The Damned Path: Chronicles of Damien

Evelyn led me through a series of narrow, dimly lit hallways that smelled of rust and old secrets. The roar of the crowd faded behind us, replaced by a thick silence that made every footstep echo louder than it should have.

I wiped the blood from my brow, feeling the sting of the cut. My body ached, but the fight had done something else—sharpened me. Reminded me of who I was.

Finally, she stopped in front of a heavy metal door, glanced back at me, and pushed it open.

Inside, the room was a sharp contrast to the chaos outside. Clean. Organized. A table stood in the center, maps and documents scattered across it. Weapons lined the walls—rifles, pistols, blades—an arsenal fit for a small army.

"Welcome to my war room," Evelyn said, leaning against the table, arms crossed. "If you're serious about going after Kross, you'll need more than just fists."

I scanned the maps. Marked locations, routes, supply lines—all belonging to Kross.

"You've been planning this for a while," I said, eyeing her.

She smirked. "Long enough. But I don't make a move unless I know I've got a chance. That's where you come in."

"Why me?" I asked, leaning on the edge of the table. "You've got muscle. Fighters. Why take a risk on me?"

Evelyn's eyes darkened, her gaze steady. "Because you've been in his circle. You know how he thinks. You know his weaknesses."

"Used to," I said quietly. "I'm not that man anymore."

Her lips twitched into something between a smile and a frown. "Maybe. But you're still dangerous, Damien. And I need dangerous."

I exhaled, running a hand through my hair. "What's your plan?"

She turned to the map, pointing at a large red X. "Kross's main shipment hub. He moves everything through there—guns, drugs, cash. Take that out, and we cut off his legs. But it's locked down like a fortress."

I studied the map, noting the security routes, cameras, and guards. "You'll need someone on the inside."

"Exactly."

"And let me guess… that's me?"

She grinned. "You're quick."

I shook my head, chuckling darkly. "You want me to walk into Kross's stronghold and blow it up from the inside?"

"More or less."

I stared at the map, my mind racing. Memories of Kross's cold smile, his threats, his cruelty—they all came flooding back.

"I'll do it," I said finally, my voice steady. "But when this is over, I want him. Face to face."

Evelyn nodded. "Deal. But you'll need a crew. People you can trust."

"That might be a problem," I muttered.

She raised a brow. "No one?"

I thought for a moment. Faces from my past flashed before my eyes—most of them either dead or worse. But there were a few… a few who might still answer the call.

"I'll find them," I said.

Evelyn smirked. "Good. Because once we start this, Damien, there's no walking away. Kross will come after us with everything he's got."

I looked her in the eyes, feeling that fire rise in my chest again—the one I thought I'd buried.

"Let him come," I whispered. "I'm done running."

She studied me for a moment, then extended her hand.

"Partners?"

I took her hand, gripping it firmly. "Partners."

And just like that, I stepped back into the darkness—where deals are made in blood, and survival means becoming something worse than the monsters you fight.

Because to kill a devil,Sometimes you have to become one.