Shadow Reckoning

The night was heavy with rain, soaking the city in a curtain of shadows and neon. Shade sat on his motorcycle, staring down at the streets below. The Crimson Vultures. He had spent years thinking they were wiped out. That he had avenged his family.

But Selene had just shattered that illusion.

Jade stood beside him, arms crossed, her emerald dress replaced with a leather jacket and jeans. "You're thinking too much."

Shade didn't respond.

She nudged him with her elbow. "You wanna talk about it?"

He exhaled. "If the Vultures are still around, then I didn't finish the job."

Jade smirked. "Oh, that's what's bothering you? That you failed?"

Shade's fingers clenched the handlebars. "I don't fail."

Jade stepped in front of him, eyes searching his. "This isn't just about revenge anymore, is it?"

Shade didn't answer.

Because she was right.

This wasn't just about his past. It was about who he was becoming.

The line between justice and vengeance had already blurred. And now? It was vanishing completely.

Jade sighed. "Well, lucky for you, I like bad boys with baggage."

Shade looked at her. "You think this is funny?"

Jade grinned. "No. I just know that if you keep brooding like this, I'm gonna have to find a way to distract you."

She leaned in, her lips inches from his. The heat between them was electric, dangerous.

Then her phone buzzed.

Jade groaned. "Seriously?"

She checked the screen. Her smirk disappeared.

"What?" Shade asked.

Jade frowned. "Lauren just sent me an address."

Shade's jaw tightened. "Where?"

Jade exhaled. "A warehouse on the east side." She looked up at him. "She says we need to see this."

Something in her tone made Shade's stomach twist.

Whatever it was, it wasn't good.