Returning home he was surprised to see Rue lying beside the door asleep.
Smiling he picked her up and put her on his back "Sorry Rue I promise to come home earlier''
Tucking her in bed he laid down beside her thought about what to do next before letting his tiredness overcome him pulling him into sleep's embrace
The sound of glass shattering tore through the silence, yanking Vale out of his sleep. He shot up, heart hammering in his chest, his instincts screaming danger.
Beside him, Rue stirred, her small face scrunched in confusion. "Vale?" she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
He pressed a finger to his lips, signalling her to stay quiet. The faint sound of voices—calm, methodical—drifted from the front room.
"Stay here," he whispered. "Don't move."
Rue clutched his arm, her eyes wide with fear.
"What's happening?"
"Just… trust me. I'll handle it."
Vale crept toward the living room; his bare feet silent against the creaky floorboards.
Peering around the corner, he spotted them: two men in black tactical gear, rifles slung over their shoulders.
"Clear the house," one of them said, his voice a low growl.
The other nodded and began scanning the room. Vale ducked back, his mind racing.
They're here for the wallet. The button... I activated it.
His stomach churned. If they found Rue…
He reached into his pocket, gripping the wallet tightly.
Maybe if I give it to them, they'll leave.
Steeling himself, Vale stepped into the room. "Looking for this?" he called out, holding up the wallet.
Both men turned to him, their weapons raised in an instant.
"Drop it. Now," one of them barked.
Vale's gaze flicked between them. "Take it. Just… don't hurt us."
He tossed the wallet onto the floor.
One of the agents moved to retrieve it while the other kept his rifle trained on Vale.
For a moment, it seemed like it might work. The agent picked up the wallet, flipping it open to inspect its contents.
"Where's the Artifact?" he demanded.
"What Artifact?" Vale's confusion was genuine, but the agent didn't believe him.
"Don't play dumb, kid." The man stepped closer, his finger hovering near the trigger.
Vale stumbled back, his mind racing. Think. Think.
A creak from behind him made Vale's blood run cold.
"Vale?" Rue's small voice trembled as she peeked around the corner.
The agents snapped to attention, their rifles swivelling toward her.