The alley was dark, with shadows moving in the weak sunlight filtering through the clouds. Sylus grabbed my collar and slammed me against the brick wall. The impact knocked the breath from my lungs.
His dark eyes had a calm, dead, and calculating look.
But this? This territorial edge was almost funny. His grip tightened, turning his knuckles white. His forearm pressed against my throat, a reminder of how easily he could end this.
"Why the hell are you back?" he asked, his voice low and deadly. "I thought you died."
I smiled despite the pressure, with blood roaring in my ears. "Surprised I survived?"
His jaw tightened at a familiar warning. He was already deciding where to bury me.
"What business do you have with Ella?"
I laughed softly, the sound feeling wrong in the narrow alley.
"I don't remember her being your property."
"She's quite a funny little plaything."
I didn't even see the punch coming. Pain flared across my face as my head snapped to the side. The taste of blood filled my mouth. Before I could recover, another hit landed—harder. The impact made me stagger back against the wall as blood trickled from the corner of my lips.
Sylus leaned in, his breath steady. His voice was clear and cold, far more dangerous than shouting.
"SHE.IS.MY.GIRL."
Another fist pressed into my chest."SHE. BELONG TO ME, TO SYLUS. MORANO."
His eyes burned into mine. "Got it?"
I laughed, low and deliberate. "Haha, Sylus… does she know who you really are?"
My voice stayed calm, almost bored, and that was the point. "She doesn't?" I tilted my head, noticing how his jaw tightened. "Too bad."
His eyes darkened. I can feel the murderous aura radiating off him I pushed off the wall despite the ache in my ribs. "Shall I do the honor of revealing it?"
A sharp punch across my face as his fist hit me again.
"You fucker." His voice was slow and cruel. "I left you last time on the little history we had."
I laughed through the blood, spitting red onto the concrete. "Tsk." I looked back up at him, my eyes gleaming. "Maybe that's where you're wrong."
I stepped closer, close enough that he could feel my breath. The silence between us grew thick, heavy with things we'd never buried properly.
That made him even angrier. "You don't get to say her name," he said quietly. "You don't get to think about her."
I lifted my head slowly, blood staining my teeth as I grinned at him. I had missed this. His restraint was so thin it was practically shaking.
"Relax, Sylus," I said lightly."I only looked into her. She's sharper than I expected."
I tilted my head, keeping my eyes on his. "Pretty too." Something ugly twisted in his expression. His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my throat as he lifted me just enough that my boots scraped the ground. My pulse raced under his palm, traitorous, eager.
"You.Looked.Into.Her?"
He asked, almost amused. I forced a breath through my teeth, my face contoured with rushed blood as I gasped for breath. "C-Careful," I rasped. "You'll draw attention."
He leaned in, his forehead almost touching mine, his eyes dark with intent. "I don't care who sees," he said.
"If you so much as breathe in her direction again, they won't find anything enough of you to identify."
My gaze searched his face not for fear, but for confirmation. "You're serious," I said through breathlessness. "You never let anyone this close."
His grip tightened. "She's not anyone."
For just a second, barely a blink, something flickered across my face. Recognition. Understanding. He threw me down with sudden force. As my cough mixed with laughter filled the alley, "Hahaha."
"That makes her dangerous for you, Sylus."
He slammed me back into the wall and stepped away, adjusting his coat like he hadn't just held my life in his hands.
"Disappear," he ordered."You died that time. So if you won't leave us, then I will do it properly this time."
I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, blood smearing across my knuckles. "And if I don't?"
He met my gaze then let me see exactly what lived behind that control.
"Then I won't miss." I held his stare for a long moment before nodding slowly.
"You've changed," I said. "Yes," he replied.
Whatever she was to him, she wasn't just a weakness. "Don't worry, my friend," I whispered, leaning in despite the pain in my ribs. I let my lips hover near his ear, close enough for him to feel my breath.
"We'll meet again soon." His body went stiff. Good.
"Keep an eye on that pretty girlfriend of yours," I said slowly.
"Slip-ups happen when people get distracted."
I pulled back just enough to see the crack. Not rage. but Fear. The kind Sylus Morano never allowed himself.
His hand came up, fist tight around my collar again, knuckles trembling this time. "You say her name one more time," he growled, his voice barely holding together, "and I swear I'll—"
"You'll kill me?" I smiled, blood-stained and satisfied. "Good luck with that."
I slipped from his grip when his focus waned for half a second. That was all it took. It always was.
As I backed into the alley, I met his eyes one last time. "Careful, Sylus," I said lightly.
"Secrets rot when they're locked up too long."
Then I vanished into the street, laughter echoing faintly behind me. "It's going to be fun." As i slipped my glasses back on.
-----
Sylus pov~
A harsh laugh escaped me as my fist hit the wall.
"That motherfucker."
The sound echoed down the alley, raw and ugly. I forced myself to breathe, slow and steady.
Calm down, Sylus ... Ella will be fine.
I said to myself, but as soon as her name crossed my mind, my control shattered.
My eyes darkened as my imagination betrayed me—too vivid, too cruel.
Ella was tied to a chair, bruised, blood dripping down
I stopped myself. Pain surged as I realized my knuckles were split, blood trickling down my hand, warm and steady. I barely felt it.
I pulled out my phone and made the call.
"Meet me at the mansion," I said when Alex answered. "In thirty minutes."
No explanation, no room for questions, as I ended the call and sent the same order to Hyunwoo. Then I turned and walked back to my car.
The moment I got inside, the scent hit me.
Her. Faint, lingering vanilla mixed with the metallic smell of blood from my hand. My jaw clenched as my hands tightened around the steering wheel.
She was everywhere. In my head, in my skin, in every violent thought I had to push down just to keep myself sane enough. I started the engine and pulled onto the road, the city blurring past as I drove.
Ace wanted a reaction. Little did he know. What he'd just unleashed? Because if he touched her- If he even thought about hurting her—
"I will burn that motherfucker. ALIVE." My voice dripped with pure hatred as I sped through the road.
----
Ella pov~
The flower shop was quiet in a way I liked. Soft music played softly in the background, and the scent of fresh lilies and eucalyptus lingered in the air. My hands moved automatically as I trimmed stems, arranging them carefully. The rhythm of the work helped slow my thoughts.
It should have worked, but my mind kept wandering.
Ace's voice, smooth and, slipped in without invitation. I remembered how Sylus's face had changed when he noticed him. The tension I felt then was sharp and clear, even if I didn't fully understand it.
I exhaled slowly. I told myself it was nothing. Just two men from different parts, just crossing paths by chance. Nothing more.
Still, something had shifted. I pushed my focus back to the flowers, pressing the thought down. I tightened the ribbon around a bouquet until my fingers ached. Outside, the day moved lazily. People came and went, sharing smiles and small talk, normal moments.
By the time the light outside began to fade, the clock read a little past six.
My phone buzzed on the counter.
Selene: Drinks tonight? Same bar. Don't bail.
I stared at the screen longer than I needed to. The thought of noise, laughter, and distraction felt tempting and even necessary.
Me: I'll try. No promises. I set the phone down and reached for a bundle of roses, only to freeze when a familiar voice broke the stillness of the shop.
"So that's where you disappear all day."
I looked up. Selene stood near the doorway, her glasses resting on her head, her eyes scanning the shop with exaggerated curiosity.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, surprised. "I thought we were meeting later."
She grinned. "I was nearby. Thought I'd pull you out early."
Her gaze softened as she stepped closer, fingers brushing a vase of peonies. "You look… quiet today."
"I'm always quiet," I said lightly, though something restless stirred in my chest.
She studied me for another second, as if she was about to say something more—but then shook her head. "Come on. Close up early. You've been stuck in this place all week."
I glanced around the shop. The familiar comfort suddenly felt too still.
"I can't just leave-" "Ella," she interrupted gently, "you won't break the routine by taking a night off."
I hesitated. For some reason I couldn't explain, a chill ran down my spine
As if someone had just called my name from far away, as if someone was watching me..
I reached for my coat. "Fine," I said. "One drink."
Selene smiled, victorious. I didn't notice the shadow passing outside the window. I had no idea that somewhere across the city, a man with bloodied hands was already struggling to keep himself in check.
As soon as my shift ended, I locked up and followed Selene outside into the cool evening air.
She didn't waste any time. "You're changing," she said, already guiding me toward the restroom down the block. "No arguments."
I sighed but didn't protest. The dress she brought was black, knee-length, and fitted just enough to feel intentional. It had clean lines and no distractions. I slipped it on, letting the fabric settle against me, then shook my hair loose, running my fingers through it until it fell freely over my shoulders.
When I stepped back out, Selene made an approving sound. "There she is."
The bar was already buzzing when we arrived. Music pulsed loudly, shuddering through the floor and into my chest. The lights clouded at the edges, bodies were filled close, and laughter rang out sharp and carefree. I shrugged off my coat and slid onto the barstool next to her.
The bartender asked what I wanted, but Selne ordered for us. The glass was cold in my hand when it arrived. I took a sip, then another, feeling the burn all the way down my throat, cold, loosening something tight inside me. Still, I couldn't shake the strange weight settling low in my stomach. I felt out of place and exposed.
I glanced around the room without meaning to, at unfamiliar faces and shadows shifting with the lights.
For a brief moment, I thought I saw someone-
I blinked. Nothing. I lifted the glass again, forcing another sip, letting the music drown out the thought.
Selene noticed immediately. "Whoa. Easy there," she said, laughing. "Rough day?"
"Something like that," I replied, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
She raised a brow. "Rough work? Or Guy Trouble?"
I hesitated. Her smile turned knowing. "Ah. So there is someone."
"There isn't," I said quickly. "Not really." Selene tilted her head, studying me. "You don't say 'not really' unless there is."
I looked away, scanning the bar again without meaning to. The crowd shifted, bodies brushing past, laughter rising and falling with the music.
"I just ran into someone," I said finally. "And someone else didn't like it."
Selene leaned back against the bar, her interest sharpened. "That sounds far more interesting than you're making it." "It's not," I said, though my pulse betrayed me. "It was nothing. Just tension."
She smirked. " Yeah, the obvious Jealous kind." "No way~"
My gaze drifted to the glass in my hand.
Amber. The drink caught the light, and for a moment, it reminded me of the eyes I had seen earlier that morning.
I frowned slightly, trying to push the thought away. Selene was talking beside me, animated, laughing about something I barely noticed. My mind lagged, half a beat slow, like I was trying to catch up with myself.
I took another shot. The burn hit harder this time, spreading warmth through my chest, dulling the sharpness of my thoughts—but not enough to quiet them.
Why do I feel like this? Like someone is watching me. Like the air itself is leaning in.
I am being paranoid, I told myself. "I'll be right back," I said suddenly, pushing my stool back. "Restroom." Selene waved me off without looking. "Be careful."
I slipped away, weaving through people until the noise faded behind me. The hallway was narrow, filled with neon light. Pink and blue reflected off the dark walls. My heels clicked softly against the floor as I turned the corner.
And then I collided with someone. Strong hands caught my wrist before I could step back. "Hey," a voice said, too close, breath heavy with alcohol. "Careful."
I tried to pull away instinctively. His grip tightened. "I'm fine," I said sharply. "Let go."
He didn't. "Relax," he chuckled, leaning in. "Just trying to be friendly."
My pulse raced. "I said let go."
He smiled like he hadn't heard me, fingers sliding just enough to make my skin crawl. "I saw you at the bar and thought we could talk."
I twisted my wrist, anger flaring up. "Move." His hand held firm, body blocking the narrow hallway. For the first time that night, fear cut clean through the haze.
I didn't think. My hand moved on instinct.
The slap echoed down the hallway, sharp and loud. "Don't touch me," I snapped. "You jerk." His head turned from the impact, shock flashing on his face. I stepped back right away, my heart racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
"Hey," he started, reaching for me again.
"Problem here?" The voice cut through the moment like a knife. The bouncer was already there, his grip firm as he pulled the man back by the shoulder. "You need to leave. Now."
The man protested, his words slurring together, but the bouncer didn't let go. I didn't wait to see him go. My hands shook as I turned and hurried into the restroom.
The door locked behind me with a soft click. I leaned over the sink, staring at my reflection under the harsh light. My face was flushed, my eyes too bright.
"Calm down, Ella," I whispered to myself, splashing cold water on my face. "You're fine. You're okay." I took a few deep breaths until the shaking eased, then dried my hands and stood up straight, fixing myself in the mirror.
As I returned to the bar, Selene noticed right away. "What happened?" she asked, her voice sharp now.
I told her quickly and quietly just enough. Her jaw tightened. "Fucking asshole," she said flatly. "You are alright, Baby gurl?" I nodded as her expression changed, determined. "Come on. We're not letting him spoil the night."
Before I could protest, she grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor. The music hit harder there. The bass thudded in my chest, lights flashing to the beat. Bodies moved around us, energy loud and unyielding.
Selene chuckled, raising her hands, pulling me into a move. I let myself move with her, letting the beat take over, letting the noise drown out the fear that lingered. For a few moments. But even as I danced, even as the rhythm pounded through me, I couldn't shake the feeling. Lights blurred aloft, colors blending. I moved without thinking, allowing the rhythm to carry me and letting the noise drown out my lingering fear.
But something felt off. My head felt light. Too light. The room tilted slightly, and the floor shifted beneath me. I blinked, trying to steady myself as I scanned the crowd.
"Selene?" I called, but my voice got lost in the music. I spotted her near the bar, phone pressed to her ear. Her brows were furrowed as she turned away, focused on whoever was on the other end. She didn't see me.
I took a step back, just one, as my foot stepped into nothing but airy distance between the dance floor and ground.
The world staggered. I barely had time to gasp before strong hands caught me, stabilizing my fall with practiced ease.
"Easy there, Ella."
The voice was low. Familiar as if I had heard before... My fingers gripped the fabric of his leather jacket as I looked up, my vision still blurry, my pulse thudding in my ears.
Amber.
That was the first thing I noticed. His eyes, the color of dark honey, caught the light. They were steady and intent, locking onto mine as if they had been waiting.
His cold hands are holding me tight, with a sly smirk. Suddenly, a sharp sting pierced my skin.
"Ah-." yellp barely escaped my throat. My body reacted before my mind did. A strange warmth spread outward as my limbs grew heavy, as if the air itself had thickened around me. The lights above smeared into long, slow streaks. My grip on his jacket loosened.
Those amber eyes never left mine.
They chilled, not with concern but with something that looked dangerously close to satisfaction. A smile curved his lips as he caught me again, lifting me with unsettling ease. One arm wrapped securely around my back.
"Shh," he whispered near my ear, his voice smooth and intimate. My vision dimmed, and the music faded into a distant thrum as my head fell against his shoulder.
"Tsk…" His tongue clicked softly.
"It was easy," He murmured, almost amused. "A perfect opportunity, Ella."
Fingers brushed a loose curl from my temple, gentle and cold. It felt weird. Too intimate. His voice lowered as he pulled me closer, my weight settling fully into his arms as my mind and body finally gave up.
-------
I lifted her into my arms with ease," so lightweight...so frail." As I walked out of there from backdoor setting her down in my car, "Ella.De.Ava."
"It's going to be fun." A smirk lingered on my face as my gaze fell on her legs, which were bare and long, messed curls ridden dress, and lying unconscious in my car seat. "Quite a sight..."
"Make me wonder how Sylus will react?"