...
The city was just coming to life as the van rolled into the underground garage of Voss Tower. Ezra stepped out after Kael, the ache in his bandaged arm a reminder of the night's events and his throat felt raw from stifling tears. Since they left the warehouse, Kael hadn't said a word to him, only barking orders at Luka while Ezra was left in painful silence—much harsher than any shouting could be.
By the time they reached Kael's office, the dawn had painted the skyline a warm gold. The glass walls reflected the steel structures outside, and the soft hum of the servers created a steady rhythm in the air. Kael moved behind his desk silently, his movements purposeful, like a man trying to contain a storm of emotions. He settled into his chair, fingers resting against his lips, staring at the holo-display without really seeing it.
Ezra hung back by the window, clutching the holo-crystal with a racing heart. His reflection in the glass showed someone pale, guilty, and trembling. He despised how vulnerable he looked—weak, broken, a burden.
"Kael…" His voice wavered, the word heavy with emotion. "I meant what I said in the van. I felt lost, but then I fell for you—unexpectedly. You became my anchor when I had nothing left. I'll do anything to prove that."
Kael's gaze finally met his, and in that moment, it felt like being engulfed by a storm. His eyes were fierce—not with anger, but with something colder and deeper. "Anything?" His voice was low, filled with a dangerous edge. "Do you truly understand what that means, Ezra?"
Ezra flinched at the sound of his name used as if it were a weapon, but he stepped closer, despite his shaking legs, until he stood at the edge of Kael's desk. His bandaged arm quivered as he set down the holo-crystal, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I can help you take them down—Veyra, Nico. Their systems are based on the same architecture I used to work with. I know how to exploit their weaknesses. Let me fight for you instead of against you."
Kael leaned back, observing him like a predator sizing up its prey. For a fleeting moment, Ezra thought he might scoff—dismissive and cruel. Instead, Kael tilted his head, his expression sharpening. "Why would I let you dirty your hands when I already have Luka? When I've built everything you tried to dismantle?"
Panic surged through Ezra, and he felt his opportunity slipping away. His voice broke as he implored, "Because it's the only way I can make amends! You believe I didn't break something in you? I hate myself every minute for what I did. But I can't just ask for forgiveness—I have to earn it. Let me do this. Not because you need me—" His voice softened, trembling. "—but because I need you. I need you to see that I'm not the same man who entered your life with a knife in hand."
The silence that followed was thick and oppressive. Ezra's shoulders shook as he lowered his head, his chest rising and falling with ragged sobs. For the first time in years, Kael felt something unfamiliar prick at him—not anger or control, but the ache of witnessing another's broken heart pressing against the walls he had so carefully built.
Kael took a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, his voice gravelly. "Do you think love can erase betrayal?"
Ezra's head shot up, his eyes glistening. "No. But it could bring redemption."
In that moment, something flickered across Kael's face. He didn't smile or soften, but for the briefest instant, his eyes revealed a hint of inner conflict.
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...To Be Continued.....