Chapter 34: Blood Runs Cold

The rain drummed against the pavement as I leaned against the alley wall, watching the glow of the warehouse fire still flickering in the distance. The scent of burning chemicals mixed with the metallic tang of blood on my hands. Kross had taken a hit, but I knew better than to celebrate too soon.

Ghost stood beside me, silent. His eyes were unreadable, the way they always were when he was thinking three steps ahead.

"Raze is going to come after you for this," he finally said.

I lit a cigarette, letting the smoke curl between my fingers. "Let him."

Ghost exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You don't get it, Damien. Kross? He was just business. Raze? He's personal. He's a sadist, and now you've made it personal for him, too."

I didn't flinch. I'd been waiting for this.

Ghost pulled out his phone and scrolled through something before turning the screen toward me. A grainy photo, taken just minutes ago. My face. Plastered on every underground forum, bounty price attached.

"Raze put a hit on you. Every lowlife and mercenary in the city will be looking for you now," Ghost said.

I clenched my jaw. Good.

"Then let them come," I murmured.

Ghost swore under his breath. "You're insane."

"Maybe." I flicked the cigarette away and pushed off the wall. "But I'm not running."

"Then at least let's get ahead of them," Ghost said, already moving. "If Raze wants a war, we're going to need reinforcements."

I followed, the fire at my back and a storm brewing in my chest.

This wasn't just a game anymore.

This was war.