"I need a cigarette," Alex muttered, scowling out the window. His hands twitched with the urge to light up, but he knew better.Roberto, seated beside him in the limo, silently offered his cigarette case, opening it with a casual flick. Without turning, Alex waved it away. Alejandro had been a man of peculiar habits, and Alex had learned quickly after inhabiting his body that one of those habits was an absolute loyalty to his own brand of custom-made cigarettes. They were rich, luxurious, and carried a distinctive scent that set them apart from anything else. They cost an obscene amount to produce, and Alejandro never offered them to anyone. Now, Alex had to maintain those same eccentricities, especially in front of Roberto. But exhaustion was gnawing at him. He needed sleep, and more urgently, he needed a cigarette to calm his frayed nerves. His thoughts raced, and his body felt tense, even as he fought to keep his outward appearance calm and collected.Across from him, Pietro glar

The rain fell heavily, each drop hitting the ground like a drumbeat in the night. Thunder rolled in the distance, and lightning flashed, briefly lighting up the empty landscape. Below the surface, Alex struggled against the weight of the earth pressing down on him, but he was determined to escape.With a burst of strength, he pushed his hand through the mud, desperately reaching for freedom. The cold, wet dirt clung to him as he pulled himself up, emerging from the grave like someone starting anew. The rain poured over him, washing away the dirt from his burial but not the anger building inside him.Memories rushed back to him—the betrayal by James and John, who had buried him alive, thinking they were rid of him. But they were mistaken. He was very much alive, fueled by the desire for revenge and the words of Alejandro echoing in his mind: “Maximize your potential. Don’t die.”Alex paused to catch his breath, soaked in rain and mud. His body hurt, but the need for vengeance drove him

Alex stood over Roberto, the rat still dangling ominously from his hand. Roberto’s breathing was erratic, his face drenched with sweat. Desperation overtook him."Wait, wait, wait!" Roberto's voice cracked, frantic. "I'll tell you everything—about the Morellos, about Theresa—everything you want to know."Alex cocked his head, the rat twitching in his grip. His eyes narrowed. "Everything?"Roberto gulped, sweat dripping down his temples. He nodded fervently, trembling. "Yes. Everything."Alex stared down at him for a long time, assessing the situation. Roberto wasn’t just afraid of dying; he was terrified of the rats, of what Alex could do to him with those vicious creatures."Alright." Alex sighed, drawing out a chair and sitting down before the chained man. He still held the rat in one hand, casually swinging it. "I’ve got a lot of questions. You better give me some really good answers."<