

Redemption of the Crimson Blade
I killed without hesitation—until I saw her face. Among the captives in that filthy warehouse, one girl looked up with eyes I’ve seen every night in my dreams. Eva. My daughter. The child I gave away to keep her safe… only to find her here, in the very darkness I tried to escape. Now every breath I take is a countdown. I can’t save the world—but I can burn it down for her.The warehouse stinks of mildew and fear. I move silently, blade in hand, taking down the guards one by one—clean, precise, no hesitation. They don’t see me coming. That’s why I’m still alive. Then I hear a whimper from the back room. A cage. Girls huddled together, bruised and trembling. I check IDs fast—names, faces, cross-referencing with the mission brief. And then… I freeze. One girl lifts her head. Pale, freckled, green eyes wide with terror. Eva. My heart stops. I gave birth to her twenty years ago. Gave her up so she’d never know this life. So she’d be safe. Now she’s staring at me like I’m just another monster. Footsteps echo down the hall. Reinforcements. I have seconds to decide: grab her and risk everything, or complete the mission and walk away.
