The darkness of the night enveloped the city, but Aria's presence illuminated the shadows. Her smile could light up a room, and her ocean-like eyes sparkled in the dim light. Her pink lips curved into a gentle smile as she walked beside me, her hand brushing against mine.
We were on our first official date, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Since my discharge from the army, I'd finally worked up the courage to ask her out. Seeing her face—her sapphire-colored eyes that always seemed to see right through me—made every moment feel precious.
Our faces were filled with joy, laughter, and contentment. I thought to myself that if every day could be like this, I'd want nothing more. But that thought was short-lived.
As we turned into an alleyway, three men emerged from the darkness, their faces hidden behind shadows. They were dressed in black, armed with daggers that glinted faintly in the dim light. I could only make out the face of one—etched with pain and anger. His eyes were devoid of light, consumed by rage.
"They're just robbers," I thought, trying to reassure myself. "We just need to comply, and they won't harm us." I glanced at Aria, who was shivering in fear. "It's okay, just hold onto me," I whispered, trying to sound calmer than I felt.
"What do you want?" I shouted at the men in black, my voice trembling with fear.
The three men approached us, surrounding us. In unison, they said, "Don't you remember us?" The leader stepped forward, revealing a face carved from pain and anger. "Aren't you the man who asked me to save his family during the TSOP?" he spat, venom in his voice. "Your name was Elijah, right?"
A pang of guilt and recognition struck me. "I was just following orders," I whispered.
Elijah's grin twisted into a sadistic smile. "I will make you watch, just as you made me watch my family die."
His men attacked, trying to take Aria from me. I fought them, but I was soon overpowered and stabbed. As I fell to the ground, drowning in my own blood, all I could do was watch as they continued to stab and mutilate her. Her eyes, once filled with joy, now brimmed with tears and helplessness. She painfully and slowly drew her last breath.
In that moment, guilt, tears, and sadness flooded me. Something snapped inside; all I could feel were rage, guilt, and a strange ecstasy. As I looked into a nearby steel mirror and saw my reflected face, I cracked a psychotic smile. That's when I heard sirens and blacked out from blood loss.
I woke up in the hospital, hoping it was all a nightmare. But as I watched the news on the hospital TV, I knew better.
Breaking news: Couple attacked in Daxion alleyway. Retired special ops soldier Kaid and local designer Aria were assaulted by a band of robbers, leaving Kaid in critical condition and Aria brutally murdered.
I switched off the TV, my mind racing with anger and determination. That wasn't just a robbery. With rage burning in my eyes and fists clenched, I left the hospital discreetly.
At home, I saw my couch—and the memory of my first kiss with Aria. The beauty of that moment and the bond we shared brought tears to my eyes. Tears streaming down my face, I looked up with renewed resolve, as if I knew what I had to do. I clenched my teeth, grabbed two daggers, and set out.
I arrived at an abandoned building. I remembered my contact's words: "This is their hideout." I pushed open the doors as loudly as I could. A man pointed a gun at me, but I quickly disarmed him, forcing his head toward the gun and grabbing it. I shot him in the head, using his body as a shield from incoming bullets. I took out the other goons swiftly, noticing a door leading to a basement.
Down there, I encountered several foes, but I dealt with them cunningly and efficiently. As I approached the boss room, my mind was set—only one thought remained: "Kill Elijah."*
Meanwhile, Elijah wondered if those gunshots were real. "Maybe the boys are just having some fun," said Henry, one of his subordinates. Elijah ordered him to check.
As Henry approached the door, a dagger suddenly pierced through his throat, sticking out from the back of his neck. He choked on his own blood and collapsed to the ground.
As I shifted my gaze to Elijah my thoughts,my emotions and my heart all said the same thing ,''make him understand Arias pain".