The clock struck twelve, its sharp chime echoing through the cold night air.
Maya stood at the edge of the abandoned pier, the moonlight casting silver shadows across the water's restless surface. Her heart pounded — not just from the chill, but from the unknown waiting in the darkness.
Liam's hand found hers, grounding her."We face this together," he whispered, eyes scanning the fog that curled like ghostly fingers around the decrepit docks.
From the mist emerged a figure — Kai.
His face was a mask of cold intensity, eyes flickering with something unreadable — pain, anger, maybe regret.
"Why did you call me here?" Maya's voice was steady, but her pulse raced.
Kai's gaze flicked between them, calculating."To offer a choice. Walk away from this… or lose everything you love."
Liam stepped forward, jaw tight, muscles coiled like a predator."We won't be your pawns."
Kai's lips curled into a bitter smile."You think love can save you? Love is just another game I'm winning."
The air crackled with tension, the sea crashing beneath them as if echoing the storm within.
Maya tightened her grip on Liam's hand."Then show me what you really want."
Kai's eyes softened for the briefest moment — a flicker of vulnerability buried beneath the darkness.
Before anyone could move, a sharp sound sliced through the night — footsteps approaching fast.
Liam pulled Maya behind him, shielding her as the night's deadly game spiraled out of control.