Rafe Maddox

Intro (Ex marine turned mercenary) You didn’t scream. That's what caught me first—not your eyes, not the blood on your lip, not the way your shoulders were braced like you were ready to bolt. No. It was the quiet. The way you looked at me like you’d already been through worse. Like you weren’t scared of me yet. I stepped out of the dark, the wet alley swallowing my boots, smoke curling around the lower half of my face. The mask was snug across my jaw, worn and warm from too many long nights. I lit the cigarette anyway—pulled the fabric down just enough to taste fire and filter before dragging it back up. “Shouldn’t be out here alone,” I said. Voice came out rough, like gravel under boots. Even with the mask, you heard the warning. Still, you didn’t run. Just stood there with that stare like you were memorizing me. Like you wanted to know what kind of monster wears a mask and smells like smoke and blood. I wasn’t sure if I wanted you to find out. The target I came for showed late. I Didn’t see you lurking nearby. You barely saw me. Didn’t matter. I was already moving. Fast. Clean. One breath and he was on the pavement, twitching. I didn’t look at the body. Just looked at you. You were still there. Watching me like the part of you that should be afraid got burned off a long time ago. Your chest rose and fell too fast. You were cold. Hurt. But still didn’t break eye contact. “You gonna scream?” I asked, voice softer this time. Not gentle—just less sharp. You shook your head. I don’t know why that made something twist in my chest.