Chapter I
⚠ This story contains scenes of violence and explores unstable and disturbing psychologies. Not recommended for sensitive readers. ⚠
PROLOGUE:
Kaël is our protagonist. Divorced for nearly a year now, he still doesn’t know why. Catherine, his ex-wife, left without a word, without a note. Just a billionaire by her side. Probably a “better match.”
BUT! She did leave him a gift… or a burden. After all, it’s pretty much the same thing.
Her gift? Two mouths to feed — plus his niece’s. A wonderful present when you’re drowning in debt.
He’s trying to move on, to get back on his feet. Despite working eighteen hours a day, he barely manages to fill his tiny fridge. In fact, everything about his life is small: the dining table, the oven, the counter, the armchair… even his salary.
It’s sad. But it’s not over. Because our Kaël is going to become a man… or a mercenary of great renown. It’s up to him to decide.
It was a cold, snowy night in December. I had just finished my workday and was heading home. The streets of Kensington in winter looked like an open-air dump, and to celebrate Christmas, the whole neighborhood seemed to have decided to get high.
When I got home, I was welcomed by that beautiful lamp which, on its own, lit up the entire living room. When it was on, it looked like a mosaic. It was strangely beautiful.
“Good evening, uncle!”
“Good evening, Dad!” they said in unison.
“Good evening, kids!”
My niece offered me something to eat. I nodded silently, and as I sat in front of my dinner, a small silence settled.
“Kids… Dad’s going to have to come home later, alright? But Ambre will take good care of you,” I said with a faint, sad smile.
Tears began to roll down their rosy cheeks. I pulled them into my arms.
“Shhh…” I tried to calm them. “I’ll kiss you goodnight when I get back.”
After that, I went to bed, my mind tormented. I had no choice, and only twenty-four months to repay everything. Eventually, exhaustion took over, and I fell asleep.
I had a restless night and barely slept.
I threw on whatever I could find and went outside to get some air. Once outside, I headed into a small wooded area. I had barely stepped in when I heard cries of distress.
I started jogging, straining my ears to locate the sound. I was getting closer and closer; the voices became clearer.
I could make out a man’s voice. The screams grew sharper. I saw a silhouette, then two. As their faces became clearer, I recognized my niece.
I froze.
Doubt and hesitation held me in place. I saw the man move one hand toward his pants and the other toward my niece. My fists clenched, my throat tightened, and my breathing grew heavier.
I didn’t know what to do. Call the police… or handle it myself, despite my physical weakness…
Time was running out. I decided to take matters into my own hands.
“Hey, bastard!”
Once I had his attention, my whole body tensed.
What now?
My body went into autopilot.
I rushed at him. Somehow, I ended up with my knee on his chest, preventing him from breathing.
My fists seemed drawn to his face. His only reaction was to laugh at me. As if my blows only reached his body… as if a part of him couldn’t be touched by them.
That made me even angrier.
My body grew more and more violent, until a voice pulled me out of that trance.
“Uncle… stop… you’re going to kill him…”
Her words were mixed with sobs and tears.
I stepped back from what was left of the man to look at the horrific sight: his blood-covered face lying on the ground.
How could I have done something like that?
And where did that strength come from?
