The Damned Path: Chronicles of Damien

Morning sunlight crept through the shattered window, casting long slivers of light across the dusty floor. I sat at the edge of the bed, shirtless, staring at the scars that marked my chest like a road map of pain. Each one told a story. Stories I had tried to forget, but they never left me.

I reached for the cigarette pack, lighting one with a flick of my lighter. Smoke filled my lungs, calming the storm in my head.

Before long, there was a knock at the door. Not loud, not desperate—controlled. Someone who wanted me to know they were there without causing a scene.

I slid my gun from under the pillow and walked quietly to the door.

"Who is it?" I asked, my voice rough from lack of sleep.

"Marcus," came the reply.

I opened the door just a crack, enough to see his face. He looked sharp as always—tailored suit, polished shoes—but there was a nervous edge to his eyes.

"You never visit unless the city's on fire," I said, stepping aside to let him in.

Marcus glanced around, wrinkling his nose at the smell of whiskey and smoke. "You've really made a home for yourself here."

I smirked. "What do you want?"

He didn't sit. Instead, he stood by the window, glancing down at the street.

"Kross is gathering his lieutenants. Word is, he's planning something big. You rattled him more than you think."

"Good."

Marcus turned to me. "But if you're serious about taking him down, you need more than bullets and anger. You need allies."

"I don't need anyone."

Marcus raised a brow. "Right. Because the lone-wolf thing is working out great so far."

I glared at him but said nothing.

He stepped closer. "I know someone. A woman. Name's Evelyn. Used to run with Kross before she realized he was a monster. She has connections. People loyal to her, not him."

"Why would she help me?"

Marcus gave a thin smile. "Because she hates Kross more than you do."

I took a drag from my cigarette, exhaling slowly. "Where is she?"

Marcus hesitated. "She runs an underground fight club in the old subway tunnels. But be careful, Damien. She doesn't trust easy. And if you go in there looking for trouble, she'll give you more than you can handle."

I crushed the cigarette in the ashtray. "Good. I'm in need of a challenge."

Marcus shook his head. "You always were a stubborn bastard."

He handed me a card with nothing but an address. "Be there tonight. And Damien?"

I looked up.

"Don't screw this up. She's your best shot at surviving what's coming."

With that, he left, the door clicking softly behind him.

I stared at the card for a long moment. Evelyn, huh? Another ghost from Kross's past. Maybe she'd want revenge as much as I did.

Or maybe she'd just put a bullet in my head.

Either way, I had nothing to lose.

I stood and grabbed my coat, slipping my gun inside. The sun was rising higher, but for me, the night was just beginning.

If Evelyn wanted a fight, I was ready.

Because if there's one thing I've learned in this city—The only way to survive is to become the monster they fear.

And I was already halfway there.