The sky over Valez Mansion was bruised purple, thunder growling in the distance.
Nathaniel stood in front of the black windowpane, shirtless, a drink in hand, the red note pinned to the glass like a scar.
"You owe me a life."
The words looped like a curse.
Dano entered without knocking.
"We found her scent."
Nathaniel turned slowly. "Where?"
"Third District. Abandoned theater off Roman Way. But she's gone."
Of course she was. Alfreda never stayed long enough to be caught.
"She's toying with you," Dano added. "Like a lion with a wounded cub."
Nathaniel's eyes darkened. "Then let's see how she likes it when the cub grows fangs."
Later That Night – 4th Street Orphanage
Mara locked up for the night, sighing as the last child was tucked in.
She didn't hear the footsteps behind her.
Didn't see the black-gloved hand until it was over her mouth.
Didn't have time to scream before darkness swallowed her whole.
Meanwhile – Alfreda's Hideout
Alfreda was cleaning a pistol when Aurelio stormed in.
"She's gone."
Alfreda stilled. "Who?"
"Mara."
Her heart skipped.
"No. No one touches Mara."
"She's leverage. He's baiting you."
Alfreda's voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Then he's just declared war."
Flashback – Three Years Ago
Mara was the first to find Alfreda after the fire.
Burned. Bruised. Barely breathing.
She nursed her. Hid her. Gave her a new name. A new face. A second chance.
She was more than a friend.
She was a sister by survival.
Present – Valez Private Interrogation Room
Mara sat chained to a velvet chair, lips bloody but unbroken.
Nathaniel entered in silence, a wolf in a tailored suit.
"I'm not here to hurt you, Mara," he said calmly. "I just want her."
Mara spat at his feet.
He didn't flinch.
"I admired your loyalty," he said. "But don't mistake admiration for mercy."
He leaned closer, voice low.
"Tell me where Alfreda is… or I'll burn down every shelter in this city until she has nowhere left to hide."
Mara's eyes blazed.
"She's already survived hell. You think fire scares her?"
Nathaniel straightened.
"I don't want to scare her."
He smiled cruelly.
"I want to break her."
Alfreda – Rooftop of the Theater
The rain was pouring.
She stood in it like a statue, eyes empty.
"He took her," she said.
Aurelio nodded. "And he'll expect you to come running."
"I won't."
Aurelio stared. "What?"
"I'll make him think I'm coming. I'll make him prepare. And while he watches the front door…"
She turned, eyes glowing like stormlight.
"I'll crawl through his nightmares."
Final Scene – Valez Estate
Nathaniel lit a cigar, watching the flicker of flame reflect in the wineglass.
A noise behind him.
He didn't turn—until the voice whispered:
"I warned you not to start a fire."
The glass shattered in his hand.
Alfreda stood by the balcony, soaked in rain, mascara streaking like warpaint.
"I came to collect more than a life this time."
She stepped forward.
"I came for everything."