The alley was dimly lit, shadows flickering as the streetlights buzzed. Ark and Jade had no idea they were being followed until the gang surrounded them, blocking every exit. The leader, a tall, muscular man with a scar across his eye, smirked. "Looks like we've found the Levison kid," he sneered, his eyes locking onto Ark. "Your uncle's debt is ours to collect."
Ark stood defensively in front of Jade. "Leave her out of this. It's between us."
The leader laughed, a harsh, chilling sound. "Oh, it's not that simple. We don't leave witnesses, and she's part of the package now." He motioned to his men, who lunged forward, grabbing Jade and pinning her to the wall. Her scream pierced the night, sending a chill down Ark's spine.
Ark fought back with everything he had, landing blows wherever he could, but the numbers were against him. One of the gang members drew a knife, and before Ark could react, it plunged into his side, right between the ribs. The pain was instant, a searing, hot agony that stole his breath. He gasped, eyes wide, as blood soaked through his shirt. The gang member twisted the knife before yanking it out, letting Ark fall to his knees, clutching his side.
Jade's screams intensified as the men began their brutal assault. They didn't hold back, punching and kicking her while she tried to shield herself. They dragged her across the filthy alley floor, scraping her skin against the concrete, and shoved her face into the dirt. One of them held her down while another repeatedly struck her, bruising her face and leaving her almost unrecognizable. Tears mixed with blood as she cried out, her voice breaking.
Ark, struggling to breathe and feeling every throb of pain from the wound in his side, watched in horror. Rage and helplessness consumed him, but his body felt like lead. He crawled, inch by agonizing inch, his hands slick with his own blood. Every movement sent waves of pain through him, the knife wound a burning reminder of his desperation. He knew he was running out of time.
Jade's body was limp now, her once vibrant eyes dull. The gang had done their job, leaving her bruised and broken. As they turned their attention back to Ark, one of them kicked him in the side, directly hitting the knife wound. He screamed in agony, blood bubbling from his lips. The gang leader crouched down, grabbing Ark by the hair and forcing him to watch Jade's lifeless form.
"You see what happens when your family doesn't pay their debts?" the leader hissed, shoving Ark's face into the pavement before walking away.
Left alone in the alley, Ark summoned every last bit of strength. The knife was still lodged deep in his ribs, each breath a battle. He dragged himself forward, leaving a trail of blood. His fingers dug into the rough ground, pulling himself closer to Jade. Every movement was agony, but he refused to stop.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he reached her. His hand, trembling and weak, found hers. He clutched it tightly, feeling the coldness of her skin. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered, "Jade… I'm sorry… I should've protected you."
He felt the darkness creeping in, his vision blurring. The pain was overwhelming, but all he could think about was her. With his last breath, he whispered, "I love you… I always have."
As his eyes closed, the glow of the spell circle beneath them intensified, enveloping them in a blinding light.