Default Title - Write Your Own

Chapter one

The rain fell in sheets, washing the grime from the city's streets, but not from his conscience. Dominic leaned against the cold brick wall of the alley, cigarette smoke curling from his lips as he watched the world pass by, oblivious to the storm raging inside him.
He wasn't a hero—he'd never claimed to be. Heroes didn't make deals in the dead of night, didn't walk the fine line between right and wrong with such practiced ease. But Dominic knew the rules of the game, and he knew how to win. Sometimes, that meant getting his hands dirty. As the headlights of a black car cut through the darkness, Dominic flicked the cigarette into a puddle, the sizzle lost in the downpour. He straightened his coat and stepped out of the shadows, his expression unreadable. The driver's door opened, and a man stepped out, his face pale under the streetlights. "You got what I asked for?" the man asked, his voice trembling, betraying the fear that Dominic could smell a mile away. Dominic smiled, a slow, dangerous curve of his lips. "Of course," he replied, reaching into his coat. "But remember, favours come with a price." In this world, there were no clean hands, no clear lines. Only choices. And Dominic had made his a long time ago. The man's eyes darted nervously to the alley's entrance, as if contemplating an escape that wasn't there. Dominic pulled out a small, black leather-bound notebook from his coat, holding it just out of the man's reach. The man's breath hitched at the sight of it. "Is this it?" the man asked, his voice barely above a whisper. His desperation was palpable, and Dominic thrived on it. "This is everything you asked for," Dominic said, his tone calm, almost bored. "Names, dates, locations. You'll have enough leverage to topple your enemies. Or bury yourself with them, if you're not careful. The man swallowed hard, his gaze shifting between Dominic and the notebook. "And... the price?" Dominic's smile widened, though it never reached his eyes. "You owe me a favor. When I call, you answer. No questions, no excuses." The man hesitated, and for a moment, Dominic wondered if he'd run. But then the man's shoulders slumped in defeat, and he reached for the notebook, his hand trembling. "Good choice," Dominic said, relinquishing his hold. "Just remember, when the time comes, don't make me come looking for you. You won't like what happens if I do." The man nodded, clutching the notebook to his chest like a lifeline. Without another word, he turned and hurried back to the car, leaving Dominic alone in the rain-soaked alley. As the car's taillights disappeared into the night, Dominic took out another cigarette, lighting it with a flick of his lighter. The flames briefly illuminated his face, revealing the hardened lines of a man who had made too many compromises, who had long since traded his soul for survival. But survival wasn't enough anymore. Dominic had bigger plans, and this was just the beginning.  Blowing out a stream of smoke, he turned and walked deeper into the shadows, his mind already on the next move in his dangerous game. The city was full of secrets, and Dominic intended to own them all, one favour at a time. Dominic's footsteps echoed softly against the wet pavement as he moved deeper into the labyrinthine alleys. He knew the city like the back of his hand—every hidden passage, every forgotten corner where deals were made and lives were ruined.