the morning was cold but quieter than usual the city seemed to hold its breath like it knew something was coming ren woke with mai still asleep beside him the damp concrete felt harder this time his stomach twisted tighter hunger wasn't just empty space it was an ache that pushed him forward
he looked at the deck beside him worn and faded like a secret he barely understood but wanted to keep close he tucked it under his shirt like a treasure the rain from last night left puddles reflecting broken signs and flickering streetlights
he stepped outside the hiding spot careful not to wake mai the streets were alive but the noise was different less harsh more careful like people waiting for something too afraid to move fast he kept his eyes sharp watching shadows longer than usual
sera's words echoed in his mind bigger than poker bigger than guessing bigger than just cards he didn't know what that meant but his gut said it was true
he moved through alleys and side streets every step measured like a dance he practiced breathing slow listening for footsteps or whispers that didn't belong he knew he was being watched again but this time it wasn't just one person it was many quiet eyes from rooftops and corners eyes that didn't blink
he remembered what sera said about reading people the way they hold their breath their fingers twitch their eyes flicker those tiny movements told stories bigger than words
he ducked behind a dumpster heart pounding but face calm he watched a man in a dark coat whisper into a phone the words muffled but the tone was sharp the man's hand slid into his pocket and pulled out a small stack of cards a signal maybe
ren waited watching counting heartbeats waiting for the next move but it never came the man disappeared into the fog like smoke
ren took a deep breath and kept walking he knew this was more than chance or coincidence this was a game he hadn't started but was already playing
he found mai still sleeping soundly inside the box her face peaceful in the cold morning light ren touched her forehead warm enough for now he promised himself he'd keep her safe no matter what
but deep inside ren felt the first crack of fear not for himself but for what was coming for the shadows that whispered and waited for the game that was no longer just cards
he clenched his fists cold reading intuition confidence they would have to be stronger than ever because the real fight was just beginning