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Chapter 8– The Price of Attention
Luke sat alone on the park bench, the cool evening wind brushing against his face. The city lights blinked in the distance, like silent witnesses to his thoughts.
His mind replayed the past week—missions, danger, the way people started to look at him differently.
> "Power gives attention… and attention gives danger."
The words slipped from his mouth like a truth he wished he didn't know.
He remembered his old life—quiet, ordinary. Now, every step felt like a spotlight was on him. Every victory brought applause… and eyes. And some of those eyes didn't wish him well.
A faint sound broke his thoughts. Footsteps.
"Luke," a voice called. It was Inspector Darien, his silent supporter in the force.
"You've been quiet lately," Darien said, standing beside the bench.
Luke gave a half-smile. "Quiet is the only time you hear the truth."
Darien frowned slightly. "What truth?"
"That no one remembers who you are… until you do something they can't ignore. And when that happens, you stop being safe."
The older man didn't reply immediately. He just looked at Luke like he understood, maybe too well.
Far away, sirens wailed—another case waiting, another danger to step into.
Luke stood. "Let's go."
As they walked into the dim street, Luke's thoughts lingered:
> "The more the world sees you… the more it decides what you're worth. And sometimes, it decides you're worth destroying."