Near the construction site, in a dark and seemingly abandoned apartment, two individuals stood in the shadows. The place appeared to be a living room, but it was completely covered in graffiti and littered with trash everywhere.

– What the hell was that…? – Shadow said sharply, raising his voice as he glanced over his shoulder at Koji. – You had plenty of chances to take out 425, and in the end, it was me who had to poison him.

– Unlike you, I like to enjoy my work hours. – Koji replied, staring at Shadow’s figure. – You worry too much, little Shadow. In the end, it all worked out. After all, the girl didn’t even notice your mark when you stabbed her from behind.

Shadow turned toward Koji, who was leaning against a wall, slowly approaching him.

– That was kind of inappropriate, don’t you think? She’s probably underage, but it’s good to know that, like me, you don’t care... – Koji was speaking in a light tone when he suddenly felt the air brush past his face.

– You almost screwed everything up! Do you think I’m here to be your damn babysitter!? – Shadow shouted, pressing his fist harder into the wall as he spoke.

– I remember someone having problems with a certain Mexican. – Koji sighed, smirking. – I feel like I’m actually the one taking care of you, little Shadow.

– Everything would’ve been handled if you hadn’t wasted time chatting with 425! And for what? Look at what’s happened now! – Shadow yelled, pointing toward the hospital, where the dust was still settling. Smoke was rising from the building due to the fire. – We’re under the spotlight because you brought down a building on the daughter of a damn Defender!

Shadow seemed on the verge of exploding; veins popped out on his forehead as he pointed toward the collapsed building in the distance, jabbing his finger into Koji’s chest. Koji maintained his smile, though his brows furrowed slightly at the gesture.

– You’re such a pessimist; you should start looking on the bright side. At least Williams isn’t a problem anymore. – Koji said, grinning as he heard the distant sound of sirens.

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

– You’re not the only one affected by all of this, you bastard! If something goes wrong because of you…

Shadow grabbed Koji while responding, shoving him against the wall.

– Oh, are you worried your little girl will find out what daddy is up to...?

Koji interrupted Shadow’s words, and Shadow swiftly pulled out a short blade, bringing it close to Koji’s neck.

– Son of a... bitch... If you mention my daughter again, I will cut that damn tongue of yours out. – Shadow 's tone was sinister.

He pressed the blade slightly against Koji’s neck, yet the smile never left Koji’s face. Both of them displayed seriousness in their expressions, though Koji allowed a brief smirk to form at the corner of his mouth, his sharp gaze locking onto the depths of Shadow’s eyes.

– Little Shadow, my dear, it’s just a little joke between coworkers. No need to take it seriously, after all... – Koji replied, his pupils sparkling, while his hand vibrated as he pressed it against Shadow’s abdomen. – There could be... retaliation.

They stared at each other for a brief moment before stepping away from one another.

– There's no need to worry; just imagine how the media will spin what happened. ‘Heroine brings down building in slum area and tortures innocent man in front of a crowd!’ No one really cares about what goes on here. – Koji declared, raising his hand to the sky as if making an announcement. – You, who came from the ghetto, should know how things work.

– Screw you and your messed-up speech. – Shadow said, turning his back to Koji, placing a hand on his forehead and taking a deep breath.

– Calm down; you know someone around here gets murdered, robbed, or raped every day, and no one really gives a damn. – Koji continued with a slight smile and a nonchalant voice, flicking his finger toward Shadow as he responded. – What’s a demolished building in Vale da Liberdade? Everything that happens here gets brushed aside. Why do you think I love this place so much?

– Fuck you...

Shadow replied, sheathing his smaller blade and heading for the door that led out of the place. Koji just smiled; he was about to reach for his cigarette case when he noticed the clouds clearing in the sky, revealing the full moon in all its glory.

His eyes fixed on it, and he smiled. – Finally, the perfect weather.

Shadow glanced at Koji, his lips twisted and forehead furrowed, shaking his head. Then he turned away and disappeared into the air.

A few seconds passed, and Koji kept that genuine smile on his face, savoring the sound of sirens and the destruction reflected in his eyes, along with the moonlight. He patted a pocket in his jacket and then pulled out a cloth containing a lump with a red stain. As he unfolded the cloth, he revealed a female finger adorned with a gold ring, set with a beautiful diamond. He gazed at it with a smirk, initially caressing the finger tenderly before giving it a long kiss, smearing his lips with blood.

– Ah, Kate... It’s a shame Katherine isn’t with us... She would’ve loved to see this beautiful moonlit night.