The alley reeked of urine and rotting garbage. Dim streetlights flickered, barely illuminating the bruised and battered figure slumped against the cold brick wall. Clyde Ramirez tasted blood in his mouth. He wiped his split lip with the back of his trembling hand and let out a weak chuckle. "So this is how it ends, huh?" he muttered to himself.
Clyde had never been strong. He was the kind of guy who got stepped on, used, and discarded. At twenty-two, he had nothing to show for his life except a string of failures. The world had always been against him—his parents had abandoned him when he was young, he had dropped out of college due to financial struggles, and he had spent the past few years working odd jobs just to survive. But no matter how hard he tried, it was never enough.
Tonight was no different. He had borrowed money from the wrong people, and now he was paying the price. The gangsters had left him there after a brutal beating, warning that next time, they wouldn't be so merciful.
As Clyde struggled to get up, his mind buzzed with a mix of rage and despair. He was tired of being weak. Tired of being a punching bag for the world. But what could he do? Strength wasn't something he had ever known.
Suddenly, a pair of elegant high heels clicked against the pavement. A woman emerged from the shadows, her long black coat flowing behind her. She was stunning—raven-black hair, piercing emerald eyes, and an aura of authority that made Clyde freeze.
"You look pathetic," she said, tilting her head as she studied him.
Clyde swallowed. "Thanks. That makes me feel so much better."
The woman smirked and crouched down, gripping his chin with delicate but firm fingers. "Do you want power?" she asked, her voice smooth as silk.
He blinked. "What?"
"Power. Strength. The ability to take what you want and never be a victim again."
Clyde wanted to laugh, but something in her eyes made his heart pound. She wasn't joking.
"Who are you?" he whispered.
She leaned in closer, her lips nearly brushing his ear as she whispered, "I am the one who can give you everything you've ever wanted. But it comes with a price."
Clyde's fists clenched. He had nothing left to lose.
"I'll pay it," he said without hesitation.
The woman smiled—a slow, knowing smile. "Then let's begin."
In that dark alley, Clyde Ramirez made a choice. One that would change his life forever