Blood and Horsemen

Breaching the Fortress

Evening light slanted through the blinds, casting long shadows across River's living room as she paced, the silence broken only by her quick footsteps. Will's intrusion had left its mark, but River wasn't about to let fear dictate her actions. Winter wouldn't be home for hours, and River intended to use every minute of that time.

She checked her phone again—no new messages. The anonymous warnings had been relentless, each one ramping up the urgency. Will's visit was a clear signal: the Horsemen were tightening their grip, and their tactics were escalating.

Determined not to let her guard down, River set about securing the apartment. She checked every window and door, making sure all locks were in place. Winter's personal touches around the place felt almost like a luxury right now; River's own approach was more about practicality and defense. The slight scuff mark on Winter's bedroom door—evidence of Will's tampering—was a stark reminder of the stakes.

River's resolve hardened as she grabbed her laptop and began planning their next move. Allies were essential, but not just any allies—ones who were fully committed to the fight. She contacted several trusted sources, organizing meetings and laying out strategies. The Horsemen were preparing for a major play, and River needed to be ready.

The doorbell's chime cut through her focused concentration. River checked the clock—Winter wouldn't be back for some time. She approached the door, her hand instinctively reaching for the pistol she had concealed. Peering through the peephole, she saw Jax standing outside.

She opened the door, keeping her grip steady. "Jax," she said, stepping aside. "What's up?"

Jax entered, taking in the scene with a quick, assessing glance. "Heard about Will's visit. Figured you might need a hand."

"Perfect timing," River said. "I'm planning our next move, but I could use some extra muscle."

Jax's expression was serious. "What's the plan?"

River led him to the living room. "We need to hit back before they gain more ground. The Horsemen are trying to rattle us, but we can't afford to give them any advantage."

Jax nodded. "I know some old-timers who could be useful. Fighters who understand what Bloodsport stands for."

"That's exactly what we need," River said. "Get them on board. We're not just defending ourselves; we're defending everything Bloodsport represents."

As Jax made his calls, River's phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen—another message from the unknown sender.

**Unknown:** *The Horsemen are moving. Are you ready?*

River's pulse quickened, but her resolve remained unshaken. There was no time to waste. She had to stay ahead of whatever the Horsemen were planning.

Turning to Jax, who was finishing up his calls, River said, "We need to act fast. The Horsemen are making their move, and we have to be ready."

Jax nodded, understanding the urgency. "I'll spread the word. We'll show them we're not backing down."

As Jax left to rally their allies, River took a moment to steel herself. The Horsemen were gearing up for a significant push, and she had to be prepared to counter it. The fight for Bloodsport's future was just beginning, and River was more than ready to face it head-on. The city outside drifted from day to night, unaware of the turmoil brewing within its shadows. River knew she was in for the fight of her life, and she was determined to see it through, no matter what came next.