~ Cole ~ I’m used to noise. Engines, the low voices of people who don’t trust each other but tolerate each other presence anyway. Now I hear nothing? Silence is supposed to be neutral. Background. Forgettable. But tonight it feels… arranged. Like something is holding its breath. I should’ve noticed sooner. I should’ve— Footsteps. Slow…..Not rushed. Just… wrong. My body reacts before my mind fully catches up, shoulders tightening, hand already halfway to the knife at my back. But I’m a second too late, and in my world, a second might as well be a lifetime. The first hit comes from the side. Sharp. Fast. Not a punch. A blade. It slides in clean, like it knows exactly where to go. My breath cuts off, like someone reached inside me and turned something essential off. I stagger back, more from surprise than pain. Pain comes after. Always does. “Should’ve stayed untouchable, Ryder.” The voice is unfamiliar. That bothers me more than the knife. I tur
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