Warnings and Whispers

The locker room buzzed with energy after training, the air thick with sweat and exhaustion. Daniel dropped onto the bench, stretching his sore legs. He had held his own today, but Álvaro's glare told him the fight for respect wasn't over.

As Daniel untied his boots, Luis, one of the more easygoing midfielders, plopped down beside him.

"Buen toque hoy, tío," Luis said with a grin. "Pero Álvaro no lo va a dejar así." (Nice touch today, man. But Álvaro won't let it slide.)

Daniel sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Yeah, I figured."

Álvaro, still fuming from earlier, slammed his locker shut and turned toward Daniel.

"Escucha, yankee," he sneered. "Si crees que un buen pase te hace parte del equipo, estás equivocado." (Listen, Yankee. If you think one good pass makes you part of this team, you're wrong.)

Daniel met his gaze evenly." I'm not here to take anyone's spot.

Álvaro scoffed. "Veremos." (We'll see.) Then, he stormed out, leaving an awkward silence behind.

Luis let out a low whistle."Damn, you've got guts."

Daniel shook his head, exhaling. He hadn't come here for a fight. But if Álvaro wanted one, he wasn't backing down.

Daniel left the training ground alone, his bag slung over his shoulder. The streetlights flickered above, casting long shadows on the pavement.

Something felt… wrong.

He quickened his pace, his instincts on edge. Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw him again—the man in the dark jacket.

But this time, the man wasn't just watching.

He was following.

Daniel's pulse spiked. No. Not here. Not now.

He turned a corner, slipping into a side alley, trying to lose him. The footsteps behind him quickened. They were getting closer.

Daniel sprinted. His breath came in sharp bursts as he weaved through narrow streets, his mind racing. He couldn't lead them to his apartment. He had to shake them.

Then, suddenly—

A hand grabbed his wrist.

Daniel twisted, ready to fight, but stopped when he saw who it was.

Sofia.

"What the hell are you doing?" she whispered, eyes wide.

"I—" Daniel glanced over his shoulder. The man was gone.

Vanished.

Sofia crossed her arms. "You're gonna tell me what's going on, Carter. And this time, no lies."

Daniel swallowed hard.? How was he supposed to explain this