Nightfall: Last Call

Chapter 13 - Trap

Ren moved through the narrow corridor, his breath shallow, the darkness closing in on all sides. The walls felt too close, suffocating him, and each step seemed to echo endlessly, amplifying the silence that hung heavy in the air. Somewhere ahead, Kenji's pained groans cut through the silence, faint and distant.

"Hang on, Kenji," Ren whispered to himself, his heart hammering in his chest. He wasn't far now, he could feel it. Every groan made his pulse quicken, driving him forward. Kenji was close. He had to be.

The corridor twisted and turned, each corner revealing nothing but more darkness. Occasionally, the dim light from an overhead bulb flickered, casting unsettling shadows across the stained walls. Ren's grip tightened around the knife in his hand, the weight of it grounding him as he forced himself to stay focused.

But as he moved deeper into the labyrinth of corridors, something gnawed at the edge of his thoughts. The groans, they weren't getting louder. They stayed just out of reach, echoing off the walls, distorted by the maze-like hallways. It was almost like they were leading him somewhere.

A cold shiver ran down Ren's spine, but he pushed the thought aside. He couldn't afford to doubt. Kenji needed him.

He rounded another corner, the narrow hall suddenly widening into a large, open space. Ren slowed to a stop, his breath catching in his throat.

Ahead of him, barely illuminated by a single flickering light, was a massive, empty warehouse. The floor stretched out endlessly in front of him, the walls lined with rusted metal beams that disappeared into the darkness. The air was cold, and the silence was thick—too thick.

In the middle of the warehouse, slumped in a chair, was Kenji.

"Kenji!" Ren breathed, his legs moving before he could think. He rushed across the empty floor, his footsteps echoing loudly in the cavernous space.

Kenji's head hung low, his body limp, bound tightly to the chair. Blood stained his shirt, his knuckles bruised and raw, his face swollen and battered. His breathing was shallow, his groans weak, but he was alive.

"Kenji," Ren whispered as he dropped to his knees in front of him, his hands trembling as he reached out to lift Kenji's head. "I'm here. I've got you."

His eyes fluttered open, barely focusing on Ren. His lips moved, but the words came out slurred, broken. "Ren... trap..."

The word hit Ren like a punch to the gut. He froze, his hand on Kenji's shoulder, his heart skipping a beat.

A soft, mocking chuckle echoed through the warehouse.

The lights flickered, and then flared to life, harsh and blinding. Ren squinted, his grip on the knife tightening instinctively as the room was suddenly illuminated. Doors around the perimeter of the warehouse slammed shut with a deafening clang, trapping him inside.

From the shadows, Valen stepped forward, his movements slow, deliberate, his smile sharp and predatory. His goons emerged from the darkness, surrounding Ren and Kenji in a loose circle, their eyes gleaming with malice.

"Well, well," Valen purred, his voice smooth and dripping with satisfaction. "You humans are so predictable."

Ren stood slowly, his heart pounding in his chest, his body tense. The knife in his hand felt small, useless, but he gripped it tighter, refusing to let go. "Let him go," Ren growled, his voice low and furious.

Valen's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. "Oh, I think not. You see, Kenji here is very important to me. He's been so helpful..."

Kenji groaned weakly, his head lolling to the side. Ren's pulse raced, fear and rage swirling inside him, but Valen's mocking laughter cut through his thoughts.