𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 || 𝐗-𝐌𝐄𝐍 ||

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐

˗ˏˋ꒰🃏꒱

The group made their way down Rue Bourbon, the neon lights and sounds of bustling casinos creating an electric atmosphere. Milo and Harper's eyes scanned the room as they walked into one of the lively casinos, taking in the sights. The air was thick with the smell of cigarette smoke and the distant clinking of slot machines.

"That's our dude," John said, pointing to a man sitting at a table, casually manipulating a deck of cards in his hands. The cards flipped and twirled in the air, almost dancing, as he effortlessly showed off his skill.

Milo raised an eyebrow. "That's cool," she muttered, clearly impressed. Harper and Marlow nodded in agreement, both equally captivated by the display.

John leaned in closer to Logan. "I'm gonna go cover the back in case he rabbits," he said, his tone low and serious.

Logan rolled his eyes. "I'm not gonna fight with him," Logan replied, clearly annoyed. He was done with unnecessary brawls for the night.

John laughed, draping his arm around Marlow. "Yeah, right. You get into fights with everyone, man."

Logan looked at him, half-exasperated, half-amused. "What? You get in fights with everybody?"

John grinned mischievously. "Do dogs kill cats?" he retorted, the playful tone of his voice not hiding the truth behind the statement.

Logan sighed. "Just go cover the back, will you?"

John gave a mock salute, still grinning as he led Marlow out toward the back exit. Milo watched them go, her gaze lingering for a second before returning to Logan and the card player.

˗ˏˋ꒰🃏꒱

As Logan continued talking to the man named Remy, Milo stood next to Harper, her attention shifting between her brother and the uneasy feeling that had settled in her gut. Something felt off, and she couldn't shake the concern gnawing at her about John and Marlow.

"I'm gonna go check on John and Marlow," Milo whispered to Harper, her voice filled with quiet determination.

Harper glanced at her, concern flickering in her eyes for a brief moment, but she nodded and gave Milo a soft smile. "Okay. I'll be in here," Harper replied, her tone light but understanding.

Milo returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes, and with one last glance at her brother and Remy, she slipped out the back.

˗ˏˋ꒰🃏꒱

The cold air hit Milo like a slap as she stepped into the alleyway, her breath visible in the chill. Her eyes immediately caught sight of John—his body twitching, glitching as Victor's sharp nails impaled his chest. The sight made her stomach drop.

"Victor!" Milo shouted, her voice raw with anger and shock.

Victor, standing tall and menacing, glanced over at her with a wicked grin, dropping John's limp body to the ground as if he were nothing. "Ahh, Milo," Victor drawled, his voice dripping with mock affection as he took slow, deliberate steps toward her.

Milo's heart raced, but she didn't back down. Her claws extended from her knuckles, gleaming under the dim alley lights, ready for whatever came next. "Stay back," she warned, her voice low and dangerous.