Shadows We Keep

Chapter 5 : The Pact

The next two days passed in a haze of hospital beeps and whispered conversations. Leila stayed by Rae’s side, the sketchbook never leaving her lap. Detective Kira visited, her stern demeanor softened by concern.

“You can’t keep protecting him,” Kira warned. “He’s a cartel heir. He’ll drag you down.”

Leila traced the ink on the page, the figure’s outstretched hand now smeared with red. “Maybe I’m already in too deep.”

Rae’s eyes fluttered open. “Leila.” His voice was hoarse, strained. “You shouldn’t have stayed.”

She squeezed his hand. “I made a promise. And… I need to know why you did it.”

He sighed, the painkiller haze pulling him under. “My sister… died because I chose power over family. I thought… if I could save someone, maybe it would fix it.”

Leila’s heart twisted. “You think saving Mia fixes anything?”

“No,” he whispered. “But maybe loving you… could start something new.”

A tentative smile crossed her face, half sad, half hopeful. “Then we both need to rewrite our stories.”

Kira watched from the doorway, a mix of frustration and reluctant respect. She turned to leave, then paused. “If you need anything—anything—call me. The city’s not safe for either of you.”

Leila nodded, eyes returning to the sketchbook. The figure’s hand was no longer reaching; it was holding a candle, light flickering against darkness. She felt a spark of determination. She would finish this story, no matter the cost.