A shadow on the sun

Chapter 5

I want to say something before this chapter. First, I am sorry for posting this late, I know I missed my timing, but I have been thinking a lot. I noticed a difference between the third and fourth chapter in the viewing count, a decline, so I was wondering, what caused it. I want you to tell me what about my writing or story you dislike. I am new to this and I need help too, so I want your opinion, I want to know what you like and dislike, so please, tell me.

The address Ash had given him led to a run-down warehouse in the industrial district, a place where rusted machinery and forgotten debris were the only remnants of a once-thriving business. The area was desolate, the streets devoid of life. It was the perfect place for something ugly, something violent.

Cain's breath fogged in the cool air as he approached the warehouse. His mind was a storm of dark thoughts, each one feeding the anger that had been simmering within him since his defeat. He wasn't thinking about consequences, wasn't considering the repercussions. All he wanted was to confront Alex, to erase the stain of humiliation that had haunted him since their fight.

Soon... soon.

The warehouse loomed ahead, its metal walls stained with age and neglect. Cain could hear the low murmur of voices from within. He knew this wasn't going to be easy. But then again, nothing ever was.

He slipped through a side entrance, the creak of the metal door loud in the stillness. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of oil and dust, the light dim and flickering. He moved silently, his body coiled tight with anticipation. He could hear the voices more clearly now, a mix of laughter and conversation.

It didn't take long to find them. In the center of the warehouse, around a makeshift table, sat Alex and a small group of men. They were relaxed, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. Cain's eyes locked onto Alex, his heart pounding in his chest.

Alex looked different now, out of the ring. He was laughing, a beer in hand, his arrogance palpable even from a distance. The sight of him ignited something dark in Cain, a surge of anger so intense it nearly took his breath away.

But Cain didn't let it consume him. Not yet.

He stepped forward, emerging from the shadows, his presence instantly noticed. The laughter died as the men turned to look at him, their expressions shifting from amusement to confusion.

"Thorne? That's your name, right?" Alex's voice was a mix of surprise and annoyance. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Cain didn't answer immediately. He let the silence hang in the air, his green eyes locked on Alex's. Finally, he spoke, his voice cold, devoid of emotion. "You took something from me."

Alex scoffed, setting his beer down on the table. "That fight? You're still hung up on that? Get over it, man. It's just a game."

"To you, maybe," Cain replied, stepping closer. The other men shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension. "But for me, it's everything."

Alex stood up, his height giving him a slight advantage. He looked down at Cain with a sneer. "Look, you got your ass handed to you. It happens. Now, if you're here to start trouble, I suggest you leave before things get messy."

Cain's eyes narrowed, the flicker of rage in his gaze growing stronger. "You don't get it, do you? This isn't about losing. It's about what you took from me. My pride. My place."

Alex smirked, clearly unimpressed. "Your place? You think you had one? You were just another stepping stone, Cain. Just another weakling I had to put down."

That was it. The final spark that ignited the inferno within Cain.

With a sudden burst of speed, Cain lunged forward, catching Alex off guard. His fist connected with Alex's jaw, the force of the blow sending him crashing into the table, which splintered under the impact. The other men scrambled to their feet, but Cain was already moving, his body a blur of controlled fury.