Shock

And he ran. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, tears blurring his vision as the sounds of chaos faded behind him.

When young Xavier returned to his home hours later, all that remained was ash. The house was gone, consumed by flames, along with the bodies of his family. The authorities called it an accident. The town believed them. But Xavier knew the truth. He had seen it with his own two eyes. And he had the proof on his phone.

Sent to an orphanage, Xavier replayed the video every night, tears soaking his pillow. He didn’t recognize most of the perpetrators, but one face was seared into his memory: Dr. Antonio Argento.

Determined to seek justice, Venom resolved to show the police the evidence, but...

"Boss, we’re here," Blade's voice interrupted his thoughts. The cycles had all stopped, and Venom climbed off his bike, his fury simmering just below the surface.

"Hello? Hey!" Velia called after him. She had jumped off the bike she had been placed on and was struggling to keep up. Her nerves were on edge, her eyes darting around the dangerous-looking area. The people here looked so intimidating she almost froze in fear.

Grabbing his shoulder, she stopped him. "Why are we here? I don’t understand what’s going on. Can’t we go back home?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion and innocence.

"Let’s go," Venom said sharply, his tone clipped as he fought to remain calm.

"But—"

"I said let’s go," he snapped, his anger boiling over. Velia recoiled, startled by the intensity in his voice.

"Don’t yell at her," Hardin interjected, stepping forward. But before he could get too close, a couple of guards restrained him.

The commotion drew attention.

"Who are they?" Ghost asked loudly, her eyes narrowing as she sized up the newcomers.

"Maybe a couple of sex slaves," Stalker quipped, standing beside her with a smirk.

"She's so pretty, though. Poor girl," Hacker pouted with a trace of sympathy.

"Pretty my foot! She looks like a fool," Snake retorted angrily. "And mind you, Venom has no interest in sex slaves. He has us." Her tone was sharp, almost disgusted.

Butcher remained silent, his face unreadable. He was the quiet one among them, only speaking when necessary. But no one mistook his silence for kindness—he was the most violent of all.

"Who knows? Maybe Venom’ll want her for himself," Ghost smirked, deliberately provoking Snake.

"That's bullshit," Snake snapped, glaring at her before storming off.

"But look at that guy—he’s fine," Ghost said slyly, her gaze flicking toward Hardin.

"I think I'll have a taste myself," Stalker chimed in with a mischievous grin. Hacker only rolled his eyes, unimpressed.

Meanwhile, Velia was about to chase after Venom again when the mood shifted. A man was dragged forward, bloodied and battered beyond recognition.

"He's a spy," Blade announced grimly. "He snuck into the pack clubhouse and was caught in the storeroom."

Venom’s expression darkened as his eyes became laser focused on the man. "Who sent you?" he demanded, his voice icy and lethal.

"Please… I have a family, and I—" the man’s plea was abruptly silenced by a gunshot. A bullet tore through his knee. He screamed in agony, blood pouring from his wound.

Velia gasped her hands flying to her mouth, her body stiff with shock.

"I asked you a question. I don’t want a story," Venom said coldly, his eyes blazing with fury. "I won't ask again."

"Please, Venom, I had no choice—"

The man’s sentence was cut short as the Alpha emptied his gun into him methodically, each shot fueled by anger.

"Dispose of the body," Venom ordered, his tone as unyielding as his gaze. Then, without another word, he walked away.

Velia stood frozen, her mind reeling from what she’d just witnessed.

"What have I just seen? Did I save the devil?" she thought, trembling in fear.

She and Hardin were shoved into a locked room. As the door slammed shut, Harmony tried to steady her breathing. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

Hardin moved closer and pulled her into a protective hug. "You don’t have to worry. I’ll protect you, okay? I promise."

She wanted to ask him so many questions—he seemed to know more than he let on—but her shock left her silent. Answers would have to wait.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his tone laced with worry as he checked her over like a parent fussing over their child.

"I’m fine, brother. Don’t worry about me. Take care of yourself first," she said, gesturing toward his bruises.

"It’s nothing," he replied with a small smile. "I’m fine as long as you are."

"Are you hungry?" he asked after a moment, his concern unwavering.

"No," she muttered, staring at the floor.

The two held each other, silently waiting for their fate.