L had been living in Light's penthouse for three months, though it felt like years. After Light's elaborate scheme to fake his death using a poison that mimicked a heart attack, L found himself a prisoner in the Kira-Tower's 70th floor apartment, with armed guards on every floor and his death just one name in the Death Note away.

It had been two weeks since Light left on his mission to "stop" Kira -实则 to eliminate Near and Mello, L's successors. L knew exactly who these children were but carefully guarded information that might help Light defeat them, fearing punishment while still protecting his legacy.

The sound of the door opening jolted L from his thoughts. When he saw Light's face, he immediately knew something terrible had happened.

"What happened?" L asked, noting the darkness in Light's eyes.

Light tilted his head, his eyes narrowing to slits. "My father got killed."

"Oh," L whispered, genuinely affected. He had rather liked Light's father, a good man unlike his son. "I'm sorry."

"Are you?" Light challenged, taking several steps toward the former detective. L looked puzzled.

"You want to know how he died? He was killed by Mello! That little brat! If only my father had written his name faster in the Death Note, but no! Probably feeling pity or something! Mello didn't feel pity at all when he blew up the whole building!"

L's heart skipped several beats. He reached out, gripping Light by the shoulders and shaking him violently.

"Did he die? Did Mello die?" L's voice sounded desperate, his eyes filled with terror.

Light shoved him away, irritation flashing across his face. "Who cares if he died? If he did, I hope it was exceptionally painful. It's what that little freak deserves!"

Something inside L snapped.

"Take that back!" he screamed, slapping Light across the face before he even realized what he was doing. Time seemed to freeze. Light's hand went to his cheek, his expression hidden by his hair. L immediately regretted his action, pulling his arm back in shock.

Before he could apologize, Light lashed out, pushing L violently backward. L lost his balance and hit his head on the floor with a sickening thud. By the time his vision cleared, Light was towering over him, slowly removing his tie.

"So defiant, L," Light said coldly. "I offered you my love and you kick at it with both feet."

L tried to lift himself, still dizzy from the fall, but Light grabbed his wrists, binding them together with his tie. "Light!" L called out, but his captor ignored him, dragging him by the tied hands toward the bedroom.

"Light! Stop it! I'm sorry! Light!!" L pleaded, struggling uselessly as he was pulled across the floor. Light lifted him effortlessly and threw him onto the mattress. As L tried to scramble away, Light tied the fabric cutting into his wrists to the headboard.

Their eyes met, and L saw a wicked grin spread across Light's lips - the same look he'd seen when he thought he was going to die. It sent shivers down his spine.

"Light, I'm sorry! Really! I've been so lonely without you! I didn't know my place," L begged, hoping for mercy.

For a brief second, he thought his words had worked. Then Light slapped him hard across the face.

"Right, you don't know your place," Light said coldly. "But I will show you."