Shadow Reckoning

The cathedral smelled of rot and old prayers.

Candles flickered along the pews, casting long shadows that danced like ghosts.

Shade walked down the center aisle, past rows of masked Vultures standing at attention. Their crimson jackets were pristine, their weapons holstered but within easy reach.

At the altar, a man sat in an ornate chair—like a king on his throne.

Lucian Black.

He was older now, his face lined with experience, but the sharp intelligence in his eyes hadn't faded. He watched Shade approach, smiling faintly.

"Ah," Lucian said. "The prodigal son returns."

Shade stopped a few feet away. "Didn't realize you were alive. Would've done a better job last time."

Lucian chuckled. "Oh, I have no doubt."

He gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit."

Shade didn't move. "You wanted me here. So talk."

Lucian sighed. "Always so impatient."

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You've spent years cleaning this city. Killing men like me. Tell me, Shade—has it made a difference?"

Shade's fingers twitched. "You tell me."

Lucian smirked. "It hasn't. The city still rots. The weak still suffer. And now? You've made room for something worse."

Shade's voice was ice. "And let me guess—you're the cure?"

Lucian's smile widened. "Not a cure. A solution."

He gestured to the masked Vultures around them. "You see these men? They don't steal. They don't prey on the innocent. They serve a purpose. Order."

Shade's stomach churned. "You think butchering people is an order?"

Lucian leaned back. "You're thinking too small. You hunt criminals, but you're one man. I control an empire."

He studied Shade. "Join me."

Shade laughed, a bitter sound. "Are you serious?"

Lucian nodded. "You've already crossed the line, Shade. You kill. You don't play by the rules anymore. You and I—we're the same."

Shade clenched his jaw.

Lucian's voice softened. "You could own this city."

Shade met his gaze.

Then, in one fluid motion, he drew his gun and fired.

Lucian moved.

The bullet shattered the wooden throne, missing him by inches.

Before anyone could react, Shade was already moving.

He grabbed a Vulture by the collar, spun him around as a human shield, and shot another guard between the eyes.

Chaos erupted.

Gunfire. Shouting. Blood.

Shade ducked behind a pew, reloading. He caught a glimpse of Lucian slipping through a back exit.

Coward.

Shade surged forward—

And then something hit him.

A searing pain in his side.

He staggered. Looked down.

A knife.

A goddamn knife buried in his ribs.

Jade's voice rang out. "SHADE!"

The world blurred.

A boot slammed into his chest, sending him crashing to the floor.

Above him, a woman stood, holding the bloodied knife.

Selene Vale.

She smiled. "Oops."

Then the darkness swallowed him.