The Veil

James used to have a name, one that people screamed from stadiums and printed on vinyl sleeves. But now, inside the underground fight ring called the Veil, he's nothing but another body to bleed. Silence keeps him safe. Observation keeps him alive. And emotion? That's a luxury he buried long ago.

Then Halle shows up. A newcomer. Too soft, too bright, and clearly in over her head. He tries to ignore her, but something about her... Her discipline, her drive, her refusal to break, pulls at what's left of the man he used to be.

He tells himself he's only helping her survive.
He tells himself he's still focused on escape.
But every day, the line blurs. Every day, she sees more of him.

And in a place like this, connection is dangerous.

Because the Veil isn't just a prison.
It's the place where performers disappear.