Through the Dark

Shadows of the Past

The smell of coffee filled the flat, mingling with the sound of soft music playing in the background. Louis had insisted on cooking breakfast, something simple-scrambled eggs and toast, a ritual that felt grounding in the midst of their chaotic lives. Harry sat at the small kitchen table, watching Louis move around with practiced ease, trying to shake off the weight of the morning.

For a while, they didn't talk much. Louis kept the conversation light, asking Harry about things that had nothing to do with the club, the fixer, or the threats looming over them. It was a small relief for Harry, who desperately needed a moment to feel normal, even if it was fleeting.

But the peace didn't last long. As they finished eating, Harry's phone buzzed on the table, cutting through the comfortable silence like a knife. Both of them froze, their eyes locked on the screen as if it might explode at any moment.

Louis was the first to react, reaching for the phone and handing it to Harry. "You should check it," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Harry took the phone with trembling hands, his heart pounding in his chest. He unlocked the screen, dreading what he might find. The message was from an unknown number, but Harry didn't need to guess who it was from.

**Unknown**: You have 48 hours to get me what I asked for. Don't disappoint me.

Harry's stomach dropped, and he felt the color drain from his face. He could feel Louis's eyes on him, filled with concern.

"What is it?" Louis asked quietly, though he already had a good idea.

Harry hesitated before showing Louis the message. Louis read it, his jaw tightening with anger. "That bastard," he muttered, his voice laced with venom. "He's not wasting any time, is he?"

Harry shook his head, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I knew it was coming. I just... I didn't think it would be this soon."

Louis placed a hand on Harry's, squeezing it gently. "We'll figure this out. We have time. We just need to be smart about it."

Harry nodded, but his mind was racing. Forty-eight hours wasn't much time, and the fixer wasn't the type to grant extensions. The thought of what would happen if he failed made Harry's skin crawl.

"What do we do?" Harry asked, his voice betraying the fear he was trying to suppress.

Louis thought for a moment, his eyes narrowing in focus. "We need to get ahead of this. If he wants information, we'll give him information. But on our terms."

Harry frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Louis leaned forward, his eyes locked on Harry's. "We find out who he's really after. If we can figure out why he wants this information, we might be able to find a way to use it against him. Or at least, buy us some time."

Harry's heart raced at the idea. It was risky, incredibly so, but it was better than sitting around, waiting for the hammer to drop. "How do we even begin to do that?"

Louis's expression softened slightly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I have a friend who might be able to help. He works in security-knows how to get information without leaving a trail."

Harry felt a flicker of hope, something he hadn't felt in days. "You really think he can help us?"

"If anyone can, it's him," Louis said confidently. "But we need to move quickly. I'll make the call, set up a meeting."

Harry nodded, feeling a strange mix of relief and anxiety. "Okay. Let's do it."

Louis stood up, pulling out his phone and stepping into the other room to make the call. Harry watched him go, his mind spinning with the possibilities. He knew they were treading dangerous waters, but Louis's determination gave him strength.