. It was clear he trusted her naturally.
He probably sensed your presence, but still focused on Jinx. It was interesting, and in its own way soothing.
“I know. Thank you,” he admitted lightly. “Do you still want this job?”
The question seemed to surprise her. She looked at him keenly, as if searching for a hidden meaning in his words.
“You just agree like that? Without those absurd warnings of yours?”
It was good to know you weren’t the only one receiving them. Silco smiled lightly. What a sight that was…
“Without. If you want, you can start tomorrow. It’ll be waiting for you.”
In an instant, she started grinning like she’d just gotten the best present. It was clear she was trying to hide just how pleased the news made her. You recognized that expression. A little indifference to add some weight to herself.
“I knew you’d agree,” she threw out with feigned lightness. “So now…”
“Tomorrow, Jinx, alright?”
“But…”
“Please. Can you give me this time now? I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”
You accepted with relief that they were busy talking. This gave you a moment to regain control of your expression. A strange jealousy pricked at your side, trying to make a dramatic entrance. Her face kept coming back to you. If he could, why couldn’t she? What was stopping her from staying?
You shook your head, pushing those thoughts away. She didn’t deserve them.
Jinx glanced back at you curiously, locking eyes with you. Something flashed in her gaze before she threw you a quick, mocking smile and then returned her attention to him. She was more like Sevika than she could have guessed.
“Fine. I’m holding you to your word.”
She rolled her eyes and walked away, gathering her things. Only then did he focus all his attention on you.
Something had changed.
You weren’t sure if you were reading it right. He looked calm, but under the surface, there was something that took your breath away. Determination. You could feel it in the stillness, in the way his gaze never wavered, not even for a second.
You understood it. A moment of respite didn’t mean the end of the problems.
Not until Marcus was dead.
But the atmosphere was different. Heavy, but not harsh. Serious, but not sharp. As if the world had suddenly softened, and the reality around you had lost its sharp edges. For the first time in a long while, the space didn’t belong to either of you – and that was exactly what made the air crackle in a familiar, yet foreign way.
He hadn’t moved an inch.
He didn’t take his eyes off you.
And that’s what hit you – that he stood still, doing nothing, and yet was doing more than anyone before him.
You replayed the kiss from a few hours ago in your mind, unable to shake the feeling that from the very beginning, your thoughts had been running along the same path.
Impatience.
That was the word you had been looking for since morning. You knew it wasn’t your strong suit. But when you saw it in him, something changed. It became real.
Jinx walked right into that tension, stopping halfway. Her face took on a strange expression – she raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment on anything. She shook her head, laughing quietly to herself, too softly for him to hear. She didn’t know you had better hearing.
But it didn’t matter.
There was still one unresolved matter you needed to address before reaching for more.
You pulled away from the door, stepping deeper inside, sorting your words in your mind—but he didn’t give you the time.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out something small.
“If memory serves me right, this is yours.”
You saw the familiar bundle, and something inside you broke.
It wasn’t reality that decided what you’d lose. It wasn’t it that had power over you.
You took it from his hands, feeling a wide smile creep onto your face.
Your life belonged only to you.
“Oh, shit! I thought I lost it forever.”
The case was dirty and scorched. You unwrapped the fabric with relief, seeing the tools had survived. They needed a proper cleaning and maintenance, but not a single one was damaged. You exhaled in relief.
“They’re too valuable to lose.”
You raised your head, surprised by his tone. To you, they only had sentimental value. Your family wasn’t holy—your father was a thief in his youth. A curious past followed you, but in Zaun, that was nothing new.
“They’ve been with me forever,” you replied calmly, shrugging. “Thanks for taking care of them.”
“May I ask how exactly you came into possession of them?”
His sudden curiosity caught you off guard, but you didn’t see a reason not to answer. You had to dig into your memory for a recollection to help you remember when you got them, but everything was blurred and distorted.
“You’re asking odd questions,” you sighed. “I don’t remember, I just know they belonged to my father.”
“I took the liberty to check something. These kinds of tools haven’t been made in Zaun for years. So, you’re actually holding a unique item.”
His words gave the lockpicks a new weight. You’d never wondered where they had come from in your family. He had impeccable timing to start a conversation like this.
“Unique or not—these are my work tools. I won’t stop using them just because they’re worth something.”
“I hope so.”
There was no irony, no lightness in his tone—more like… a simple statement of fact. You were fucking scared that you had lost something that, in a way, gave you your job with him. What kind of spy and thief would you be if you couldn’t get into places where you weren’t wanted?
It was only thanks to them that you got into the factory so quickly with Sevika.
You straightened up slowly. He might have thrown you off balance with that gesture for a moment, but it didn’t mean you forgot what he’d done.
"Couldn't you have warned me about it?"
He hesitated before answering. He threw his coat aside. You watched his movements carefully, not allowing yourself to be distracted.
“I take it this isn’t about your tools?”
“Of course not,” you replied firmly. “Why didn’t you tell me about Jinx?”
You tried not to focus on the heaviness of your own breath when he was within arm's reach. You couldn’t back down now. He had thrown you into this situation, really both of you, like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"Have you already forgotten that you were unconscious?"
You threw him a look full of disbelief, clenching your fingers around the fabric of your sleeve, as if you needed something to steady yourself.
"Don't try to dismiss me," your voice was sharper than you intended. You lifted your chin, trying to give yourself at least a semblance of authority. "Couldn't you have said beforehand that your daughter was to deliver the explosives to me?"
"What does it matter who made them?"
You felt something stir inside you. To him, it was simple—maybe even too simple for your taste. He had gotten you used to the idea that nothing in his presence was simple… and then he did that.
You clenched your lips, forcing yourself into a moment of silence so you wouldn’t blurt everything out. Of course, you understood why involving Jinx in the task was necessary. But was there really no other way to do it?
"It's not about who made them," you emphasized firmly, your hand cutting through the air. "You’re seriously putting me in a strange position."
"How so?"
"Really? It's not every day that you get to know your father's..."
You suddenly fell silent, feeling something dangerously settle on your tongue. You pressed your lips together, but it was already too late.
"Get to know who exactly?"
His voice dropped barely noticeably, but enough to send a shiver down your spine. He took a step toward you.
Your heart raced, but you weren’t about to back down. It clearly amused him—his eyes sparkled with cold curiosity, while you felt the remnants of bitter embarrassment on your tongue.
"You know perfectly well what I mean," you crossed your arms over your chest as if that would stop the chaos in your head. "I know I forgot about her and didn’t think much of the fact that you have a daughter, but weren’t there other ways for me to get to know her?"
You didn’t expect any ordinary way—the situation was already complicated enough. The truth was, until just before the operation, you hadn’t even thought about it.
"And did you want to meet her?"
You didn’t know why that question struck you.
"Of course, but... never mind."
"No. Go on."
His tone was almost lazy, but his gaze was sharp.
"You made me curious."
You clenched your fists, then relaxed them, trying to calm yourself down.
"Do you have any idea what happened after you left?" you finally blurted out, staring at him with an intensity that finally broke his calm. "I thought I was going to sink into the ground when it turned out that Jinx had heard about the rumors."
"You said they didn’t bother you."
"From others, no—but she’s your daughter, for fuck’s sake!"
Your voice cracked at the end of the sentence, but you weren’t about to back down.
"Listen, I know you had your reasons for not talking about her," you took a deep breath, trying to regain control over your emotions. "I didn’t ask either. Maybe I should have. Was this supposed to be some kind of test? To see what she thinks of me?"
"You met her because I do trust you," he replied firmly. "Jinx is my daughter. I would do anything to protect her, but I needed her for this task."
"I’m not saying I don’t understand, but..."
“She delivered the materials herself because I knew you would need more detailed instructions. I know it’s not your specialty, but I couldn’t send her there.”
Funny, but you felt calm. You weren’t angry with him for what happened. You had a problem with yourself for how slowly you had caught on to the facts.
“But me you could” you nodded seriously.
He tensed slightly, as if your words had landed where they shouldn’t have. You’d said them instinctively, in accordance with what you felt, without thinking about how they might sound.
“I understand,” you reflected. “If I were in your place, I’d have done the same. No one knows better than me how dangerous that variant was.”
“Was,” he interrupted. “Don’t forget, you destroyed it.”
You didn’t mention that he still possessed quite a large amount of that damn stuff, but that was the least of your problems. Your hand moved unconsciously toward the wound. It could have scabbed over, healed, but the variant had changed something in you forever. Sometimes, you even wished the mutations would stay with you forever.
You considered that chemical cut something that needed to be healed—maybe you just needed to learn to live with it?
You wanted to comment on it when you felt the weight of his gaze slowly settling on you—not on your face, but lower.
At first, you didn’t understand what had caught his attention.
Only when he raised his hand did you instinctively tense up, but you didn’t pull back. He didn’t touch you—only the fabric.
He grabbed the edge of your jacket right by the zipper and slightly parted it.
Your heart thudded harder.
You watched as his eyes traced the inside, as if he were assessing something that belonged to him. Maybe it did.
He didn’t comment on it immediately—but he smiled.
The satisfaction in his eyes reached you faster than was reasonable. Warmth surged to your head, and you instinctively held your breath.
His scent enveloped you from every side.
You knew what he was thinking. You wore his colors. And you wanted to wear them with pride.
“You look good in that.”
You released a trembling breath, surprised by the intensity in his voice.
His hand brushed your side.
Slightly, as if by accident—but it slipped exactly where the wound had been just recently.
You didn’t shudder. But he noticed how your body tensed.
He wasn’t surprised that you’d removed the bandage.
There was no trace left of the rough fabric or makeshift bandages. Only his touch—so light, yet pure warmth ran along your spine.
You understood it fully.
You’d fought for this moment all day. You’d asked for it all day—and now you had it here, close, and you weren’t going to let anything interrupt it.
Not now.
"Who patched me up?" you asked, intentionally not moving even an inch.
You waited for him to respond.
"One of my people," he replied with slight surprise. "Why?"
"Obviously, too even stitches for you."
You rolled your eyes theatrically, unable to stop yourself.
There was no longer the tension from earlier, just you, him, and the quiet understanding that the world had been pushed out the door.
The awareness of that gave you boldness. It provoked the game.
"You don’t have a very steady hand either," he pointed out, not hiding his amusement.
You remembered perfectly that night when he was shot. The problem was that the rest of it merged into a black blur filled with the smell of blood. Without thinking, you moved your fingers just below his collarbone, recalling the night you were more afraid of Sevika and what she would do if Silco didn’t come back than the fact that he was missing. It felt like another life.
You felt the muscles beneath your touch tighten for the briefest moment before they relaxed again, as if accepting the intrusion. You knew he was watching you. The corner of your lips curled into a small, knowing smile. You had waited too long for this moment to feel hesitation.
Slowly, you removed your jacket and set it aside. He watched the movement with a question, but there was no hidden meaning in it. You wanted to feel him better. That was all.
His hand lifted, covering yours, his fingers tightening just enough to ground you. Not a warning, not a rejection. Just a reminder.
“Careful,” he murmured, his voice settling deep in your chest. “You might start liking what you see.”
The words sent a pleasant tremor down your spine, echoing against the walls around you.
“You assume I didn’t like it before?”
“I don’t assume anything,” he replied smoothly. “But go on.”
A slow, wild grin stretched across your face. Since he was asking, who were you to deny him?
You reached out and took hold of his chin in a gesture he had used on you before. The moment your fingers made contact, your knees nearly buckled. His gaze darkened, a dangerous smirk lingering on his lips, but he didn’t stop you. He let you guide his head slightly to the left, submitting to the inspection.
Something about it felt... satisfying.
“And?” he prompted after a beat, his voice thick with intrigue.
You hummed thoughtfully.
“Acceptable,” you muttered, withdrawing your hand—but not before letting your fingers drift lower.
You had dreamt of this. Of feeling him like this. Under your fingertips, you felt a pulse—quick, slightly erratic. A mirror to your own.
You let your hand trail a little further—then, without warning, brushed some dust off his shoulder as if that was your only intention.
His brow lifted, caught between amusement and something sharper. But that brief flicker of surprise told you your move had landed exactly as you intended. You remembered that morning all too well. The moment everything had shifted. You weren’t about to let him forget.
“Be specific,” he instructed, his voice dropping a note lower.
The sheer depth of it sent a shiver through you. It wasn’t just a provocation. He really wanted to know.
“That depends,” you mused. “Are you asking about the way you think you look, or the way I see you?”
The smirk faded. His gaze sharpened, searching for something in your face. If he was looking for uncertainty, he was wasting his time. There was none.
“You don’t see yourself, do you?” you continued, your voice softer now. “Not really. Not beyond what they made you believe” you inhaled slowly. “But I do. And I don’t need you to be anything else.”
His hand twitched against yours. Then, without warning, he lifted your arm, throwing it around his neck.
Your breath hitched.
There was no space between you anymore. No distance. And you liked it. More than you should.
Your thoughts faltered, along with the last of your resolve to keep provoking him.
“I want you to keep your eyes open for this.”
His fingers skimmed along your arm. Not hesitantly, not searching—he knew exactly what he was doing. His touch mapped an unhurried route down your side before settling against your back. Then, with deliberate ease, he slid his hand beneath your blouse.
No hesitation. No restraint.
Your breath caught. Heat bloomed in your chest, spreading outward. His hand didn’t move, didn’t need to. The weight of it alone was enough—it felt like he was holding all of you at once.
“Are you trying to distract me?” you asked, your voice weaker than you intended.
His fingers tilted your chin up, effortlessly reclaiming your focus.
“I want you to look at me,” his voice was low, unwavering. “All the time.”
You didn’t need the command. You couldn’t look away if you tried.
You had wanted to tease him, to challenge him, but he had flipped the game in an instant—made you forget everything except the warmth of his skin against yours.
And fuck, what a touch.
“Anything else?” you managed, forcing a note of boldness into your voice. It barely held.
He chuckled—soft, knowing. Then he leaned in, his breath ghosting over your ear.
Instinctively, your fingers clenched in the fabric of his shirt, gripping onto him as though he were the only thing tethering you to the ground.
And in that moment, maybe he was.
"Just hold on tight."
In one fluid motion, he spun you in his arms and moved backward. He surprised you, forcing you to adjust to his movement, or you would have lost your balance. Instinct told you to stop, but he didn’t slow until he hit the wall with his back.
Your hands tightened on his clothing, and your legs instinctively spread to maintain your stability—but that only made you feel him more. You had no support except him. His body was against yours, the warmth radiating from him, cutting off the chill of the surroundings. He stopped, and suddenly, you realized you weren’t trapped by his arms—you were leaning into him yourself. It wasn’t a game anymore.
"I told you to hold on."
"Don’t flatter yourself," you whispered, "you surprised me."
He leaned in, bringing his face closer to yours, and you saw the familiar gleam in his eyes. You didn’t look away. You felt his breath, saw the movement of his lips—it would have been so easy to reach out. But you didn’t. You waited. You let him know that he could take it, if he dared to reach for it.
"Is this how you want to play?"
Something in his voice made you know—he’d anticipated it all. You were exactly where he wanted you.
You were supposed to hold on, right?
You lifted your hands and placed them on his chest. Just that.
"Don’t worry, I know the rules," you laughed quietly, offering a slight smile.
That sound shifted into a sudden, uncontrolled sigh when you felt his thumbs gently graze the skin just below your ribs. He was too close, you felt him until it almost hurt. You held onto him, as if he were the only thing still keeping you grounded.
And it delighted him. More than he wanted to show.
He could play with words, but his breath betrayed him faster than he wanted to admit.
He raised his hand to your face, and when his fingers brushed your cheek, you instinctively leaned into the touch. Was that enough? Was that what he had wanted from the very start?
Then you felt his lips on yours.
It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t careful.
It was a declaration. A temptation. An invitation.
Would you dare to reach for more?
You wanted to. But he pulled away—with a smile full of satisfaction. He knew you had given him exactly what he wanted. You weren’t going to pretend it was otherwise. You sighed softly, almost irritated.
"I don’t think so."
His voice sounded different. More firm.
Then his hands tightened on your hips.
You didn’t have time to react. He pulled you closer—without warning, without hesitation, without effort.
The air hit your lungs, and your body instinctively did what it had to—it pressed into him.
You felt every movement, every line of his body pressed against yours. You gasped, uncontrollably surprised by his boldness. You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t been waiting for this. After your last encounter, you somewhat regretted not having time to fulfill his fantasies. But now?
It didn’t matter.
You had no control anymore.
Your thoughts slipped away. Your body stopped responding to your own commands. It was busy with something else.
The moment stretched, thick with the weight of expectation. His touch hadn’t moved, but his presence was an anchor, steady and unyielding. He stood before you, between your legs, close enough that every breath you took felt stolen from the same air he exhaled. His hands still rested on you. You felt them even through your clothes. You knew that only a few minutes remained before you’d have to relinquish control to him completely. You were already barely holding onto yourself. Expecting you to still hold power over your body was beginning to overwhelm you.
Your breath was shallow, measured, but he was closer now, and you could feel the way his chest expanded with each inhale, steady and unhurried. The scent of smoke and leather lingered on the fabric of his shirt, mixing with something darker, something undeniably him.
You knew he was waiting. Watching.
So you took your time.
Your hand curled around the back of his neck, shifted slightly, fingertips ghosting along the edge of his collar. You felt the way his muscles coiled under your touch, how the tension flickered and settled again, contained but never absent. It sent a slow, burning ache through you, an awareness of how much control lay in every inch of him.

And yet, he gave you space to move, to decide.
Your thumb rubbed against the spot where the collar covered the rest of his neck, but you went no further. You had him all to yourself now, and you wanted to savor every second of thedą.
His voice, when it came, was a low murmur against the quiet.
"I hope you're enjoying yourself."
You smiled, not bothering to hide the sharp edge of amusement in it.
"Afraid I might like what I find?"
He huffed a quiet laugh, though his gaze remained unreadable, half-lidded in the dim light.
"I expect you already do."
The certainty in his tone sent something electric down your spine. You could tell he meant it—not as arrogance, but as a fact. Something he had calculated, measured, accepted.
Your fingers traced absent patterns against the fabric of his shirt.
“Actually...”
It wasn’t loud, barely more than a breath, but he heard it. You felt the shift in him immediately—not pulling away, not closing the distance, just pausing. Listening.
The silence that followed was unbearable in the best way.
Your eyes met his, unwavering.
"I want to see you."
His head tilted slightly, as if weighing the request. Then, slowly, deliberately, one brow lifted.
"That’s what you want?"
His voice had dropped lower, impossibly so. The way he said it wasn’t a challenge. It was an invitation.
You swallowed, throat tight, but you didn’t look away. Didn’t waver.
“I was supposed to be looking the whole time, right?”
His fingers flexed against your legs, just for a second. Then, without breaking eye contact, his free hand rose to the first button of his vest. Unhurried. Intentional.
You exhaled softly, feeling the weight of the moment settle deep in your chest. He was doing this for you. Because you had asked. Because he had given you the choice.
And that—more than anything—made the air between you feel charged enough to set the whole damn world on fire.
You didn’t move an inch, and he wouldn’t let you. Every pull, no matter how small, while struggling with the stubborn clasp felt as clear as if it were part of you. And he never once took his eyes off you. The rustling of fabric mingled with the uneven rhythm of your breaths, filling the silence with sounds almost as pleasant as a touch.
You watched the movement of his arms as he pulled off his vest. He had to lean slightly toward you to take it off. His breath brushed your neck, sending a shiver down your spine. The vest landed somewhere on the floor – a quiet confirmation that there were things more important than the facades he put on every day. If there was still a way out behind you, you had no intention of looking back.
The sight of taut muscles beneath the fabric was reason enough.
You have traveled far beyond the path of reason.
Now there was only need. Stronger. Hungrier. It fed on every day you allowed it to grow. And yet, you didn’t move an inch.
His lips twitched barely noticeable as he raised his hands to the tie. You knew what he was thinking, because the same images had invaded your mind. The fabric flowing through your fingers. How you had used it to pull him closer.
He wasn’t in a hurry. He had no reason to be.
He slowly slid it off and hung it over the back of the chair standing next to him. He didn’t throw it carelessly – he left it there as if every movement had been carefully considered. There was a sensual kind of calculation to it, something hard to define but something you felt in every cell of your body. The satisfaction deepened in his smile, mirroring the shallower breaths you were taking.
His hands clenched around the fabric of his shirt, pulling it upward. You watched his fingers as he expertly reached for the shirt’s clasp. The fact that he clearly had experience with this made you flinch involuntarily. Three buttons. The same damn shirt. Or maybe he had dozens of them. You’d never look at them the same way again.
Red and white. That’s how you remembered him. The bloody fabric, behind it pale skin. Fragments he had let you see before pulling you to the surface. He didn’t hesitate at the fourth and fifth buttons.
You had asked for this, hadn’t you? You said you knew the rules. Time for the consequences of your words. And they were... otherworldly.
Time slowed down. You felt as if the air was reaching your lungs more slowly, you couldn’t feel your breath. Maybe that’s why your head was spinning. The light played with you, blurring the contours as if it wanted to make it harder to see everything.
And then he was done. He lazily placed his hands above your hips.
You needed a moment. Not to calm down – you wanted to remember every detail. Damn... it was Silco after all. Standing in front of you with his shirt unbuttoned, that grin on his face as if he couldn’t wait for your next move.
You always thought he was attractive, but now he was a fucking reckoning – stripped of pretense, sharp-edged and unapologetic, the kind of sight that made your pulse stutter and your thoughts derail.
The awareness that you had him within reach was almost intoxicating. You didn’t reach for him. Not yet.
It wasn’t just him who knew that crossing this line would start something neither of you could control. One touch, and he would pull you under. You wanted it. You missed it. And yet, you restrained yourself to just watching.
You didn’t want to rush.
Blood roared in your ears, the rushing current drowning everything else. If anything happened around you, it didn’t exist. You didn’t even know what to feel when he gave you time, as if he wanted you to take it all in on your terms.
You still heard his voice in your head: “I won’t do anything without your consent.”
Back then, it was about the drug. Neither of you had thought about it as verbal consent for something more.
But you saw that smile. You felt his confidence.
And for a moment, it crossed your mind that he had been thinking about this even before you started looking at each other differently. The thought hit faster than you could block it. You took a deeper breath – it trembled, filling the silence with another sound.
Something flicked in his gaze.
He knew you wouldn’t back down.
And even if you wanted to, it was already too late.
It was different. Not like you, but you’d wanted this for so long. There was no room for gentleness. You had to feel him beneath your fingers, and that need was more precious than any breath. You pushed the fabric aside, your gaze fixed on his body.
Fuck...

You fought with yourself to keep from digging your fingers into his skin, sinking into it completely. You traced a path down, unable to pull yourself away in awe. The faint curve of his collarbones tempted you to brush your lips over them. His skin wasn’t perfectly smooth. You could feel the outline of his ribs under your fingers. Subtle unevenness that could have been scars, but in this light, nothing was perfectly clear.
With the kind of boldness you hadn’t seen in yourself for a long time, you slid your hand lower. It was intoxicating. You could do everything you’d imagined during sleepless nights. No fantasy could compare to what you felt. Controlled desire, feeding on every second, every touch, every breath.
You didn’t know what satisfied you more—the feeling you were experiencing or his reactions. This was the first time you actually had time. He tilted his head back, resting it against the wall. He closed his eyes, as if he wanted to focus only on your touch. It was electrifying. To have even a little control over him. It hit you in the head, giving you courage.
You were tempted to ruin his perfect hairstyle, but then you’d have to pull your hands away, and that didn’t seem possible. You watched as he slightly parted his lips.
Too much and not nearly enough.
You climbed onto your toes, pressing your hands against his stomach. Consciously, confidently, you kissed him. You didn’t know if he’d expected it. A short, raw exhale from him sounded almost like a moan. You felt his skin electric. You needed this. You parted your lips, inviting him to take more.
The touch of his lips was like a collision with reality. You weren’t escaping into dreams about him anymore. You were escaping from fantasies into his arms, because now you felt alive. Truly, naturally.
It wasn’t a simple, fleeting kiss like your first.
It wasn’t a fire that burned every cell in your body, demanding more.
It wasn’t the desire to lose yourself in him.
It was real. Tangible. Raw and fucking blissful.
You didn’t think it was possible to feel someone so completely by your side. His hands held you tightly. The warmth of his body chased away the cold in the room. Maybe it was the time you’d finally carved out for each other. Maybe it was the fact that you could finally catch your breath, saying goodbye to the biggest problem.
It didn’t matter.
He kissed you with the same intensity as before. Like you were the breath he hadn’t been able to catch for so long. You felt exactly the same. You inhaled his scent, not allowing yourself a moment of forgetfulness.
You were supposed to be watching, weren’t you?
You wanted him to understand that he didn’t need to hold back, because you were ready for everything he could give you. Desire clenched in you, sudden and visceral. You provocatively hooked your fingers into his belt. In a fraction of a second, his lips trembled, but you weren’t sure what caused it.
“Are you sure?” he murmured quietly.
“You can talk me through this or just kiss me more.”
You felt the contradiction in him. He wanted more, you wouldn’t mistake that feeling for anything else. And yet there was hesitation—residual, the last bit of control he used to make sure you wanted this too.
“Listen…”
“I thought I’d never come back to you,” you interrupted him for a moment, pulling away slightly. “I’m tired of waiting for the right moment. I want you now. And I don’t want to play... or be shy. I want to be with you. Now more than ever.”
That was it. The confirmation he needed.
He growled quietly, kissing you harder. It was better, fucking intoxicating. He wasn’t playing, wasn’t teasing. He knew what he wanted, and you wanted to give it to him. He didn’t stay in one place long. His lips traced a path along your jawline. You closed your eyes, tilting your head to the side.
You felt his breath on your ear. You dug your fingers into his arms. It ignited something raw in you.
“You have me.”
Confidence settled around you, allowing you to indulge in it freely. You reached for his hands and guided them to your shirt. You liked that he didn’t stop asking, hesitating, waiting for your words.
Finally, you caught up to him.
A deliberate motion. One layer less. One step further. No return.
Heat pooled at the base of your spine, spreading outward, creeping up your skin. This was real. Nothing had ever felt more real.
And Silco? He was amused, expectant. His patience was sharpened into something more, something that made your pulse stutter.
Acknowledgment. Possession. Invitation.
He studied your body with his eyes for a few seconds but you felt as if you had been stopped under that gaze for years. 
His hand found you before you even realized you had moved closer again. Skin to skin.
Reality snapped into focus. No illusions. No second thoughts.
You found his lips again, sinking into him exactly as you had longed to for so long. You breathed him in. The air around you was filled with only his scent.
You reached higher, slipping your hands under the fabric on his shoulders. You didn’t need to think. You allowed the fabric to slide down your arms. His hands tightened on you. He murmured in approval.
Fuck… this felt so good.
His hands moved to your thighs. In an instant, he lifted you as if you weighed nothing. You moaned loudly into his mouth.
You had no choice. You had to hold on. Tight.
You wrapped yourself around him more firmly. You had no idea where he was taking you, but all that mattered was that you were with him. You could feel every step. The perspective suddenly changed. You barely registered that you were in a different room before your heart climbed into your throat.
You heard the mattress creak. In an instant, you were sitting on his lap, closer than ever. You breathed heavily, not even trying to stop your legs from trembling. It was a sharp pull, deep and undeniable.
“Is this what you were hoping for?” you asked weakly, unable to control your body.
“For a start,” he admitted calmly.
The whole time, you were sure you could keep up with him. But feeling him next to you, his skin against yours, you couldn’t think. And you knew there was no need to. Because there was no shame between you. Everything you did was natural, anticipated.
You searched his eyes for a moment longer before completely giving in. It was simple.
„Then claim me.”
You wanted to give him everything you could.
There was no need to think about what came next. You left that to him. You gave yourself over completely, trusting him without hesitation, without fear.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

One unresolved thought still lingered in the air.This change, rooted deep beneath your skin, had been there for a long time, but only tonight did you finally notice it. It coursed through your veins like shimmer, yet instead of fear, it left behind stability—something you had never truly felt before.It wasn’t unease. You should have felt it, considering you had undoubtedly woken up in someone else’s life.Or perhaps, for the first time, you had woken up in your own. The one you were meant to have if certain events unfolded differently.But would you have been here, with him, without shimmer?Of course not.That was what made all of this feel so absurd. And yet, you wouldn’t trade what you had for anything. In fact… now, feeling him so close beside you, you might have endured those tortures over and over again, if this was what waited for you at the end.But this wasn’t the end.It couldn’t be.This was the beginning of something you had earned on your own. You tore this life out of reality’s grasp, because that was the only way to truly claim something for yourself. Selfishly reaching for it. After all, Zaun knew no other language. Instead of fighting against it, you had simply learned it. And now, everything seemed clearer.This was never about a fight. How could you fight against something you had sworn to protect? You had said you belonged to this city, that you wanted to fight for it—but you had never truly tried to understand it. That was why every day felt like a battle for every single second. You couldn’t live in that contradiction. You couldn’t pretend to be someone else. This had always been inside you. You were born here. You knew this language, you just hadn’t wanted to speak it.That realization hit you with force.Zaun was never black and white. It wasn’t a matter of grand morality or the lack of it. Accepting that you carried this city within you didn’t mean you lost yourself. It had taken you a long time to understand that. And though there were still too many uncertain variables, you were sure of one thing: you wouldn’t have seen this without him.Or rather, you wouldn’t have seen more without him.Your whole life, you had been running. Just months ago, your only goal had been to forget. Forget the class war, the cities, the hypocrisy Piltover stood for. Running was easy. Staying—choosing to fight—that was hard. Not only for the city but mainly for yourself.  You had done everything you could to climb higher, to rise above it all, pretending you were better, different from the way they saw you. But in truth, you had been nothing more than a thief. A skilled one, but still just another nameless figure.Zaun wasn’t divided into victims and predators. It was people who made this city. You knew that. Silco did too. So did every single person around you.You were one of them, and yet you kept running. As high as you could, because the air down here felt suffocating. Or at least, you thought it did. You had never let yourself take a full breath, afraid it might start changing you.Climbing always came with the risk of falling. You had known that. That’s why you always held on so tightly, knowing that the fall wouldn’t just hurt physically.And yet, you hadn’t fallen.You had let go—willingly.And that, in a strange way… felt good.But not as good as the brush of fabric against your skin, the barely-there sensation of his shirt draped over you, too large, too light, yet unmistakably his. The scent had faded, but the weight of it remained, grounding you more than it should. You had thought you'd wake up disoriented, untethered—adrift in the aftermath of everything. And yet, here you were, more present than ever.The room was dim, shadows stretching across the floor, caught in the shifting glow of Zaun’s restless lights. You could feel the texture of the sheets beneath your fingertips, the cool air against your collarbone, the warmth beside you. It was sharper than before—every detail, every breath. As if, for the first time, you weren’t resisting.The city was beneath you. But you were not above it. Not anymore.Your fingers moved, grazing the material draped over you. The weight of it wasn’t much, yet it was the first thing you truly felt in a long time. A small, grounding force. Real. Tangible. Unlike the shimmer that once coated your skin, this fabric didn’t cling. It settled.You were tangled in his trance, and you were certain—he’s got his hooks in you.It should’ve unnerved you, the way his presence settled into your bones, how natural it felt now. But it didn’t. It was simply there, like the city beyond the walls, like the pulse in your veins. Unshakable. Unavoidable.And he was there.Not in the way he had been before—not as a presence to decipher, not as a force to resist or push against. Just there. A person. A man who had made himself part of this city so completely that being close to him felt like touching Zaun itself.It wasn’t the illusion of stability. It wasn’t the hollow stillness of a high before the crash. It was something else, something solid—like stone beneath your feet after too long spent climbing.For the first time, you were standing on the ground.And it didn’t feel like an ending.It felt like the beginning of something you had finally chosen for yourself.As always with him, sleep did not want to come to you. And as always, you thanked him for it. It would be a long time before you could close your eyes next to him. After all, you were supposed to be looking all the time, right?Not long ago, you avoided sleep like fire, unwilling to lose a second of what you had managed to snatch. But that was in the past, something you no longer had to fear. You weren’t afraid to close your eyes, afraid that he wouldn’t be next to you when you opened them.No.You simply wanted to look because you still couldn’t believe what you were seeing.He lay beside you, his breathing steady, skin drawn tight over sharp lines and old scars. His chest rose with controlled precision, an illusion of ease you weren’t naive enough to believe. A man like him never truly let go. Either he was awake, waiting, or even in sleep, his body held tension like a blade poised to strike.And yet, he was here. Right in front of you. Real. Solid.The dim light carved through the planes of his body—the slope of his collarbone, the ridges of his ribs, the rough scars that mapped his skin. You could see the slow twitch of muscle beneath his shoulder, the deep shadows where his breath curved through his torso. He wasn’t draped in power now, not wrapped in the armor of his coat or the ever-present weight of his presence. He was simply here, half-lit, half-lost in something that passed for rest.You sat beside him, leaning against the wall, your knee drawn up over his, your body already accustomed to his nearness. A situation you never thought you’d find yourself in. And when it happened, you were surprised that you had waited so long.A slow smile ghosted over your lips as you bluntly acknowledged how right Sevika had been. You really were compiling your lives too much. Being with him was easy, natural—more natural than breathing. You didn’t have to think. Your body already knew what to do, willingly submitting to his guidance.Surprising how situations liked to repeat themselves and yet be entirely different.You had been here before. Recently. In his office. A night stretched tight with tension, thick enough to set your veins alight. You had felt fire inside you then, something restless, ready to consume you whole if you so much as moved.And now, you felt peace. No, not complete peace. Something still smoldered beneath your skin, something familiar, something dangerous, waiting to reignite. But this—this was different.There was no illusion. No unsaid words. No high to chase, only to starve for later.Just this. Just him. Just real.“You're looking at me. Why?”The words left his lips with the same ease as smoke curling in the air. You didn’t even register the shift in his breathing before he spoke, but the awareness in his voice made it clear—he had known for a long time. He always knew.Were you surprised? Not anymore.“Do I need a reason?”His chuckle was quiet, but it carried a knowing weight. He didn’t answer. He didn’t have to.Your fingers brushed idly against the material of his shirt, still draped over your shoulders, its fabric warmed by your skin. You had nothing else beneath it. That, too, was something he knew.The silence stretched between you, filled with steady breathing, a slow rise and fall of his chest. You were the one to break it.“Did you expect us to end up here?”The question lingered in the dimly lit space, settling into the air before fading, as if waiting for permission to be acknowledged. You weren’t sure what kind of answer you wanted. Reassurance? Confirmation of something you had already accepted?His response came after a pause, a low murmur that vibrated against the quiet.“I had my hopes.”A flicker of movement—his eyelids lifting, sharp gaze locking onto you with the weight of something that had always been there, waiting for the right moment.“It’s better than I expected.”Something in you shifted, the words sinking deeper than you intended to let them. You straightened, adjusting your position, the fabric of the shirt slipping slightly, revealing more than you had planned. But that, too, was inconsequential now.“It's good to know I'm meeting the standards,” you said, rolling your eyes, a playful edge in your voice.The material of the clothes rustled a bit when he raised himself to your level. It should have been absurd how even the smallest features evoked intense reactions in you. You wanted someone to carve this sight into your memory. Now, almost without clothes, with wonderfully messy hair, he looked more human than ever. His gaze darkened—not in amusement, but with something far more resolute.“You're more than that.”The certainty in his voice was absolute, undeniable, threading through the air like something tangible. A shiver crawled down your spine. You swallowed against the sensation.“Although,” he continued, “I wanted you to end up here sooner or later.”The corner of your mouth twitched.“Is that how you cleverly planned it all?” you teased, tilting your head.His smirk was slow, measured.“No.” He exhaled, eyes gleaming with something both fond and exasperated. “It’s impossible to plan around you. You never do what I intend.”You chuckled, shaking your head.“You can’t blame me. Sometimes your plans are extremely illogical.”His fingers twitched slightly where they rested against the sheets. A flicker of something unreadable passed through his gaze, but it was gone before you could name it.“And yet,” he murmured, the edge of a smirk tugging at his lips, “here we are.”The comfort in his words settled into the long-awaited stability. You needed nothing more—you understood him perfectly. Leaning your head against the wall, you savored the moment. Stealing a few hours of peace was too precious to ruin with questions.“Someone should be stubborn.”You started this. Everything that happened between you two was the result of your relentless persistence. A faint smile crossed your lips as you recalled how fiercely you had fought to keep him from slipping away. You hadn’t lied when you said he was worth the wait.From the corner of your eye, you watched as he shifted, pulling himself up to mirror your posture. You tried to suppress the growing excitement, but it was too strong. You never thought you’d see the day when you would be just people to each other—no titles, no roles, no accusations. Just you two. The way it should be.And that’s what made it so damn addictive.You no longer needed answers. The time when you sought words to smother uncertainty had long passed.Yet, something new was stirring between you. You had noticed it the moment he opened his eyes. It wasn’t his usual smirk. Nor was it the effortless control so characteristic of him—scarred and sharp-edged. This was different. Unfamiliar, yet not foreign.“You are different. Why?”For a brief moment, he squinted, as if searching for a second layer in your words. It wasn’t the first time—certainly not the last—that you asked something so directly, simply because you could.“Because I can be.”It sounded more like an confession, a relief like yours when you realized what you were carrying inside you than just a perfunctory answer. And yet you were surprised by the words. The freedom with which he spoke about something beyond his control fell hard between you.Suddenly he stood up, reaching for the familiar box with an ease that spoke of habit rather than need. The small flicker of the lighter cut through the dimness as he lit the cigarette, the ember briefly illuminating the sharp angles of his face before fading into a dull glow. For a moment, he remained still, turned away from you, exhaling smoke in slow, measured intervals—as if reclaiming something that had once belonged to him.Then, without urgency, he turned. Leaning back against the window ledge, he let the artificial glow from the city frame him in half-light. The sharp contrast obscured his face, the shadows cutting through his features, leaving only suggestions behind. But for a fleeting second, the light caught him just right—illuminating the deep lines at the corners of his mouth, the uneven ridges of his scar, and the cool calculation in his gaze. He took the first drag with the same unhurried ease, tilting his head back slightly as the smoke curled from his lips. That quiet, instinctive motion—so unmistakably his—spoke of a man who knew this ritual well, who let it settle into his bones like an old habit that never truly left.And it was all yours. Even for a moment, for one night - you didn't know when the next night would be - he was yours. That's why you unabashedly fixed your gaze on him, knowing that you would return your thoughts to the sight of his pants hanging low on his hips.He noticed it.And yet, he said nothing. Not immediately."I told you” he began seriously without a hint of amusement. „I want you to look at me. And I meant it. You fascinated me with your reckless enthusiasm, even when I was certain it would be the end of you. But you always came back. Another argument, another mistake you found in me. I should have drawn the line then. Cut you off. But..." he broke off suddenly frowning his eyebrows searching for the words. “I didn't,” he emphasized firmly. "You don’t know what it’s like to spend years surrounded by people too afraid to even meet your eyes. And then someone walks into your life and refuses to look away. At first, I was irritated that you saw me. Then I wanted you to."His words pulled at you like a magnet. You barely noticed the cold floor beneath your feet, barely registered the moment your body decided to move. Thought had nothing to do with it—your feet found their way to him before your mind could catch up, leaving your thoughts trailing somewhere far behind.Silco’s gaze swept the room, yet his focus never wavered from you as you approached. Still, you refused to meet it, fixing your eyes on the city beyond, on the uneven pane of glass that separated you from the world outside. So thin, so fragile—and yet, in that moment, it felt like the only real boundary between you and him. Or maybe you had simply learned how to place that distance yourself.You folded your arms tighter around your body, welcoming the relief that came with the unstable silence. The Lanes never truly slept, the hum of the undercity was eternal, yet here, now, there was nothing. No distant voices, no creaking pipes, no murmurs of life beyond these walls. Just the rustling of fabric and the measured cadence of your breaths. Nothing else was quite the same as how you felt when you were at his side.You turned your head toward him, and the movement was mirrored—like he'd been waiting. The moment crashed over you in a wave. The light carved deep shadows into his face, distorting the lines of his scars, exaggerating them into something almost grotesque. They looked different now. Harsher. You heard his words again in your mind, echoing with their quiet weight.You knew what he wanted. Not just for you to look, but to see. Not just to acknowledge the man in front of you, but to notice—really notice—the shifting lines between who he was and who he needed to be. Sometimes those lines blurred, sometimes you caught the fractures. The places where he was still human. The places where he had chosen not to be.The darkness kept parts of him hidden from the world, but not from you. Your sight cut through it easily. The mutations had made sure of that, sharpening your vision beyond what was natural. A cruel gift, a lingering reminder of what had nearly killed you—and yet, it had given you something invaluable in return.Affiliation.The red of his shirt lost its vibrancy in the light, bleeding into shadow. Only with your jacket did you feel better, but you could get used to the feeling.  You pulled it closer around yourself, grounding your fingers in the worn fabric, steadying the tremor of thoughts that threatened to unravel. He was waiting, patient as ever, but you felt no need to rush.Your voice was quiet, but unwavering."No matter how deeply you hide it, I can still see it."Funny how it was never about hiding yourself but deciding how much you wanted to show others. Understanding came slowly, but you felt it somewhere on the edge of your thoughts. You didn't expect him to be effusive, that wasn't his style. A slight smile strayed onto his lips. He closed his eyes letting out another cloud of smoke into the air. Something inside you jerked in anticipation. You remembered the feeling, you didn't know he would ever want to return to it.The words left his lips quietly and calmly like smoke. Too quiet to be heard however, you both knew perfectly well that there was little you could miss. You didn't know if he wanted to say it for himself or if he knew you would hear.“Addictive”For a moment, neither of you moved. The word lingered in the air between you, curling like the smoke he had just exhaled. Addictive.Something in the way he said it sent a sharp jolt through you. It wasn’t a statement—it was an admission. One he hadn’t meant to give so easily.Your fingers moved before the thought fully formed. Without hesitation, you plucked the cigarette from his hand, the movement smooth, almost effortless. Unapologetic. The ember glowed faintly between your fingers as you brought it to your lips, the first drag slow and deliberate.His expression didn’t change, but you saw it—the flicker of something unreadable beneath the dim light. A moment stretched between you, charged, waiting.Your lips curled slightly as you exhaled.“I was going to say infuriating, but we can go with yours.” *** Just one night was enough to change everything completely—not only in how you behaved around each other but in the way you perceived the world itself. It felt as if someone had shattered your understanding of it into countless pieces, leaving you to gather them up, trying to assemble something tangible from the fragments.But as you had already realized, it was never about hiding.The day arrived faster than you would have liked. There was no sunrise in Zaun, not at the bottom of the Lanes, yet you could still sense the shift in rhythm. The world was waking up, and whether you liked it or not, you both had to return to it.Reluctantly, you handed him back his shirt. As you watched him slide his arms into the sleeves, the reality of it all settled in. The uniform he put on each day—it wasn’t just fabric. It was a role, an identity. And in truth, you weren’t so different. You had your own armor, your own way of burying emotions where no one could reach them. In Zaun, showing too much was an invitation to be struck down. So, like always, you shielded yourself, pulling your jacket tighter around you as if it could protect you from more than just the cold.But there was something else.You realized it as you watched him. There was no urgency in his movements, no reluctance, no shame. Maybe even a quiet slowness, as if he, too, wasn’t quite ready to return to the world just yet.Silco never hid who he was—he simply chose how much of himself to reveal. He had told you that just days ago, but you hadn’t wanted to understand it then. Now, as he settled back into his place, each layer he put on was a reminder of his role, of the power he wielded. Yet beneath it all, you still saw him. The same Silco whose touch still lingered on your skin, as if it had carved itself into your memory.And yet, as he left, a strange feeling settled over you—one that refused to fade.For the first time, you felt abandoned.Not because of him. That, you were more certain of than the fact that the mutations in your veins would stay with you for the rest of your life. No, this unease came from somewhere else. From the weight of reality creeping back in, from the moment you stepped outside and realized—You had no idea what to do next.You had spent so much time consumed by one battle, one obsession, that you had pushed everything else aside. And now, reality stood at the door, grinning at you, ready to remind you of all the problems you had ignored.Silco hadn’t given you a new task. You could have asked for one, but your mind was elsewhere. His words weren’t an order, yet they felt like one. He had explicitly told you to step back, to rest, to let go of work for now.Coming from him, it sounded almost absurd.You weren’t sure if it was genuine concern or if it had more to do with the still-unresolved matter of the traitor. Either way, it left you unmoored, restless. And you had never been good at standing still.Well, if he knew you enough to know what you were thinking, he should also realize that you would ignore the order because it was irrational and unnecessary. You didn't need to know the reasons behind it because you weren't going to listen - not this time.Destroying the variant made Marcus lose his supply. But he still had the formula in his possession. Admittedly, after something like that, Finn would be a complete idiot if he still tried to cooperate with the sheriff. And therein lay the problem. Finn was that stupid. Therefore, showing who was in charge was not enough. As long as the two were alive the variant could come back into circulation sooner or later. And it didn't promise that Silco's scientists would find a solution in the next few days.There was one person who never once let you off the hook when it came to work. If you were to find a job with anyone it was with Sevika. The same one who found it appropriate to interrogate you moments after you returned to the living.You didn't want to leave the only place where you finally felt like yourself. You did it of your own free will pushed by a sense of duty.And somewhat of your own desires, but you couldn't let them come to a head. After all, you had promised.What burned under your skin had a face, a name and a mass of people on his conscience. Around Silco, everything seemed to be water. Quiet and peaceful. That's why now, as you walked back down the familiar road, you could feel the anger beginning to unfold in your mind.Marcus.Until he lived nothing would change. It had only been two days since the explosion at the factory. You didn't feel anything foreign about yourself. The memory of the shimmer was gone displaced by something better. You were at full strength and ready to go back to work. You appreciated the concern, but as you always said, it wasn't just about you.When you crossed the familiar threshold the change in the air was palpable. As usual, there were a lot of people hanging around on the first floor. You noticed it right away. It was like a sixth sense - you knew when you were being watched. And now there were too many people paying attention to you. In their gazes she did not see s suspicion but something like recognition. However, you didn't know what the hell they were about. You pulled your hood over your head and hid your hands in your pockets. Whatever was going on you didn't know if you liked it.Their stares burned holes in your back until you began to fear for your new repaired jacket. It's been a long time since you wanted to disappear as much as you did at that moment. You didn't expect to find Sevika just when you needed her, it would have been too easy.“Why is everything suddenly different?” you muttered to yourself as you walked down the familiar corridor.It was as if you had spent years in that apartment and not a little over a day. The heaviness of the air hit hard when you entered the room. With a flourish, you opened the window and stopped like a snarl in the middle. True, you had retrieved your tools, but somewhere in the heat of the action you had lost your backpack. You massaged your forehead searching for focus. You heard laughter in your head every time reality threw another log at your feet.You began rummaging through your closet looking for a washed-out, somewhat tattered bag you used some time ago. It wasn't practical, but it had to suffice before you could find something better. It was hard to climb the walls when something was perpetually tangled between your legs. You longed for a backpack.Still crouched in front of the closet, you straightened abruptly at the sound of someone entering the room without knocking.“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” you groaned without turning around.“What the fuck are you doing here?”You exhaled slowly before standing up and finally facing Sevika—not that you needed to. The disbelief in her voice, tinged with irritation, was more than enough.“I’m working. What did you expect?”She slammed the door shut with a sharp bang, planting herself in front of it like a barricade.“Why did you come here?”Her taunts didn’t hit as hard anymore. Not after she had admitted—however reluctantly—that she was afraid for you.“You must have something for me. I can’t just sit around doing nothing.”“But you will,” she muttered, pulling out a cigarette. “Even if I wanted to give you something, Silco’s already made his call.”Something inside you stirred. Familiar. Unwelcome. Something you had shoved aside not long ago. A part of yourself they didn’t know about because there had never been a reason to show it. But now, it clawed at the edges of your restraint.
Oh, fuck this.
“Will you spare one?”Sevika raised an eyebrow, caught off guard.“Since when do you smoke?”“That’s the thing. I don’t.” You sighed, already disappointed in yourself.Still, she handed you one, eyeing you with something between amusement and intrigue. But this wasn’t the solution you were looking for. It wasn’t your addiction.You had borrowed it from James a long time ago.The first inhale burned down your throat, filling your lungs with a familiar sting. The memories came just as fast—the first time you had tried it, the way James had laughed when you coughed your lungs out, eyes watering. You had only ever reached for it when the nerves became unbearable. But once shimmer took hold, nothing else had mattered.You weren’t proud of this moment, of reaching back for something you had discarded. But the storm inside your head was becoming too much. And worse—you couldn’t even understand why your body craved something so badly.It felt like those months on shimmer had thrown you into someone else’s life. Now, you were back—but everything was slightly off, like a warped reflection.Absurd. Illogical. Unsettling.“You okay?”Sevika’s voice pulled you back. Your mind snapped to the present, the cigarette between your fingers, the weight of her gaze pressing down on you.
Did I really have to nearly die just to get my life back on my own terms?
“What’s next?” you deflected. “You must know something.”She studied you carefully, suspicion creeping into her expression. The nerves twisting in your gut didn’t make you shrink under her scrutiny this time.“I thought the trouble with you lot was over.” She exhaled smoke, shaking her head. “I don’t know why the hell you’re spiraling like this. It’s not why I poured shimmer into you—to watch you throw yourself into more bullshit.”You sank onto the bed. It felt foreign beneath you, the mattress lying wrong, unfamiliar.Like it no longer belonged to you.“We both know it’s not over,” you said quietly. “Marcus won’t let go. Finn is probably shitting himself now that Silco has made it clear he knows. Maybe it’s necessary now—”“You’re not doing anything.” She cut you off. “You’re sitting on your ass and waiting. Silco didn’t give that order for no reason. Or did you forget something?”Your brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”She rolled her eyes and sat down across from you—just like she had almost every day for the past few months. And yet, something felt different.“You think this is just about your health? Maybe to him, it is. But we still don’t know why that bastard betrayed us or who he was working with. And now you’re back here like nothing ever happened.”Smoke curled between you, hanging in the air, making her words settle on your skin in a way that felt heavier.You had been so focused on your wound that you had almost forgotten about your attacker. Pushed him out of your mind. He was dead—he couldn’t touch you anymore. But that didn’t change the truth. He had his reasons. And they had to be more than just revenge for his sister’s death.Sevika wasn’t the type to rely on baseless speculation. If she said there was something more, you believed her.“Listen… I can’t hide just because someone’s hunting me. It’s not the first time, and it sure as hell won’t be the last.”Sevika snorted, then put out her cigarette against the metal of her hand with a sharp hiss.“I’m waiting for the day when you finally get it—when Silco sets his mind on something, nothing is going to change his plans,” she muttered. “I can’t give you action, but you can at least take some documents to him.”You blinked.“You want me to play errand boy? I thought we were past that.”“Are you taking it or not?”You sighed, dragging a hand down your face.“Fine. What is it?”She pushed herself up, adjusting the strap across her chest.“In half an hour. My place.” Her tone left no room for argument. Then, with a sharp glance, she added, “And if I see you hanging around here again today, you can be damn sure it won’t end well for you.”When she left you sank down on the bed gazing at the familiar ceiling. You should feel peace. One that was real and unshakable. You couldn't remember a day working for Silco that wasn't variant-related. You bravely or rather recklessly focused all your energy around it. Nothing mattered except closing the case. Getting rid of the variant.Revenge.The cigarette dangled sadly between your fingers and the ashes fell to the floor. You were so used to the smell of smoke around you that you found comfort in it. It reminded you of him, gave you a substitute for his presence but also strangely soothed your frazzled nerves.You didn't recognize yourself. This wound changed something in you. It confused you. Again, you couldn't cope with yourself by seeking detachment wherever you could. But what next?Just a few weeks ago you were ready to walk away from them literally or forever. You gave up on that plan long ago, but you didn't have time to think about what to do next. Working for Zaun was not just about fighting a variant. You had years of hard work ahead of you. A mass of opportunities, tasks and goals.Overwhelmingly many.That's why this uncertainty, nervousness hit hard. It's not that you weren't ready. You didn't want to start something new without first closing the Marcus problem. But how were you supposed to get to probably one of the better-guarded people in Piltover?You couldn't let him go. That wasn't an option.“Fuck this,” you sighed after which you left the room.Sevika didn't comment on the fact that you showed up sooner. Without a word she handed you a folder. You didn't feel like talking to her further and gratefully accepted this turn of events. Since you couldn't count on anything more from her, maybe at least Silco would understand why you couldn't sit still.The road to Last Drop seemed shorter than you wanted it to be. You seemed to see slightly more guards on the streets. Could it be that Marcus is slowly starting to break the deal? You doubted he was ready for it but would he dare to poke around so hard under Silco's nose? Courage or stupidity?The sight of the blue uniforms made something in you uneasy. In each of them you saw Marcus. That's what it was all about. About the accumulated anger at him that could not find an outlet. This man was slipping through your fingers every time you had the opportunity to bring him justice. The only thing you had was your word, and you gave it to Silco anyway, promising not to do anything stupid.But of all of you, he is the one who should know how strongly the desire for revenge burns.Jeff nodded to you in greeting without a word opening the door. No one was paying attention to you anymore. This was different from what you had experienced before. Whatever these people saw in you was not as important as you thought. You held the folder in your hand clenching your fingers on the paper a little too tightly. What Sevika said reached deeper than you wanted pulling one disturbing thought to the surface.As you walked upstairs, you heard the murmur of conversation from a distance. You hesitated on the last step unsure if you could enter. However, two steps away you understood with whom Silco was having a dialogue. You sighed heavily with the realization that his face was the last thing you wanted to see. Without hesitation, you raised your hand and knocked. For the sake of principle. To announce your arrival.You didn't wait for permission to enter.You would do it again to see the expression of shock on Finn's face once more. Silco didn't let on that your entrance surprised him. Perhaps he actually expected you not to let go?“Not the right time?” you asked calmly.Silco merely extended his hand waiting for the report you were holding. You boldly went deeper doing nothing about the annoyance on Finn's face. This was satisfying. You handed over the documents stopping one step in front of him. You felt that the conversation you interrupted was not an easy one. He seemed tired just looking at Finn. You knew that look perfectly well.“Are you still here?” he asked coldly.“Fuck you Silco,” growled Finn. “You're going to regret this.”“You knew the risks of this deal,” he replied seriously. “It's not my fault you're even dumber than I gave you credit for.”You pressed your lips together to keep from snorting as you watched Finn lose more than words and thoughts. Funny how not long ago this man used to inspire terror in you. Now you felt only irritation at the mere sight of him. Was this how Sevika felt? Is this what contempt tasted like? Quite pleasant...“Get out,” ordered Silco without looking at him.Finn got a little steamed up. His humiliation stank from far away. He growled something under his breath, something even you couldn't understand after which he left without delay. You watched the door for a few more seconds listening to the footsteps moving away.“Well... that was...”“You should rest,” he interrupted calmly.You shifted your gaze to him. He was annoyed, you recognized that all too well. You were curious what the conversation was about, but the quick change of topic did not encourage questions. Not yet.“I came here on a hunger strike ready to work. Do you think one wound will stop me?”Silco did not comment on your taunt. His thoughts were still circulating somewhere else, although he moved his fingers loosely over the edge of the report, as if reading it was now just a reflex. He was irritated - that much was clear.And you still felt that familiar fire inside you. You thought it had passed, but the sight of Finn raised your blood pressure again. How different was he from Marcus? How much did they both resemble each other?You sighed quietly.“I guess it didn't go so well, huh?”He didn't look at you immediately. He leaned back more comfortably, reached for his glass but didn't lift it to his lips.“It seems to him that since he occupies a similar position he can brazenly invade me at work,” he sighed heavily. “If only killing him wouldn't cause an avalanche of further problems I would let you do it right this second.”Surprise flared up along with hope. Your hand reflexively went to the empty knife sheath.Silco noticed the movement. Of course he noticed.“Not so fast,” he whined, finally taking a sip of whiskey. “Finn is already regretting it, even if he doesn't yet understand why.”You tightened your fingers on the material of your pants, trying to stifle your growing frustration.“It's not enough.”“Of course it is.”He looked at you with something like approval. It was as if he expected this reaction, maybe even anticipated it.“And Marcus?” you chuckled after a moment, barely restraining yourself from spitting his name.Silco smiled at the corner of his mouth, but there was nothing pleasant about that smile.“You collect enemies faster than I can get rid of them,” he said.“I think we have the same problem.”There was silence for a moment. Silco tilted his head, looked at the ceiling, as if calculating something in his mind. And then he made a decision.“I'll give you everything you need to kill them.”You blinked.“What, but just now-”“Only if you promise me it's not over.”That he sometimes knew you better than you knew yourself you had known for some time. You came to him with the idea to convince him that you were ready to work without interruption after which he almost gave you the answer on a platter.Almost.Of course there was something else.“Shall I get rid of someone else?” you asked somewhat amused feeling a surge of adrenaline at the thought of the potential task.He pointed a finger at you sparing you a knowing smile. You felt the conversation starting to get serious, maybe even more serious than you wanted.“I hired a spy, not a murderer.”Your fingers tightened on the edge of the desk. He wasn't angry. He wasn't admonishing you. But there was something in those words that made you hold your breath.“I don't think I quite know what you mean now.”Silco did not immediately respond. His gaze was fixed on the glass he was turning between his fingers, as if the glass would suggest the right words to him.“Don't make me repeat myself,” he said finally. “You know why I can't tolerate insubordination.”That wasn't the point. It wasn't insubordination.“Would you give me such an order?”He looked at you finally, slowly.“You wouldn't accept it, and we both know it.”You croaked, because he was right. You hated it when he was right.“But you won't go there as someone unknown,” he continued. “At this point, everyone already knows that you are connected to me.”You crooked your head, looking defiantly into his eyes.“No one will know it's me. I know how to be discreet.”Silco laughed quietly, briefly.“It doesn't matter who holds the blade. It matters who uttered the threat.”You clenched your jaw.“You must have a plan,” he added, his tone softening slightly. “And you must know it. Only then can I cover your tracks behind you. You are not going there alone. You are going there as my man. You have to know what's involved.”“I'm not stupid,” you emphasized firmly, ”I know the risks of this action.”Silco leaned in slightly. The extinguished light cast a shadow over his face, sculpting the harsh lines you knew so well.“Let me put it another way,” he said calmly. “You will get everything you need from me to take revenge. But only if you promise to come back.”You felt something tighten in your chest.“You don't believe I can do it?”“I do believe,” he replied without hesitation. “And that's what worries me.”There's that feeling again. Something between pride and anger. Between satisfaction and frustration.“I'm starting to get lost in this. Can you say it directly?”Silco looked at you as if he saw something you hadn't yet noticed.“I promised you I wouldn't let you drown in it,” he said quietly. “You were supposed to hold on to life, not recklessly put it on the line by setting off in pursuit of revenge. I'm not trying to take it away from you. But I won't let you go there if I'm not sure you have a plan. That you'll come back after all this time.”You sighed heavily, looking away.“I can't believe you're going back to it again. Do I have to promise you the same thing every time?”Silco leaned back in his chair, turning the glass in his hands again.“Tell me once you've done what you want to do,” he said slowly. “You will receive payment from them for your suffering. But who will come back to me? You? Or a wreck of a person with blood on their hands?”You clenched your fists.“I've already killed.”“Out of necessity, not out of desire.”You had no answer to that.“I have no doubt that you are capable of doing it,” he continued. “But then what? All this time, you've been living the vision that Marcus and Finn will get their due. I understand that. They are useful, but I would love to see them dead myself. If you are able to tell me now that you can get back to your tasks after this, you will have my full support.”“You don't understand.” Your voice sounded sharper than you intended. “I can't let go. This is all I have left.”Silence fell.Silco slowly let the air out through his nose, then leaned slightly toward you.“Exactly,” he said quietly. "I want to give you more if you’ll let me. If you’ll let yourself.”Something inside you snapped.You heard yourself in his words. He did this all day. He showed that he remembered almost every word you said in front of him. Everything he said made sense and came across to you exactly as it should. You needed it like hell. You were filled with anxiety that you didn't know where you were going.You weren't lying when you said that was all you had left. But saying those words out loud gave them a new dimension. A painful dimension.But it wasn't that simple.You had his full permission to act if you approached it the right way. Your problem was emotionality. Something Sevika pointed out to you some time ago. You could have been reckless, but not reckless enough to run after them right now.But it wasn't that simple.He straightened your approach a bit, but the target was still looming behind a fog too far away to catch. You needed time. What he always gave you of this one you needed more than you thought.“I'm beginning to suspect that you take pleasure in quoting me,” you chuckled with feigned lightness. “So what now?”“Take your time. Please take it seriously this time,” he pointed out. “I trust you to know what to do.”You smiled crookedly. If there was one thing you didn't want to lose it was his trust. You rose from your seat not necessarily consciously. You didn't know what you were going to do, now that several new avenues were opening up to you. Surprisingly, though, being in that room couldn't help you.Nervousness took root under your skin tempting you back to the past.“I need some time,” you muttered.He merely nodded in response. You barely noticed it, feeling the taste of a forming thought on your tongue. A thought that could both tear you down and build you up again.Stepping outside you inhaled the heavy air lifting your head toward the sky. It was there somewhere, but not for you. When you suddenly felt tiny drops on your face you felt something more than relief.A reminder.Who you were and who you were doing it for. The thought occurred to you to check how Rosie was doing with her future school. Since you had nothing better to do anyway, you might as well help her. You had too much time, too many thoughts and far too little work.You turned on your heel pushing thoughts of Marcus somewhere to the side. You walked into the alley next to the bar. At its end someone was standing. Something in this person's posture made you wary. She looked like everyone else in Zaun. Gray clothes, slightly torn. She did not give the impression of being homeless or an addict. Yet there was something disturbing about her. Her face hidden from the shadow of her cloak hood was hard to see even for you.Meeting dangerous people on the street was nothing strange. And yet something about her was both familiar and foreign. Like a ghost from the past. Another one.You tentatively walked a few steps keeping maximum vigilance. The lack of weight of the blade was nagging. It wasn't wise to walk away without a weapon, but on this day your thoughts fled from rationality more than usual.You could have walked away, retreated and taken a different path. Not to risk a fight. After all, that was your specialty. Observation, not fighting. Yet that didn't seem like an option either. This figure did not give you that option.In an instant, she took off toward you at full speed. Her shoes slipped on the wet cobblestones. She didn't handle the environment as if she wasn't from here at all. You jumped aside allowing her to pass you. You expected her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. She slammed her feet into the ground bending her knees. She stopped in front of you. The hood slipped off her head. At the sight of a familiar face you momentarily lost your resonance.“Lacey?”She took advantage of this to jump at your neck with her claws, but Sevika's teachings worked for you. You stepped back then grabbed her wrist and twisted her arm. You jerked it to press her against the wall. She hissed slightly hitting the wall of the building with her nose. You didn't do it hard, you didn't break her anything. It was meant as a warning, not an attack.“Did you really think you had any chance?” you hissed in her ear.She picked the perfect moment. On that day when you carried several months of anger inside you, she exposed herself to you like a platter. No, you had no intention of killing her. However, after what she put down in the hospital.“Go on, kill me,” she laughed snarkily. “You'll have your whole family on your conscience then.”You moved away from her releasing your grip.“What the fuck are you talking about? I didn't kill Zarys, when will that get to you?”She didn't try to attack you. You were somewhat confused by her behavior. You had a dominant advantage over her, Lacey couldn't fight back. You thought you would never meet her again after she escaped from the hospital. That's what any rational person would have done.But not her. Not with those eyes of a madman.Whatever had happened to her since then had broken her completely.But that was no longer your problem.“You took everything from me,” she wailed deafeningly. “Finish the job, that's what you mean, no?”You shook your head in disbelief. You took a step back wishing you had something with you to soothe your nerves.“Have you already forgotten who put you in jail?” you growled. “If you want revenge it's on him.”Lacey laughed suddenly panicked then turned her back on you. You were sure she was going to run away, but she glanced behind her with a disturbingly cheerful smile.“I've already taken care of it. You'll see what it's like. You'll all see.”She pulled her hood over her head and quickly disappeared into the cloud of pride hovering over the street. For a few more minutes, you were in disbelief that the scene had actually taken place. Not only had Zarys stalked you for weeks before you handed over his research to someone else, but now his wife....You leaned against the felling hiding your trembling hands in your pockets.“Couldn't you have married someone less unstable?” you whispered into the void. *** This is what it would look like.You had felt it on your skin and seen it with your own eyes—what you could become.You sat on one of the lower rooftops, gazing down at the people below. You didn’t need to climb high to think. Just being slightly above them was enough. It had already become a habit. Usually, in moments like this, you would toy with a knife, letting your thoughts fall into place—but not this time.You had nothing.The realization had been stalking you all this time, waiting to catch up with you when you least expected it. You had long stopped counting how much you had worked for him. The days blurred together like a shimmer-induced haze. A few months—that much was certain.And in all that time, you had nothing. Even your life wasn’t truly your own. That’s why it was so easy to think about losing it. You had no name, no home, no place to call your own. Everything you had was given, borrowed. You rented, or you stole.But to own?Only your word. The one you had given him, trusting that he would know what to do with it. And trusting him had been the best decision you could have made. You trusted him implicitly—sometimes more than you trusted yourself.In truth, you should thank him.He had seen it long before you did. That it would come to this. That you would end up here, staring down at the city, wondering where you truly belonged. He had never let you drown. Even when your recklessness threatened to pull you under, he kept his word.Lacey’s eyes had shown you something that unsettled you more than you had expected. It wasn’t her that frightened you. It was what she had become.What you might have become—if not for Silco.He had kept you afloat, patiently waiting for you to learn to swim. And, of course, he had been right. You wanted too much, too fast. But at least you knew now that he was waiting just as you were. For Marcus. For Finn. For the moment they would finally die.That would be your job.He knew it, and he didn’t question it. You needed a plan—a way to get to Marcus. Determination settled in your chest, steady and cold, chasing away the lingering panic.You understood where it came from.It was absurd, but you were almost certain—you had woken up in your life, pulled from the nightmare that had been your addiction. This was how things were meant to be. At his side. Working for Zaun.That’s why the world you had known before seemed distant, unfamiliar, unreachable. Because you were never truly meant to be there.There was only one place where you finally felt like yourself.You wanted to go back to that. To take refuge in four walls admitting to yourself that there were things you weren't ready for. Which were beyond you. That you didn't want to face alone.You slid along the roof then jumped lightly onto the metal ledge. You weren't sure who you were going to if you got the windows wrong, but you trusted yourself exceptionally in this regard. You didn't have to pull out the locks to get inside. You pushed the sash feeling it give way slightly. After all, you left it that way.Something in the morning told you that you would still come back here.You threw your bag inside then slipped gruffly into the room. You stood in what was supposed to be a living room, but aside from a single couch and a low table, not much more furniture filled the room. You didn't know if Silco would approve of breaking into one of his hideouts, but he didn't know you from today. You didn't intend to steal anything. You just wanted to...Just what?You closed the window then leaned your head against the glass, returning your thoughts to the morning. You felt the remnants of that atmosphere in the air. Yes, that's what you were missing. Maybe you should really give yourself some time?“I'd give you the keys, you know?”You jumped up suddenly terrified turning around quickly. Of course he was here too.“Fuck... what are you doing here?”“I could ask the same thing,” he admitted leaning his shoulder against the wall.You intertwined your arms on your chest, unable to shake the feeling that everything was starting to quiet down again. It was... pleasant.“I had nowhere to go,” you admitted quietly, honestly.The words settled between you like dust in the silence, and you let them linger. There was no shame in saying it—not to him. But still, your voice wavered, as if speaking the truth made it more real.Your arms tightened around your chest. It wasn’t an excuse. It wasn’t even regret. Just a simple fact.You didn’t have a home. Not really.Everything had been temporary—borrowed spaces, places that weren’t yours to keep. You had stolen time, stolen shelter, stolen moments. But in the end, you always ended up here.A soft sound of movement pulled you from your thoughts. When you turned, he was already stepping closer.He didn't speak right away, and for some reason, that made it harder to breathe.You glanced at the apartment—at what little remained of it. The air felt heavier here, thick with everything that had happened. Everything that could have happened.But he wasn’t looking at the walls, the floor, the abandoned things left behind.His gaze was fixed beyond them, past the cracked glass and rusted railings. On the city.“Why didn’t you say something?”His voice wasn’t sharp, but the weight of the question pressed against your ribs. It wasn’t about not having a place to go—he understood that. This was something else. Something that ran deeper.You could hear it in his tone. The quiet edge of certainty, of knowing.You swallowed, looking at him from the corner of your eye. He was close now. Close enough that when he shifted, your shoulders brushed, and neither of you pulled away.“I don’t know,” you admitted.But that wasn’t entirely true.You had spent years learning to stand on your own, to keep moving no matter what. To ask for help meant admitting you needed it, and after all this time, you weren’t sure if you knew how.His silence wasn’t impatient. He was waiting.You exhaled, turning your gaze back to the apartment—this place that had never really been yours, no matter how long you had stayed. Then, as if drawn by something unseen, your eyes drifted past it, toward the city.“You knew him,” you murmured.His brow furrowed slightly, but he didn’t ask who you meant. He knew.“Vander” the name left your lips like an exhale, a thought finally spoken aloud. You turned your head fully now, searching his face. “How did you do it?”Something flickered behind his eyes, but it wasn’t anger. Not anymore.„Do what?”“Live alongside someone who betrayed you.”What made you different was that Marcus was no one close to you. He didn't betray you, he simply tried to kill you. But Silco had experienced something similar. Worse, but similar. That's why you knew he would understand you. You looked to his suffering for answers for yourself.A beat passed. Then another.“I wasn’t ready,” he admitted, voice low, steady. “But I was patient. And patience makes people careless.”You held onto those words, turning them over in your mind, feeling the truth in them. You weren’t ready. You had already said it yourself. But patience… patience could give you the opening you needed.Your breath was uneven now, but not from fear. You wanted him to make it real. ‘Cause anything was better than the way you felt right now.“All this time,” you whispered, “I thought that what I had inside me could be cured.”He said nothing, but the weight of his presence grounded you, solid and unwavering.“That chemical cut…” you hesitated, pressing your fingers lightly to your temple, as if you could still feel the ghost of it beneath your skin. “It’s hard to find a place in myself that hasn’t been hurt.”His gaze darkened, but he didn’t interrupt.“But maybe that’s not the point,” you continued, the thought forming even as you spoke. “Maybe it’s enough to learn to live with it.”The space between you seemed smaller now, your voice barely more than a breath.“You might be the one to take the pain away,” you said, “to quiet my mind.”The admission settled between you. Heavy. Unspoken.The silence between you was not heavy. Not now. It was like a breath before something important, like a space where you could finally hear your own thoughts.Uncertainty had been your shadow for a long time. What's next? Who would you become? Did this path lead to something more than just survival? These questions never left you, but now... now it was different.As you watched him, the way he stood unmoving, as if nothing could surprise or shake him, another thought came to you. That whatever happens next, you can handle it. That if he is next to you, it doesn't matter how difficult the next steps will be. This thought brought peace.You slowly turned to face him, just as you had done that morning when you saw him for the first time that day.“If I decide, will you help me?”It wasn't a command, nor was it a powerless request. It was more than that-the first time you said it out loud, consciously.Silco was not surprised. His gaze was calm, investigative. As if he was making sure that you really meant it.“I thought you had already decided,” he said.“Will you?” you repeated without letting yourself get distracted.You shouldn't be surprised that he was one step ahead of you. He accepted your words with the calmness of a person who had known the answer for a long time. He was merely waiting for you to reach the place where saying them out loud would be reflected in courage.“Of course,” he acknowledged lightly after which he leaned toward you, slowly, deliberately, so close that you could ignore neither his presence nor the weight of what was about to fall. “My dear.”