The air inside the warehouse was thick with tension. The dim light barely cut through the shadows, but it was enough for Skyler to see him—Ocean—lying crumpled on the cold ground, drenched in blood. His shirt was torn, his skin marred with cuts, and his face pale as the last remnants of his strength slipped away.
But that wasn't the only thing Skyler saw.
Standing over Ocean's fragile body, a sick smile twisted on his face, was Fain. His eyes gleamed with a sadistic satisfaction, a gleam so cold, so inhuman, that it made Skyler's stomach turn. Fain's hand hovered over Ocean, the blade in his grip still stained with blood, as if he was admiring his work.
Skyler's heart froze in his chest for one terrifying moment.
Then it happened.
His blood boiled, his vision turned red, and without another thought, Skyler surged forward, grabbing Fain by the collar with a force that shook the room.
"You bastard!" Skyler growled, his voice so low and deadly that even Day paused at the door.
Fain's grin widened, clearly enjoying the chaos he had caused. "Oh? So the prince finally arrived. A little too late, don't you think?" His voice was taunting, filled with vile malice.
Skyler didn't hesitate. His fist collided with Fain's face with a sickening crack, the force sending Fain stumbling backward. But Skyler didn't stop there. Rage fueled every motion as he slammed Fain against the wall, his grip tightening around the man's throat. He could hear the sound of blood rushing in his ears, the echo of Ocean's pained cries filling his mind.
"How dare you touch him!" Skyler roared, his hand trembling as he pulled Fain closer, fury seeping from every word. "Do you even understand what you've done? You'll pay for every cut, every bruise—everything."
Fain's laughter, broken and mocking, only made Skyler angrier. "Pay? Oh, Skyler... you think you're saving him? You were never there when it mattered. He's been mine to break since high school."
Another punch. This time, Skyler didn't hold back. Blood spilled from Fain's mouth, but the psychopath still smirked, relishing Skyler's uncontrollable wrath. Skyler slammed him again, the wall behind them cracking under the force. His vision blurred with rage, every instinct screaming to destroy the man who had hurt Ocean so deeply.
Just as Skyler's fist drew back for another strike, Day's voice cut through the haze.
"Skyler—stop." His brother's tone was sharp but calm. Day was kneeling beside Ocean, his jacket draped over Ocean's battered body, trying to cover the worst of his wounds. "Skyler, look at him. He needs you."
The words hit Skyler like a blow. His gaze shifted, and for the first time, he saw just how fragile Ocean looked—his body barely moving, his chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. His delicate features were stained with blood and tears, his shirt torn open, exposing the ugly marks of the blade that had cut into his skin.
Skyler's breath caught in his throat. Ocean. His Ocean.
He let go of Fain, who crumpled to the floor, coughing and wheezing. Skyler didn't even look back. All that mattered was the broken figure in Day's arms.
In two strides, Skyler was by Ocean's side, gently pulling him into his arms. His heart shattered at the sight of Ocean's bruised, bloodied face. His fingers trembled as he brushed a strand of hair from Ocean's forehead, whispering his name as if the sound could pull him back from the brink of unconsciousness.
"Ocean," Skyler whispered, his voice shaking with emotion. "I'm here. I'm so sorry... I'm here now."
Ocean didn't stir. His body was limp, and his skin was deathly pale. Skyler could feel the warmth of blood against his hands, and it was enough to send another wave of panic crashing over him. He pulled Ocean closer, cradling him like he was the most precious thing in the world. The anger that had fueled him moments ago was replaced with a bone-deep terror.
"I'm getting you out of here. Just stay with me. Please."
Day's hand rested on Skyler's shoulder, grounding him. "We need to move. Now."
Skyler didn't hesitate. His orders came fast and cold. "Burn this place to the ground. And take that bastard to the dungeon."
His men, knowing Skyler's fury, moved swiftly. They dragged Fain away without a word. He was barely conscious, but Skyler didn't care. His mind was on Ocean—his Ocean who was slipping away with every passing second.
Day stood, his jaw clenched as he watched the exchange. "I'll handle things here. Let's get Ocean to the hospital."
Skyler nodded, his heart pounding as he and Day rushed from the warehouse, Ocean cradled against his chest. He was so light, so small in his arms, and every step felt like it wasn't fast enough. Every second wasted felt like time slipping away, and Skyler's hands shook with fear as they reached the car.
The drive to the hospital was a blur. Skyler couldn't think, couldn't breathe. All he could do was hold Ocean closer, whispering to him to hang on, to stay with him. He watched the bloodstains spreading across his clothes, the cold fear wrapping around his heart like a vice.
His voice trembled as he spoke, more to himself than anyone else. "I won't let him go... I can't lose him."
Back at the warehouse...
Day stood over the smoldering remains of the building, watching as his men ensured no trace of Fain's torment was left behind. His jaw was set, his eyes cold as he turned to Fain, now cuffed and barely conscious in the back of one of their vehicles. He could still hear Skyler's words ringing in his ears.
"Take him to the dungeon," Skyler had ordered, his voice as lethal as a blade. "I'll deal with him myself."
Day's gaze darkened. He knew what Skyler had meant. Fain would wish for death long before Skyler was done with him. But that was for later. For now, all that mattered was getting Ocean back safely.
He turned away from the wreckage, walking toward the car that would take him to the hospital.
At the Hospital...
Skyler burst through the hospital doors, his voice cracking as he shouted for help. Doctors and nurses rushed to him, and soon Ocean was whisked away on a stretcher. But Skyler didn't move. He stood there, covered in Ocean's blood, staring at his empty hands.
The world around him felt distant, muted, like he was trapped in a nightmare he couldn't wake up from. His brother Day placed a hand on his shoulder, grounding him once more.
"We did everything we could," Day said quietly, his voice steady.
Skyler nodded, his throat tight. But no words came. He didn't need to speak. The war raging inside him—the guilt, the rage, the terror—it all shone in his eyes.
And as they stood there in that sterile hospital hallway, waiting for news, the only thing that kept Skyler from falling apart completely was the hope that Ocean would survive—that this wouldn't be the end.
TBC. 🩵
