The warehouse was just as Kieran remembered—rusted walls, shattered windows, and silence that screamed.
He and Leo approached through the shadows, hoods up, steps light. The city's edge felt colder tonight, like even the wind knew what was coming.
Inside, dim lights flickered overhead. Figures moved—six, maybe seven. All in black. All watching.
Then came the voice Kieran feared and hated most.
"Well, well," said Renji, the Crimson Vow's enforcer. His silver piercings glinted under the light. "Look who crawled back from the grave."
Kieran stepped forward. "I didn't come to beg."
Renji laughed. "You never did. Still the fearless prince, huh?"
Leo stayed close, eyes locked on the others. He wasn't trained for this—but his resolve was steel.
"We're not here to rejoin anything," Leo said. "We're here to end it."
The gang members exchanged glances—then laughed. But Renji didn't.
"Oh?" he said, tilting his head. "You brought a boyfriend to fight your battles now?"
Kieran's fists clenched. "Say that again."
Renji grinned. "You used to break bones for fun, Kieran. Now you're soft."
"I'm still dangerous," Kieran growled. "Just not for you."
And then the first punch was thrown.
---
Chaos erupted.
Kieran ducked a swing, elbowed one attacker in the ribs, then flipped another over his shoulder. Leo stuck close, using quick jabs and dodges to hold his own. He wasn't fast, but he was smart—aiming low, moving sharp.
But they were outnumbered.
Renji grabbed Kieran by the collar, slamming him against the wall.
"You think you can erase what you were?" he spat.
"I'm not erasing it," Kieran grunted. "I'm replacing it."
Then he headbutted him.
Renji staggered. Kieran moved in.
With one final blow to the jaw, Renji dropped.
Silence fell.
The rest scattered like rats.
---
Outside, under the flickering streetlight, Kieran and Leo leaned against the wall—bloody, bruised, and breathless.
"We good?" Leo asked, spitting blood.
"For now," Kieran said.
Then—quietly—"Thanks… for not letting me do it alone."
Leo managed a half-smile. "Get used to it."