Elias hummed to himself as he arranged a fresh batch of lavender and violets in his shop. The scent of flowers filled the air, blending with the soft afternoon light streaming through the windows.
The day had been peaceful—just the way he liked it.
A soft chime rang as the shop door opened.
"Welcome!" he said cheerfully, turning around. "How can I—"
His words caught in his throat.
Standing in the doorway was a man in a dark suit, his sharp gaze scanning the shop like a predator surveying its prey.
Elias blinked, forcing a polite smile. "Oh, um… looking for flowers?"
The man didn't respond. Instead, he took slow steps forward, gloved fingers trailing over the petals of a nearby bouquet. His presence felt wrong.
Elias swallowed. "Sir?"
The man finally looked at him, smiling in a way that made Elias uneasy. "You're quite famous these days."
Elias frowned. "Excuse me?"
The man picked up a single violet, twirling it between his fingers. "It's rare for Lady Nyx to take an interest in someone outside her world. People are curious."
At the mention of her name, Elias froze.
His mind raced. He had never openly mentioned Selena—or Lady Nyx—to anyone. How did this man know?
Seeing his reaction, the stranger chuckled. "Oh? You do know her, don't you?"
Elias took a small step back. "I don't know what you're talking about."
The man smirked. "No need to lie. I'm just here to give you some friendly advice."
He placed the violet back onto the counter and leaned in slightly.
"Flowers don't last long in a storm, Elias Cheng. Stay away from her, or you'll be the first to wither."
And with that, he walked out.
Elias stood frozen, heart pounding. Who was that? And more importantly… what had he just gotten himself into?
Jax informed Selena her grip on her glass tightened until it cracked.
Jax cursed, yanking the shards from her hand before she could cut herself. "Boss—"
"Who was it?" Selena's voice was deathly calm.
Jax exhaled. "One of Corvus's men."
Selena's eyes flashed murderous red.
Corvus—a rival crime lord who had been eyeing her territory for years. But going after Elias? That was a new low.
Jax hesitated. "Boss… he wasn't hurt. Just shaken up."
Selena stood, grabbing her coat.
"Where are you going?" Jax asked, though he already knew.
Selena's voice was ice-cold.
"To remind Corvus that I don't take threats lightly."
Jax sighed. The city was about to get a whole lot bloodier.