Shadow Reckoning

The Obsidian Lounge was exclusive, expensive, and crawling with crime lords.

Shade and Jade entered separately. He wore a sleek black suit, tailored just enough to fit in with the high-rollers. Jade, meanwhile, had chosen a dress that was equal parts dangerous and distraction, emerald silk that hugged every curve.

Shade eyed her as they met near the bar. "You're gonna cause problems."

Jade smirked, sipping her drink. "That's the plan."

Across the room, Selene Vale sat in the VIP section, surrounded by bodyguards.

Shade watched her, studying every detail. She was calm. Controlled. She had the air of someone who owned the room, even though no one seemed to know it.

Jade nudged him. "So? What's the play?"

Shade's eyes never left Selene. "I talk. You watch my back."

Jade raised a brow. "And if she tries to kill you?"

Shade smirked. "Then it gets interesting."

He made his way toward the VIP section, slipping past security with practiced ease. One of Selene's guards moved to stop him—Shade stared at him. The man hesitated, then stepped aside.

Selene looked up as Shade took a seat across from her.

She smiled. "Well, well. The infamous Shade."

Shade leaned forward. "You're moving fast. Too fast."

Selene sipped her wine. "You killed Sable. Someone had to take his place."

Shade's voice was cold. "I don't care about Sable's empire. I care about what you want."

Selene studied him. Then she leaned in, lowering her voice.

"I want to fix this city, Shade."

Shade narrowed his eyes. "Fix it?"

Selene's smirk deepened. "You kill criminals one by one. I control them. Which do you think is more effective?"

Shade clenched his fists. "You think you're better than them?"

Selene tilted her head. "No. I know I am."

Then she snapped her fingers.

The lights went out.

Gunfire erupted.