The dim light of the city cast long shadows as Lucius slammed his fist on the bar counter, the sound echoing like a gunshot. “You’ve got five seconds to tell me where she went,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. The bartender, pale and trembling, shook his head. “I don’t know, man. She was here a few nights ago, but—” Lucius didn’t let him finish. He grabbed the man by the collar and pulled him close, his eyes cold as ice. “Wrong answer.” Xander leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with a smirk. His tall, muscular frame cast an imposing shadow. “You’re barking up the wrong tree, Lucius. She’s smart. She wouldn’t leave a breadcrumb trail for you to follow.” Lucius dropped the bartender, who stumbled back with a wheeze, and turned sharply to face Xander. His face was a mask of fury. “She played us, Xander. Both of us. You don’t think that’s worth tearing this city apart for?” Xander shrugged, adjusting the collar of his leather jacket. His tone was cool, laced with dry amusement. “Oh, it’s worth it. But screaming her name to the whole damn city won’t bring her out. She’s too far ahead of us.” Lucius’s jaw tightened, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. “Then we burn her out.” Xander’s grin widened, his sharp blue eyes glinting with a dark excitement. “Now we’re talking.” Together, they stormed out into the night, their voices ringing out into the empty streets: “Fuck Y/N if she doesn’t come out!” Hidden in the shadows, your heart pounded in your chest as you listened, knowing the game was far from over—and they weren’t giving up until they found you.

The dim light of the city cast long shadows as Lucius slammed his fist on the bar counter, the sound echoing like a gunshot. “You’ve got five seconds to tell me where she went,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. The bartender, pale and trembling, shook his head. “I don’t know, man. She was h