T.S.Noir

  I moved through the rain-soaked back alleys of the gothic city in the dead of night, arriving at an abandoned industrial complex where a rival faction’s presence is known to surface.

  I step under the sporadic glow of a cherry-red street mp, my dark coat billowing as I found myself at the scene.

  A cluster of armed thugs huddles near a broken storefront; I stare at them with an unyielding gre and commands, "This territory is mine." The leader of the group stiffens, and charged my glove rests on the hilt of a concealed weapon as the thugs shift uneasily, each reaction dispyed in clenched jaws and guarded stances under the harsh light of the city.

  I easily defeated the thugs in the area and made them vow to never again rise against me “never again you will put this city in danger”.

  That’s when I heard him speaking to me through my earpiece “it’s done sir, now you have control over 90% of the city”. “Good, let the other families know that I don’t want any newer street gang developing in this rural area”

  In the distance, the indistinct hum of sirens approaches; I know it's time to leave. With a final cutting gre at the subjugated thugs, I melt into the shadows, disappearing as effortlessly as I appeared.

  The rain continues to fall, washing away the evidence of the brief but brutal encounter.

  The sound of police sirens grows louder as they converge on the scene, only to find a defeated group of thugs and an imprint of a single bck knight etched into the grime-covered wall—a calling card of sorts for those who had once dared to challenge me.

  As I stride through the darkened streets, my thought drift to my next move in a chess game that never seems to end. Revenge, like a voracious beast, gnaws at every waking moment, driving me forward in this relentless pursuit of those responsible for Li's death.

  Fourteen years have passed since that fateful night when everything changed, where I emerged from the ashes of my former life like a phoenix.

  “Are the guests ready?” I asked through the com, “yes sir, all the guests are already arrived, your fundraising party is only missing you now sir, should I entertain the guests with my usual jokes sir?” he asked through the com sarcastically.

  “Well Sebastian, your jokes only worked on drunk people and me, so maybe it’s best to leave the entertainment to the band. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes, and ready in twenty-five”

  I quicken my pace, darting through the rooftop alleys towards the Bckwood Tower, a testament to my empire's power. I ascend to the penthouse office, where my most trusted confidant, the ever-loyal Sebastian, awaits me. With a curt nod, I signaled for the room to be prepared for my grand entrance at the charity ga.

  Heavy rain sshes against the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shadows that dance across the walls like macabre puppets.

  Sebastian, as always, remains unfazed by the ominous ambiance and efficiently goes about his tasks. "The usual attire?" he inquires with a tilt of his head. "No, tonight we make an impression," I responded coolly, slipping out of my rain-soaked battle-suit.

  I don a tailored tuxedo of midnight bck, adorned with a crimson pin in the shape of a single bck rose—a subtle reminder of Li's unyielding grip on his heart.

  As I checked myself in the mirror, my reflection stares back. I am not my past self; twelve years can change a man so much. At my high school years, I was a bit chubby, maybe was still even when I joined the force back then but now, none of that remained, as if the old Leon also died with Li back then, and another was born.

  “Why tonight sir? all this time you have been controlling this city from the shadows, so why put on a grand facade to entertain those rich and powerful?” asked Sebastian.

  “Well Sebastian, tonight is the fourteenth anniversary of Li’s death, and fourteen years is long enough time for a girl to forget about someone’s face” I replied to Sebastian.

  My eyes narrowed in the mirror, a ghost of a smile pying across my lips as I stared at my reflection. "Rebirth and revenge, my friend. Tonight, the King of Bckbourne known as Leon Bckwood will emerge from the shadows and become a man of power and prominence in the city.

  The seeds I've been pnting for so long will finally begin to blossom." The rain continued to pound against the windowpanes as I donned a crisp bck shirt and expertly knotted a Windsor knot around my neck. I couldn't help but think back to the night Li was taken from me.

  The memories were like tidal waves, crashing against the walls I had so meticulously built around my heart.

  The Bckwood Tower was a marvel of modern architecture, its sleek bck exterior reflecting the city's glow like a darkened mirror. Inside, the venue buzzed with activity as the crème de crème of Bckbourne City mingled and networked, oblivious to the storm raging outside. The air was thick with the smell of expensive cologne and perfume, and tension hung in the air like an unspoken promise.

  Sebastian took the mic and announces my entrance.

  “Leon Bckwood, the enigmatic benefactor of this extravagant charity ga, has graced us with his presence tonight," Sebastian announced to a hushed audience. Eyes darted and whispers intensified as my footsteps echoed on the grand marble staircase, signaling my grand entrance.

  Leon Bckwood, the man of shadows, the one who held the city in his vice-like grip, was about to reveal himself to the world he had so meticulously carved out for himself in the past 14 years. He had bided his time and now it was time to emerge from the shadows and face those who had wronged him.

  My dark hair was slicked back, emphasizing my angur jawline and penetrating eyes that seemed to read souls like open books.

  As I descended the staircase, I felt hundreds of pairs of eyes following my every move, but one pair of darkened emerald eyes consumed me. Sabrina Greensky, the woman responsible for Li's death and a cunning vixen who had cwed her way to the top of the rich and powerful.

  I was greeted by a familiar face — one I hadn’t seen in over a year.

  "Victor, my friend," I said warmly, pulling him into a firm hug.

  Victor Albano — once the head of the Albano family — had been a cornerstone of my organization for years.

  His family ruled over the old city district, the sector housing most of the political buildings and city officials. Their loyalty ensured that my connections to the higher-ups remained smooth and secure.

  Victor had since retired, passing the mantle to his son, but his influence still lingered like a ghost.

  "So, Leon, my boy," Victor said with a chuckle, pulling back. "What finally made you change your mind about doing public appearances? After all these years, I kept telling you — 'Rule from the light, Leon!' But you always said—" he deepened his voice in a mock imitation, "'No, Victor. The shadows are where I belong.'"

  I ughed at his theatrics, cpping him on the shoulder.

  "Well, my friend, the rules of the game have changed. And it’s time I adapted. But enough about me. Let’s talk about you."

  Victor waved a hand dismissively as he sipped his drink. "What’s there to talk about, Bckwood? I'm just an old man now, worried about your well-being. No thrilling stories left since I retired."

  "I haven’t seen you much since you stepped back," I said, studying him.

  He smiled faintly. "I prefer the quiet life now. Let the young men chase power and politics. Jordan's doing a fine job, isn’t he?"

  "Jordan's great," I agreed. "He’s carrying your legacy with ease. He’s your son, after all." As we spoke, a voice — sultry and unmistakable — sliced through the room, cutting straight to me like a siren’s song.

  "Hello, Bckwood," came the purr. Then, turning to Victor with a teasing smirk, "Fossil."

  All three of us chuckled.

  Julia Gomez.

  The queen of the entertainment district herself.

  A woman who could leave you craving her even as she poisoned your lips.

  "I thought you were announcing a wedding or something," she said, her hand brushing my jawline, her voice dripping with mock fear. "Scared me half to death."

  Before I could answer, Victor grinned and excused himself. "Well, I'm going to enjoy the rest of the champagne — somewhere quieter," he said with a wink. "This old fossil needs a break from all you young people and your endless drama."

  Julia barely spared him a gnce, keeping her eyes locked on me.

  "Goodbye, Victor," she said sweetly.

  I raised my gss to him in a silent salute as he disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone with her.

  Julia was the kind of woman who left you wanting more, even when you knew she’d shatter your heart just for amusement.

  A dangerous addiction dressed in silk and perfume.

  "So, Julia," I said, sipping my whiskey, "I don’t remember inviting you tonight."

  She ughed — a soft, throaty sound. "Oh, Leon, darling," she purred, stepping closer, "Julia never needs an invitation. Besides, this little gathering needed me. Look around — not a decent-looking woman in sight. Well..." — her gaze flicked across the room — "except maybe Dunham’s little blonde over there. But I know you, Leon. You don’t go for the dumb blonde type, do you?"

  She was referring to Sabrina Greensky — and even Julia, ruthless as she was, recognized the potent charm Sabrina carried. A charm most men wouldn't survive.

  "I don’t know, Julia," I said, fshing a dangerous smirk as I stepped away.

  "Lately... my tastes have been changing. Who knows what the night will bring?"

  Her ughter followed me into the crowd — rich, indulgent, and just a little bit poisonous.

  ??

  T.S.Noir