at neither wanted to break. Kael had always been a man who controlled every facet of his life until now. His past, once locked away in shadows, was crawling closer, threatening to consum

't run forever." Zaya reached out, gripping his hand tightly. "Then we stop running." That night, Kael lay awake, memories flooding back - broken promises, lost friendships, and the betrayal that had forced him to build his cage. But for the first time, he allowed himself to imagine breaking free. Not just from his past, but with Zaya by his side. The next day, they began making plans. Kael's contacts, once distant, were now allies in the battle to protect what he held most dear. Yet, as the walls closed in, cracks appeared in their relationship. Zaya's patience wore thin with Kael's reluctance to share details. She wanted transparency, but Kael's instincts screamed caution. One night, after a particularly tense argument, Zaya stormed out, tears blurring her vision. "Zaya, wait!" Kae