b of tiny stars, indifferent to t

flickering through the haze. But up here, the air was thick with som

streets where I'd spent most of my life - but from thi

sboard, just like

ehind me. The clink of ice

eone who's used to this

n around. "N

, but there was an edge be

it's hard to walk away."

nning on wal

sure about that? Most people think t

, voice steady but laced with

slow breath. "I'm not here to burn. I'm here to win." The room fell quiet except for the faint hum of the city below.

e cologne mixing with the sharp tang of cigarette smoke. "This isn't a game. It's

ind his weaknesses. His habits." I opened it, scanning the contents quickly: pictures, schedules, phone numbers. Precise, brutal details. Enough to tear down a man. "Why me? Why not one of your

pliment - but I knew be

th me. Make him want to ruin us both." "And what if

pping back, lighting another cigarette. "We're not just

ettling over me like a storm cloud. There w

you need me more than I need you." The words were cold, but I knew they held a kernel of truth. I looked out the window again, feeling

et tension. I memorized names and places, studied the photos Matteo gave me, an

about - sharp, charming, dangerous in a way that made your skin crawl. Our

eo's plan pressing down. That night, I caught myself staring into the mirror longer than usual. The woman looking back wasn't the same Amar

minder that this wasn't just about distraction - it was about survival, power, and betrayal. "You're sli

" he said, stepping close enough for me to feel the heat radiating off him. "You'

Matteo laughed - dark and amused. "Good.

when the world wanted me to crumble, to fight when all I wanted was to run. But even as the plan unfolded, a new question gnaw

st was the most dange

I realized something had changed. I wasn't just a pawn anymore. I was

e in my chest. This wasn't just a game anymore. It was a war - and I