*Reborn in Shadows*

Chapter 3: Under the Gun

When I opened my eyes, everything was hazy and cloudy. My head throbbed with pain, and I could feel the warmth of blood trickling down from a wound. I turned my head slightly and saw the boy from earlier, tied up and trembling, his eyes filled with tears. He looked at me, and just as he was about to say something, two men burst into the room, brandishing heavy, hooked sticks.

I closed my eyes, trying to make sense of the situation. I heard one of the men, his voice rough and menacing, grip the boy's chin with the stick and demand, "Where is the fucking chip?"

The boy, his voice strained and scared, replied, "I don't know anything."

The man's tone grew even harsher. "How do you know her? Who is she?"

The boy stammered, "I don't know her. Please stop, it's hurting."

Another man, with a cruel edge to his voice, threatened, "If you don't spill it out, it's not going to be good for you."

The boy, despite his pain, defied them. "Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you anything." He spat defiantly.

The men's anger flared. One of them punched the boy, causing him to drool and slump forward. The man, still fuming, said, "You have one hour before the boss arrives. If you don't talk, he'll take care of you himself." They left, their footsteps echoing away.
As the men's footsteps faded, leaving the room heavy with tension. I forced myself to focus through the pain, my hands shaking as I fumbled with the ropes. With each second that ticked by, I felt the weight of urgency pressing down on me. The boy's fearful eyes watched me, silently pleading for help.

Just as I freed myself completely, I saw the boy's face, wet with sweat and tears. I worked quickly to untie him, my hands moving with a speed fueled by fear and determination. He struggled against his bonds, but I managed to cut through the ropes, freeing him.

"Stay quiet," I whispered urgently. "We need to move fast."

Before he could respond, the door crashed open, and the boss stormed in, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight before him. His expression hardened when he saw us free. Without hesitation, he raised his gun and fired.