Morning After the Shadows

The gray morning light barely filtered through the smoggy air of Swindon as Kiaan and Rehan stumbled out of the club's heavy doors, their bodies aching and spirits battered. The VIP floor was a fortress of shadows—no cameras, no witnesses. Whatever horrors they endured remained unseen, unrecorded, swallowed by the darkness.

Rehan leaned heavily on Kiaan, both struggling to keep their footing, the weight of exhaustion pressing down like a lead blanket. Every step was a battle against throbbing pain, their bruised bodies protesting each movement.

Dev followed behind, shaking his head with a half-smile, barely containing a chuckle. "You know, I told you both a hundred times to just try a one-night stand—something fun, easy," he teased, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But you two never listened. And now? You did it without even realizing it… or remembering a thing."

Kiaan shot a tired glare at Dev, lips twitching as he fought a reluctant smile. "Don't start laughing now, man. You have no idea what kind of nightmare we just survived."

Rehan groaned softly, rubbing his neck. "Yeah… nightmare is one word for it."

Dev shrugged playfully. "Well, consider it a lesson in disguise. You wanted to experience the nightlife… now you've got the full VIP treatment."

Kiaan's voice was rough but carried a flicker of defiance. "Next time, I want to remember the night, thank you very much."

Rehan laughed, the sound raw but genuine, leaning more heavily on Kiaan. "Yeah, and maybe not wake up wondering if I got into a fight with a tornado."

The three men moved through the quiet streets, a strange camaraderie binding them — bruised, broken, but still standing.

Dev's smile faded for a moment, seriousness creeping back into his eyes. "But jokes aside, we need to be careful. Whatever happened inside that club wasn't just some random act. Reyaan's playing a dangerous game."

Kiaan nodded, determination hardening his features despite the pain. "Then it's time we write the rules."

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The morning light was harsh, unforgiving—much like the fight ahead. But for now, laughter and brotherhood eased the ache of the night before.