Jason sat on the edge of a rusted fire escape, staring at the neon signs flickering over the streets below. His body ached from the last fight, bruises blooming across his ribs like dark ink stains. But the pain didn't bother him.
The debt did.
Reagan was running out of patience. Jason had been fighting in the pits for months, but the money never seemed enough. Every time he thought he was close to paying off his debt, Reagan added something new. "Interest," he called it.
Jason clenched his fists. He wasn't stupid. This debt wasn't meant to be paid off—it was a leash.
A shadow moved below. Kane.
Jason knew that walk. Knew the weight of that stare.
They were coming for him.
His mind raced. He couldn't fight his way out of this, not with his body this broken. He needed a plan.
He jumped down from the fire escape, landing in the alley with a quiet thud. Time to disappear.
---
Reagan's Office – Midnight
Jason stood in the dimly lit room, his heart pounding.
Across from him, Reagan leaned back in his leather chair, swirling a glass of something expensive. His suit was crisp, his expression unreadable. Kane stood by the door, arms crossed.
Jason didn't want to be here, but running wasn't an option. Not yet.
Reagan took a slow sip. "You're late, Jason."
Stay calm.
Jason forced a smirk. "Had to look pretty for the occasion."
Kane chuckled. Reagan didn't.
He set the glass down, eyes locking onto Jason. "You've been winning fights. Making money." He leaned forward. "Yet I don't see my cut getting any bigger."
Jason's stomach twisted. He knew where this was going.
Reagan wasn't just a pit boss. He ran everything in Lowgrave—the fights, the backroom deals, the information trade. If you wanted out, you didn't just walk away.
Jason swallowed hard. "I'm working on it."
Reagan smiled. "Not fast enough."
Kane stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. Jason tensed.
Reagan sighed, rubbing his temples. "Listen, Jason. You've got potential. But if you can't pay in cash…" He waved a hand lazily. "You'll pay in blood."
Jason's jaw clenched. He had to get out.
But there was only one way to leave Reagan's grip.
He had to do something reckless. Something dangerous.
And for the first time in his life, Jason wasn't afraid of betrayal.
He was planning it.
---