The Blades and The Gauntlets [Vi x fem!oc]

Chapter IV: The Knife

Vi's heart pounded as she sat alone on a wooden chair in Benzo's shop, the weight of her decision pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket. She had chosen to give herself up to the enforcers, hoping to end the chaos that had engulfed her family and the Lanes. But now, as the minutes ticked by, doubt began to gnaw at the edges of her resolve.

The first faint sound of footsteps reached her ears, growing louder with each passing second. She stood up from the chair she had dragged from behind the counter, her fists clenched and ready, elbows tight to her sides. She waited, every step echoing like a heartbeat in her chest. A shadow appeared outside the glass door, casting an ominous green hue through the cracked pane.

Fear churned within her, but she knew she had to see this through. Her only regret was dragging them into this mess, a mistake she was determined to rectify.

The door creaked open, and Vi's heart skipped a beat. She tightened her fists, knuckles white as she prepared for whatever was about to walk through that door. Her breath came shallow, adrenaline sharpening her focus.

But as the figure stepped into the dim light, Vi's fists slowly lowered. It wasn't an enforcer. It was Vander, with Mila close behind him, both of them looking as if they'd just sprinted through the Undercity to reach her.

"Vander?" Vi's voice was mixed with confusion. The older man's eyes flicked to her, and he sighed heavily. "We don't have much time." he muttered under his breath. Benzo appeared behind them, just arriving on the scene.

Vi couldn't help but notice the fear across Mila's face. Her chest tightened with a storm of conflicting emotions. How could Mila, of all people, not understand what she was trying to do? Frustration bubbled up, threatening to spill over. "How did you find me?"

Vander approached Vi with deliberate steps, his gaze softening as he reached her. He grasped her shoulders gently. "I'm proud of you," he said, his voice full of love and warmth, in stark contrast to the worry on his face. "Of both of you." He glanced at Mila, who stood silently in the corner, nervously watching the windows.

His words broke through her turmoil, and she looked at him with disbelief. He gestured for her to come closer. "I always have been."

"I'm... sorry, this is the only way to protect the others." Vi's fists, once clenched tightly, now held Vander's hands, not to push him away, but to draw him closer, to draw strength from him, as if his presence could make everything right again.

"Vander!" Benzo spoke near the window frame. They were here.

Vander's eyes softened further as he looked at her, squeezing her shoulders gently. "You've got a good heart, Vi," he said, his voice low and full of paternal warmth. "Don't ever lose it. No matter how the world tries to break you. Protect the family."

His grip tightened, pulling her into a protective embrace. She tried to ask him what was happening, what could happen, but the words died in her throat as he pushed her back, throwing her through a door that slammed shut behind her. "No! Vander!" she cried, pounding on the door, but it wouldn't budge.

He turned his attention to Mila, who stood frozen, wide-eyed. He could see the fear on her face, and it only strengthened whatever decision was on his mine. He had to protect them, even if it meant sacrificing himself.

"Mila," he said urgently, barely above a whisper. Without waiting for her to respond, he grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him, shielding her with his large frame. He positioned himself between her and the door where the enforcers would soon enter.

Mila's breath hitched as she realized what he was doing. "Vander, no-" she began, her voice trembling with fear and frustration. But before she could finish, he turned just enough for her to catch the look in his eyes - steadfast, unyielding.