Chapter 3 — The First Strike
The night settled over Evereign City like a velvet curtain, hiding the streets and alleys in shadows. The golden glow of streetlights reflected off puddles left by an earlier drizzle, turning the city into a maze of light and dark. Ethan Walker sat in the black taxi, engine off, waiting. Every fiber of his body was alert, every muscle ready. The first step of their plan had to be flawless.
Aaron Blake sat stiffly in the backseat, clutching his folder. The small notebook felt heavy in his hands, filled with details of abuse he had endured for months. Each word written there had been a memory of fear, humiliation, and helplessness. But tonight, those memories would transform into something else — evidence, power, and justice.
Chloe Matthews' voice crackled in Ethan's earpiece.
"They're moving. Derek Ames just left the townhouse with the other four. Headed toward the Old Harbor promenade. Security is minimal; I've looped the camera feeds for the next ten minutes. You have a clear path."
Ethan exhaled slowly. The taxi blended perfectly into the row of parked cars, black paint absorbing the dim streetlights. Lucas Bennett had upgraded it with reinforced bumpers and a silent engine modification — the vehicle was now more than just a car; it was a mobile shield, a silent observer, and a trap if needed.
"Aaron," Ethan said softly, "you'll stay calm, keep your head down. Ryan will be beside you. Trust the team, trust the plan."
Aaron nodded, his fingers clutching the seat. He was terrified, but the presence of Ethan, Chloe, Lucas, and Ryan gave him courage he hadn't known he possessed.
The boys walked ahead, laughing, oblivious to the quiet storm tracking them. Chloe's fingers danced across her laptop, hacking into their GPS and syncing data with Ethan's comm system.
"They're slowing down," Chloe whispered. "Perfect spot. Promenade ahead. Minimal bystanders. You're good to move."
Ethan's hand hovered over the steering wheel, ready. Tonight, they were not just observers; they were hunters. The taxi followed at a careful distance, silently tailing the Royal Club Kings.
As they neared a deserted corner of the promenade, Ethan slowed the car to a crawl. Through the tinted windows, he could see Derek Ames pull out his phone again, probably to record something new. Marcus, Oliver, Trent, and Henry laughed, thinking the night was theirs. They didn't notice the shadow silently gliding behind them.
"Here," Chloe said. "I've intercepted a live feed from their secondary account. Aaron's jacket is visible again. Confirmation achieved. You have eyes."
Ethan's jaw tightened. The thread was caught, the first piece of evidence in place. It wasn't just about revenge anymore — it was about exposing the truth, stripping the boys of their anonymity and comfort.
Lucas whispered from the comm. "You need backup? I can block the exit in two minutes if they try anything."
"Not yet," Ethan replied. "We move smart, slow, quiet. No mistakes. Tonight is about control, not chaos."
Aaron's breathing slowed slightly. He could feel the tension, the careful precision of the team around him. For the first time, he felt that he was more than a victim — he was part of the plan.
The taxi followed the boys to the secluded spot Chloe had identified. Ethan parked a few meters behind, remaining out of sight. He checked every angle — exit points, shadows, windows, reflections — calculating, anticipating.
Then Chloe's voice cut in sharply.
"Now. Loop all cameras. Download every last clip from the secondary account. It's all there — the evidence we need. Derek and the others won't know we have it until we decide to show them."
Ethan exhaled. This was the first strike. A single, quiet operation, but it was enough to change the balance of power. Aaron looked out the window, his eyes wide, understanding slowly that his life was no longer defined by fear.
The Royal Club Kings continued unaware, laughing, bragging, thinking they were untouchable. But the Retaliators were already weaving the net around them. Every digital trace Chloe pulled, every movement Ethan tracked, every plan Ryan and Lucas prepared — it was a web tightening around their arrogance.
Ethan leaned back slightly, voice calm but sharp through the earpiece.
"Step one is done. Now we wait… and watch. The boys will make mistakes, and when they do, we will be ready."
Aaron Blake allowed himself a small, hesitant smile. For the first time, he didn't feel helpless. He had the Retaliators on his side, and they would make sure the Royal Club Kings would never laugh at him again.
The night was silent, except for the distant waves and the faint hum of the city. But for the Retaliators, silence was never empty — it was preparation.
And tonight, the storm had only just begun.