Chapter 48. Cassian Returns

The wind in Chicago always fell sideways this time of year—sharp, impatient, like it had places to be.

Cassian stood across the street from the Phoenix Arena, watching the trucks unload lighting rigs and cables through the side gates. The massive LED banners still flickered between sponsor logos and fighter profiles. Lia’s face flashed every few seconds—half-lit, expression unreadable, jaw bruised, gaze steady.

He hadn’t seen her in person since the night she walked out.

And yet, somehow, she hadn’t left his head for a single hour since.

He adjusted the collar of his coat against the wind. Behind him, Jun’s car idled at the curb, headlights dimmed.

“You sure about this?” Jun asked through the open window.

Cassian didn’t look back. “No.”

Jun huffed a laugh. “At least you’re honest.”

“Honesty’s cheap. Timing isn’t.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small flash drive. Its surface was scratched, the silver casing dull from