THE FIRST STRIKE
Leon didn't like surprises. But tonight, there was one waiting for him.
He had been scouting the streets, running late-night checks, trying to keep his world under control. Every corner, every alley, every neon-lit street was familiar… until he noticed the car parked across from him, engine off, headlights dimmed but just enough to see him clearly.
Austen.
And he wasn't alone. Two of his friends leaned against the car, phones in hand, taking pictures.
Leon's jaw tightened. So that's how it begins.
He slid out of his car silently, eyes never leaving Austen's smug face. "What are you doing here?" he called, voice low.
Austen didn't flinch. "Just making sure people see what you really are."
Leon's gaze sharpened. "Careful. You're playing a dangerous game."
Austen smirked. "I'm always careful. Unlike some people I know."
Leon's pulse quickened—not with fear, but with anger. He's trying to set me up.
Meanwhile, Elliana was at home, scrolling through social media when she saw it—posts, pictures, videos of Leon in the city streets, racing recklessly, staged to make him look like a menace.
Her chest tightened. "No… this can't be real."
Her phone buzzed instantly. A message from Leon.
Leon: Stay inside tonight. Don't trust anyone. Not even him.
Elliana's stomach dropped. "He?"
Leon: Austen. He's planning something. And it's bigger than you think.
Elliana ran a hand through her hair, panic rising. Why does it always feel like danger follows me?
Back on the streets, Leon approached Austen, voice cold. "Walk away before this gets ugly."
Austen laughed lightly. "You don't scare me. I'm doing what's best for her."
Leon's eyes darkened. "And what if what's best for her… isn't what you think it is?"
Austen's smirk faltered. "We'll see about that."
As Leon walked away, ready to anticipate Austen's next move, he didn't notice the figure watching from the shadows—Rhea, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
She whispered to herself, "It's finally getting interesting."
Elliana, oblivious to the tension escalating in the streets, didn't know that tonight would mark the beginning of a war she would be forced to live in—between loyalty, love, and betrayal.
And both boys? They were already striking their first blows.