The Devil’s Bargain

Nova followed.

The air in the alley was thick—with blood, with tension, with something unspoken. Every instinct screamed at him to turn back, to run, to pretend he hadn't just witnessed a man's life slip away in front of him.

But his parents.

Reeve knew something. And even if he was lying, Nova had to be sure.

They moved through the backstreets in silence. The city was alive beyond the alleyways—voices, music, the distant sound of car horns—but it all felt muted, distant, as if he were walking in a world separate from the one he knew.

Nova kept his eyes locked on Reeve's back. The man walked with the confidence of someone who owned the night. Every step was deliberate, unhurried.

Nova wasn't sure if he was being led to answers… or straight into a trap.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached a rundown building wedged between two abandoned shops. A single flickering light buzzed above the metal door, casting long shadows. It looked like the kind of place people went in and never came out.

Reeve rapped his knuckles against the metal three times.

A slot in the door slid open. A pair of suspicious eyes peered through.

"Reeve," the man behind the door grunted. "You're late."

Reeve smirked. "Business ran long." He tilted his head toward Nova. "Got a new recruit."

Nova stiffened.

The door groaned as heavy bolts slid back. It swung open, revealing a dimly lit interior that smelled like cigarettes, sweat, and bad decisions.

Nova hesitated.

Reeve turned, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Second thoughts, street rat?"

Nova clenched his jaw. No. He had come too far to turn back now.

He stepped inside.

The door slammed shut behind him.

---

The inside was a den of shadows. People moved in the low light, some hunched over crates counting money, others cleaning weapons. A haze of smoke curled in the air, mixing with the faint scent of alcohol.

Nova's stomach tightened. What was this place?

Reeve led him through the room, ignoring the looks they were getting. A few men sized Nova up, smirking, whispering among themselves.

Then, Reeve stopped at a table near the back. He pulled out a chair and sat, gesturing for Nova to do the same.

Nova hesitated, then sat.

Reeve leaned back, fingers tapping against the wooden surface. "Let's talk about your parents."

Nova felt his pulse quicken. "What do you know?"

Reeve smiled. It wasn't friendly.

"I know they weren't just nobodies."

Nova stiffened. "That doesn't mean anything."

Reeve tilted his head. "Doesn't it? Think about it. Two dead parents. No real explanation. And yet, you're still alive. Doesn't that seem… odd?"

Nova's throat tightened.

It had never made sense. His parents had died when he was barely two. He had no memories of them—only fragmented stories from people who barely remembered. No bodies. No clear cause of death. Just… gone.

"I want the truth," Nova said, voice low.

Reeve smirked. "And I'll give it to you. But nothing's free, kid."

Nova clenched his fists. He should have known. Of course there was a price.

"What do you want?"

Reeve leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Loyalty."

Nova frowned. "What?"

"I want you to work for me. Run errands. Deliver messages. Maybe a little… stealing here and there." His smirk deepened. "You've got talent. And if you prove yourself, I'll give you what you want."

Nova felt the weight of the offer settle on his chest.

Work for Reeve. Get answers. But at what cost?

This wasn't just about stealing to survive anymore. This was something bigger, darker. Was he really willing to go this far?

But then he thought of his parents. The years of not knowing. The emptiness.

Nova swallowed hard. He met Reeve's gaze. If this was the price for the truth… he'd pay it.

"…I'm in."

Reeve grinned. "Good choice, street rat."

---