Leon and Iris sprinted through the dark streets of Torren, their boots splashing through puddles as they moved. The bounty hunters were dead, but their deaths only delayed the inevitable.
More would come.
Iris glanced at Leon's shoulder, his bandaged wound still damp with blood. "You're slowing down."
Leon smirked, despite the pain. "And yet, I'm still ahead of you."
She rolled her eyes. "We need a place to lay low."
Leon nodded. There were safe houses in the slums, but with his bounty, even the underworld wouldn't risk hiding him. He needed a real sanctuary.
And he knew only one place where he wouldn't be betrayed immediately.
Iris frowned. "Why do I feel like you're about to suggest something stupid?"
Leon smirked. "Because I am."
A Dangerous Gamble
Half an hour later, they stood in front of a grand building in the heart of the noble district—The Crimson Pavilion.
Iris looked at him like he had lost his mind. "Are you insane?! This place is run by the Black Vipers!"
Leon grinned. "Exactly. And right now, the Vipers aren't sure if I'm their enemy… or their most valuable asset."
She groaned. "This is the worst plan you've ever had."
Leon knocked on the heavy doors. Moments later, a tall, scarred woman in a revealing black dress answered. Her golden eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Well, well," she purred. "Leon Drake. Didn't think I'd see you again so soon."
Leon smirked. "Miss me, Seraphina?"
Seraphina, the Crimson Madame of the Vipers, laughed softly. "You have a lot of nerve coming here."
Leon leaned against the doorframe. "That's why you like me."
Seraphina chuckled, but her dagger was already at his throat.
"I should kill you," she whispered.
Leon's smirk didn't falter. "But you won't."
She raised an eyebrow. "And why's that?"
Leon leaned in slightly. "Because I have something far more valuable than my head."
Seraphina studied him for a long moment… then grinned.
"Interesting." She stepped back. "Come inside."
Iris sighed. "I swear, if we die here, I'm haunting you."
Leon chuckled. "If we die here, haunt Seraphina instead."
And with that, they stepped into the lion's den.