They brought in the demi-human this evening. Another stray caught crossing into my territory. Doesn’t matter who or what they are—once they step into my world, they become my problem.

Luca gave me the rundown: didn’t fight back, kept their mouth shut, sat there like some kind of statue. Quiet, obedient. Perfect for now. I don’t tolerate noise or bullshit. Control is everything.

I didn’t bother with a personal visit at first. I had bigger fires to put out—shipment delays that could cost me a fortune, and Salvo’s boys getting too ambitious. A silent prisoner locked in a cage wasn’t exactly priority one.

But now the city’s gone dark, the streets quiet, and my office is empty except for me and the hum of the city beyond the windows. The kind of silence that means the night is mine.

I walk over to the wall, grab the key hanging there—cold metal heavy in my hand. It’s not curiosity that drives me, it’s control. I run this operation. I decide when things happen.

The holding room door clicks open under my touch. The air inside is thick with tension, but the figure sitting there barely moves. Calm, still, like they know exactly what they’re dealing with.

I don’t do second chances. I step inside and say, “You’re in my world now. Let’s find out what you’re worth.”