Chapter 15 Comeuppance

Standing at the sink Cassy scrubbed his hands the water splashing red as he rinsed away the blood He clutched the basin his knuckles growing pale

Did Maple really have to kill him They could have used him for information

With a tense frown Cassy gave himself a final look in the mirror to make sure no blood remained on his face

Satisfied he left the bathroom and pulled out the note Rochelle had handed him

2350 Colloway Street

Langsley South Ave

It wasn't far just a short ride from the office Maple might stroll the streets without a care but Cassy couldn't risk that

To him every stranger felt like a threat another shadow from his past in disguise He'd trusted the wrong person before and paid the price

His pulse quickened as he scanned the crowd but he managed to find a seat on a public carriage retreating into the back corner He forced himself to breathe his eyes fixed on the other passengers each one a potential danger

Get a grip Cassy he told himself shaking his head You're safe The whispers won't help now

He gazed out the frosted window watching the bustling streets of Langsley pass by

As the carriage jostled along Cassy took a deep breath trying to steady his nerves The lively sounds of vendors and laughter drifted into his ears but he barely noticed his mind occupied by the journey ahead

Once he reached Colloway Street the evening chill wrapped around him as he walked past neat wooden fences and cozy homes their windows glowing from within His destination came into view a modest terrace house with a faint light spilling out onto the cobblestones

He stepped inside the scent of aged wood and dust welcoming him Cassy went through his nightly routine washing off the grime and slipping into evening clothes the weight of his revolver comforting against his side Even here he couldn't risk letting his guard down

He made himself a simple meal pairing cheese and rye bread with cheap wine The small quiet act felt surreal against the turmoil churning in his mind

His thoughts drifted to the day's events Captain He's waiting outside This can't be Bella's doing she has no reason to target me But who else could know about the ring

Cassy lay in bed eyes fixed on the ceiling shadows dancing in the corners of the room Silence pressed down broken only by muffled voices outside like distant echoes from another world

A creak in the hallway His eyes snapped open every muscle tense His breath slowed as he strained to listen the darkness pressing in

A louder creak closer this time

Before he could react the door burst open and a masked figure charged into the room Cassy barely had time to sit up before the intruder tackled him slamming him to the floor The impact drove the air from his lungs pain flashing through his ribs as he struggled to break free

This is it isn't it Is this how it ends

Gritting his teeth Cassy twisted trying to loosen the man's grip His muscles burned as he fought adrenaline spiking In a quick desperate move he freed his right arm and swung landing a glancing blow to the man's face The intruder grunted retaliating with a swift strike that pinned Cassy down again

Think Cassy You've been here before You know what to do

The intruder's silence chilled him Not a word not a sound just relentless cold violence His mind whirled but instinct took over

Survive Don't let it end like this

The stranger's hand clamped around Cassy's throat lifting him clear off the floor Cassy's vision blurred as he clawed at the man's grip fighting for air His heart pounded as he swung his legs trying to find some way out

A flickering orb of flame appeared in the intruder's free hand casting an eerie glow Cassy's heart skipped

Nest a Scribe

Panic and anger surged He'd fought too hard to be finished here

Summoning every ounce of strength he braced himself against the grip and kicked out his boot connecting with the intruder's knee The man staggered loosening his hold Cassy dropped gasping as air filled his lungs again

But the masked figure recovered quickly lunging with a second flame that hissed through the air Cassy rolled narrowly avoiding the heat that seared past him

He scrambled to his feet eyes darting around the room for a weapon Spotting a wooden chair he grabbed it swinging it with all his might The chair shattered against the man splinters raining down but the intruder barely flinched

Desperation clawed at Cassy but he forced himself to stay calm He still had one shot

His hand found his revolver hidden in his jacket Just as he drew it the ring on his finger glowed a ghostly blue Without hesitating he fired

The bullet tinged with the ring's energy cut through the air but the intruder dodged as if he'd anticipated every move In response the man flicked his wrist sending a bolt of electricity toward Cassy It struck him pain exploding through his body as he collapsed muscles seizing from the shock

Move You have to move Cassy's mind screamed but his limbs wouldn't respond His vision blurred darkness seeping in at the edges as the pain overwhelmed him

With a desperate effort Cassy raised his arm and fired again This time the bullet clipped the man's shoulder spraying blood The masked figure let out a low mocking laugh

Persistent aren't we the intruder sneered his voice dripping with menace

Cassy glared defiance smoldering even through the pain Go to hell

The intruder chuckled stepping closer But Cassy wasn't done

He kicked out one last time catching the man's shin and making him stumble

Using the moment Cassy forced himself up fingers fumbling for the revolver But the man was quicker knocking it aside with brutal precision

The intruder's eyes glinted coldly behind his mask Enough of this

In one swift motion he grabbed Cassy by the collar hoisting him up as electricity crackled in his free hand

Cassy fought but his strength was fading fast I've fought too hard to end here too much left to do

As his vision dimmed memories flooded his mind his mother's face the dusty streets of his childhood the vow he'd made to never be weak again

With a final surge of defiance he smashed his forehead into the masked man's face The intruder recoiled his grip loosening just enough for Cassy to break free and stumble back

But before he could regain his footing the man's knee drove into his gut forcing the air from his lungs Cassy's vision went dark stars swimming as he sank into unconsciousness

And as the void claimed him one bitter thought echoed in his mind

Not like this!