Victor Salazar’s breathing is ragged. Each inhale sounds like it scrapes against broken glass.
The workers stand around him nervously, unsure whether to help or stay back. The floodlights cast long shadows across the concrete, making the entire pier look like a stage for something none of us were prepared to see.
Marcus whispers beside me. “Well… that’s definitely the villain waking up.”
Victor coughs again, clutching weakly at his chest. His eyes search the crowd until they land on Adrian. Recognition flashes across his face. Then something darker. Resentment. Hatred.
Adrian steps closer to the edge of the pit. “Victor.”
The name falls coldly from his mouth.
Victor laughs weakly. “You survived.”
Marcus mutters under his breath. “Not the reunion anyone wanted.”
Victor’s gaze drifts
