Shadow Reckoning

Guardian City had never been quiet, but tonight, it felt different.

A storm loomed on the horizon, its thunder rolling across the skyline like an omen. Shade sat on the rooftop of an abandoned high-rise, watching the streets below. The underworld was still reeling from Sable's death, but already, new players were circling, eager to carve up the remains of his empire.

It wouldn't be long before someone worse filled the void.

And Shade would be there when they did.

Behind him, Jade approached, the sound of her boots barely audible against the rooftop gravel. "You always this broody, or is it just for me?"

Shade exhaled. "Sable's gone. But this city's still drowning in filth."

Jade smirked. "That's why we're here, isn't it?"

She moved closer, the warmth of her body brushing against his. Her fingers traced along his arm, slow, deliberate. It had been years since they had been this close—since they had been them.

"I missed you," she admitted softly.

Shade turned, meeting her eyes. "Jade…"

Before he could finish, she kissed him.

It was slow at first, testing, tasting. Then it deepened, hunger and history colliding. Shade felt himself sinking into it, into her.

For the first time in a long time, he felt human.

But the moment shattered as his comm device crackled to life.

"Shade, we have a problem."

Lauren Chase's voice.

Jade sighed. "Of course."

Shade touched his earpiece. "What is it?"

A pause. Then—

"Someone just took over Sable's operation. And they're moving fast."

Shade's jaw tightened. "Who?"

Lauren hesitated. "We don't know. But they call themselves The Architect."

Jade frowned. "Never heard of them."

Shade had.

And if The Architect was back in play…

Things were about to get a whole lot worse.