AQUIVER the bearer of death

*This Year*

"Lie..." Luke muttered, grinning as memories of their blissful month together two years ago flooded back.

Sometimes humans adapt to situations, and bad attitudes emerge from pain. Sirena couldn't judge Luke's transformation; everything spiraled after his disappearance.

Luke lost control, emotionally unraveling, as seen when he aggressively interrogated the thief who stole his money.

Luke's laughter echoed as he stabbed repeatedly, contrasting with the tender memory of his first kiss with Sirena in the car.

His emotions had shifted; formerly calculated, Luke now killed impulsively. Ellam suspected Sirena's manipulation had triggered her sister's descent into psychopathy.

Luke's gaze drifted, mesmerized by memories of Sirena's captivating smile as he trailed Ellam's car. Tonight's water gun deal was Ellam's attempt to distract Luke from his killing spree. Luke's reverie was interrupted by Ellam's call.

Ellam's voice came through the line. "Change of plans. You take the others to the trade. Sandi and I will handle this."

"Where?" Luke asked, his tone icy.

"Wisteria Club. We've confirmed Baron's presence," Ellam replied.

Baron, the traitor who leaked Luke's weapons sales intel, had been their prime target for months.

"I'll take care of Baron," Luke said, determination edging his voice.

"No, I'll handle it. I need information from him," Ellam replied.

"I won't kill him." Luke preferred hunting over trading.

"Okay, Sandi will join you. If you lose control, I'll order Sandi to shoot your leg. Deal?" Ellam asked.

This was the umpteenth time Ellam entrusted prey to Luke, only to have Luke kill them.

"Deal," Luke replied.

Ellam hung up and sent an address. Luke swerved and headed alone to the location. Sandi would meet him at Wisteria Club.

Luke accelerated, recalling Sirena's kiss. He subconsciously wiped his lips whenever he imagined her face.

"Where should I look for you?" Luke muttered, reflecting on his year-long, fruitless search for Sirena.

Ellam's near-death experience made Luke promise to abandon his quest.

Fifteen minutes passed. Luke arrived at Wisteria Club, notorious for illicit activities, including child trafficking and drug transactions. The Minister of Defense's ownership guaranteed impunity.

Sandi greeted Luke in the parking area with a bow.

"Sorry, Captain, but I'm under orders to shoot you if you harm Baron," Sandi said.

Luke chuckled, familiar with Ellam's caution.

"So, Baron's that important?" Luke asked.

"Yes, Captain," Sandi replied. "Baron has crucial intel on our longstanding enemy."

Luke sighed, resigned. "Okay."

Luke and Sandi approached the club entrance. Luke's gaze locked onto a woman wearing a thigh-length skirt and hooded denim jacket. She was denied entry by the guard.

"Sorry, miss. No membership card, no entry," the guard explained.

Luke wrapped his arm around her waist, surprising her. She lowered her head, hiding her face.

"She's with me," Luke said, flashing his club card and a charming smile.

The guards exchanged skeptical glances but stepped aside.

Luke leaned in, attempting to glimpse the woman's hidden face. "Police officer? Here to investigate?" he asked casually,

The club's powerful connections made it untouchable, shielded by the Minister of Security's patronage.

"No, thank you," the woman replied quickly. Luke fell silent, her voice reminding him of Sirena. She released his arm and swiftly disappeared into the crowd. Luke watched her, surprised. Perhaps he missed Sirena too much, often mistaking similar voices or faces for hers.

Luke scanned the room for Baron, seeking crucial intel on their elusive enemy. Dirgan's business had been disrupted.

He slid onto a stool at the bar, while Sandi searched for Baron. Luke pulled out a pack of menthol cigarettes, seeking calm amidst the pulsating electronic dance music from the nearby DJ booth.

Luke lit his cigarette, and a slick-haired man roughly set his glass down, sitting beside him. Luke watched, amused, recognizing the familiar figure. Baron, notoriously unkempt, had surprisingly showing himself.

He approached Luke, the "tiger" who had to restrain himself from killing him.

"Give me another glass," Baron ordered the bartender.

Luke discreetly alerted Sandi.

He was about to draw his gun, though Luke remained silent, noticing the knife at Baron's constricted waist. Luke grinned, recognizing the familiar hooded jacket – the same woman he'd helped earlier, now targeting Baron.

Luke exhaled deeply, cigarette smoke swirling around him, his thoughts drifting back to Sirena. The familiar emptiness fueled his deadly instincts.

"Don't scream and follow me," the woman ordered Baron.

"He's mine," Luke countered, extinguishing his cigarette.

The woman turned, dodging Luke's elbow by mere inches. Luke swiftly struck Baron's temple, rendering him unconscious. Screams erupted.

The woman swung her knife; Luke dodged. Sandi fired into the air, silencing the chaos. He aimed at the masked woman, who cowered.

"Easy, Sandi," Luke said, eyeing her. "No need for that."

"I'll give you a chance to leave because you look hot," Luke said.

"I'm going with that guy," she quickly replied.

"Too bad, I can't let that happen," Luke added.

Baron regained consciousness, seeing two people arguing over him. He swiftly got up and ran. Sandi looked confused.

"Chase him!" Luke ordered.

Sandi and the woman gave chase. Luke held her back, sparking a fierce struggle. Luke parried her blows, grasping her wrist, making the knife slip free. He spun her around, pinning her against him.

He pulled back her hood and mask, revealing the gasping woman's face. Luke's grip loosened, stunned.

She turned, about to strike Luke. "Sirena..." he whispered.

Sirena was speechless, gazing at her opponent's fully revealed face. The man she thought she'd forgotten over the past two years now stood before her.

She was surprised by Luke's muscular, athletic build. He should have remained weak, as when they first met. Esme should have given him the sea snake to sicken him again.

"Luke..." said Sirena.

Luke stood before her, unexpectedly healthy. He hadn't anticipated confronting the woman who haunted his every waking moment. The one he both longed for and desperately wanted to forget.

Luke's heart pounded wildly as their eyes locked once more.

"Where have you been?" Luke asked.

Sirena snapped back to reality, she stepping back cautiously. Luke's eyes narrowed.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," he warned.

Sirena sprinted away. Luke's jaw clenched.

"You won't escape me again, Sirena."

To Be Continued…