Victor Kane.
Noah's jaw tightened. He hadn't expected to see Victor this early. Not so soon. Victor was always a step ahead, a shadow in the chaos—someone who thrived on manipulation, intimidation, and chaos. He wasn't just a rival; he was a predator, and the city was his hunting ground.
Victor Kane moved through the city like a phantom. Tall, broad-shouldered, dressed in dark clothes that allowed him to blend into crowds, he exuded an aura of controlled menace. People might pass him without a second glance, but anyone who knew him—or had crossed him—felt the weight of his presence instantly.
He had been watching Noah for days, following his movements through street cameras, distant observers, and informants. He knew Noah was different now—sharper, smarter, more cautious. And that made him dangerous.
Victor smiled faintly, tapping a finger against the edge of a rooftop railing. "So… the boy who thinks he can change the past," he muttered. "Let's see how long that lasts."
He watched as Noah and his small group moved through the streets, unaware of the predator studying them from above. Victor thrived on control. He enjoyed the slow tightening of tension, the subtle nudges that would eventually force people into mistakes.
Back in the apartment, Noah's mind replayed the rooftop figure. The silhouette, the confident stance, the way he had observed their movement without moving a muscle—
Victor Kane.
Noah muttered to himself, eyes scanning the horizon from the window.
Mason glanced at him. "Who's close?"
Noah shook his head. "Someone who isn't just a threat… someone who plans, watches, waits. I've dealt with him before. His name is Victor Kane."
Lena frowned. "He… he's dangerous?"
Noah's gaze hardened. "Dangerous doesn't begin to cover it. Victor Kane isn't just strong or ruthless—he's cunning. He studies people, learns their weaknesses, and exploits them without mercy. If he notices us… we'll have to be ready for anything."
Victor, on his side of the city, allowed himself a small smirk. He had seen them, taken notes on their movements, and already begun to plot. Every step Noah took today, every choice in gathering supplies, had been observed. Every minor misstep could be turned to his advantage.
"Preparation," he muttered. "Good. Very good. But how long can they last against someone who doesn't make mistakes?"
He stepped off the rooftop, moving through shadows, rooftops, and alleyways with ease. Victor Kane didn't rush; he didn't need to. He had time, and patience was his ally. By the time the world descended into chaos, he would already have his pieces in place.
Noah finally turned from the window, tension heavy in his shoulders. He briefed Mason and Lena. "We've been noticed. Don't panic, but be alert. There's someone watching us… studying us. He's experienced, patient, and ruthless. His name is Victor Kane. Remember it. And prepare."
Lena swallowed. "So… what do we do?"
"Survive," Noah said, voice calm but unwavering. "For now, observe. Learn. He's a threat, yes—but rushing to confront him would be foolish. We adapt, we prepare, and we stay one step ahead. That's how we beat someone like Victor Kane."
Mason exhaled slowly. "Sounds like trouble."
Noah's eyes narrowed. "Trouble isn't the problem. Unpreparedness is. And we're not unprepared."
That night, Noah stayed by the window long after Mason and Lena had gone to sleep. Victor Kane was a shadow in every sense—silent, patient, and calculating.
The difference now was clear: Noah and his team were no longer naïve. They had begun to learn, train, and prepare. But Victor Kane was still ahead, and every day brought them closer to a confrontation they couldn't yet predict.
Victor tilted his head, almost thoughtfully. "Interesting," he murmured. "They're learning… adapting. But are they ready for me?"