Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Unexpected Guests
Thick tobacco smoke clawed its way into my throat. I held my breath, letting it burn in my lungs before exhaling slowly. My eyes drifted open, locking onto the second-story window of the crumbling building across the alley — a familiar sight of an abandoned residential house on the outskirts of Zaun.
Another drag left me lightheaded — these cigarettes, expensive as they were, justified every coin spent.
A faint noise caught my attention, and I strained to discern it through the hum of the evening city. Footsteps. Quick, uneven. Someone was running my way.
Two boys, barely out of their teens, skidded into the alley beneath my balcony. I stepped back from the railing, trying to stay unnoticed.
- You idiot, this is a dead end! — the blond-haired boy gasped.
The other, slightly taller boy, yanked off his backpack and tossed it through a broken window in the building across the street. I saw it land on the ground floor and slide into the empty room from my vantage point.
- Trust me, it’s fine, — the second boy blurted quickly.
Before I could blink, two Enforcers turned the corner, heading straight for them.
I crouched behind the rusted balcony railing, my pulse quickening. The last thing I needed was for those vultures to spot me and drag me in as a witness.
Shouts and the sounds of scuffling followed. I couldn’t believe the boys had the guts to take swings at men in uniform. Brave, but stupid. They were as good as dead.
Their cries and shouts grew fainter as the Enforcers dragged them away. Well, nothing I could do about it... I’m not the type to stick my neck out for random street rats, especially when Enforcers are involved.
Their resistance didn’t last. The scuffle died away, swallowed by the low hum of Zaun’s distant machinery. I stood up and glanced at the now-empty street, my gaze lingering on the backpack the boy had thrown into the room. What could be inside? Something valuable enough to risk that kind of trouble? Maybe it could cover tomorrow’s dinner—or even a new book.
Relighting my cigarette, which had gone out, I made my way down the spiral staircase of my building. This place had been my home for three years, though “home” might be a stretch when you’re squatting.
Climbing through the shattered window on the ground floor, I found the backpack resting in the middle of the room. I hesitated, inspecting it with cautious fingers before unzipping it.
A blinding purple light spilled out, cutting through the dimness like a knife. Shimmer? Seriously? The room seemed to hum faintly as I stared at the backpack contents: there must be over thirty vials in here—this was worth a good price. This wasn’t some petty loot: this was the solution.
Looks like my brother will be happy tomorrow—I’ll pay him a visit with unexpected presents.
My knock on the wooden door echoed down the hallway, bouncing off the peeling walls. Without waiting for an answer, I stepped inside. Muriel, lounging on the couch, glanced at me before going back to whatever book he was staring at.
- Wow, didn’t think I’d see you so soon, — he said with fake enthusiasm.
- This is your lucky day, bro. I’m here to settle my debt.
That got his attention. He sat up, his brown eyes narrowing as they locked on mine.
- Already? How the hell did you get the money in just one day?
I sat down in the chair by his desk, placing the backpack between us and unzipping it, revealing the Shimmer vials.
- No, — Muriel snapped. — No, no, I’m not touching that. Are you insane? Do you even know who makes this stuff? — He shot up from the couch and started pacing the room.
I was confused by his sudden reaction, so I asked, - What’s the problem?
- That gang? The one making this? It’s Silco’s. The guy’s a complete psycho. He’ll kill anyone who messes with his operation, no questions asked. — His panicked expression reminded me of Mom’s when she used to scold me.
- As if that means anything to me, — I scoffed. — All I know is you can sell this for a hell of a lot of money.
- I sell crystals and gas, but I’m not touching Shimmer, — he said firmly, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
I studied him, leaning back in my chair. For someone supposedly in the business, Muriel lacked any real bite.
- You don’t get it. If you sell this, you won’t have to share the profits with Finn, — I said, my tone calm but insistent. — Just give it to your guys and tell them to push it into District X, where Shimmer hasn’t shown up yet, and they can sell it without fear of being caught. Your little crew can handle it in a week or less, and you’re in profit.
Muriel lowered his gaze to the floor, lost in thought, his jaw tightening as he glanced at the bag. I could see the gears turning in his head.
Why am I even giving him my ideas? No wonder Finn kept him around—probably liked how easy he was to manipulate.
- This could be a good idea, — he finally said. — Your debt’s forgiven. — Muriel slouched back onto the couch, though the tension was still visible in his body.
- Fantastic, — I said, rising from the chair, but he stopped me with a question.
- Wait, where did you even get this stuff from?
I told him the truth about the boys and the Enforcers.
- And you’re sure nothing can trace this back to you?
A chill ran down my spine. I realized I should’ve transferred the vials to another bag before walking here.
- I’m sure, — I lied.
A long day apprenticing under the artist was finally over, and I was heading home. Despite the exhaustion, I felt good—every day in that workshop was a gift. Aya would’ve been proud of me for finally chasing my dream craftmanship. Too bad she didn’t live to see it.
My thoughts drifted between memories of my late friend and the simple question of what I might have for dinner as I walked toward the familiar alley and climbed the creaky stairs to my room.
I closed the door behind me with a click, and as I pulled off my cloak, the scent of stale air and cold brick filled the space. I was making my way to the kitchen when suddenly, I heard the distinct click of a lighter behind me.
Instinctively, my hand reached for the heavy plate on the table. I spun around, ready to throw it, but froze at the sound of a calm, measured baritone:
— I’d strongly advise against doing anything that might make Sevika snap you in half.
There, sitting on my couch, was a man. The dim light barely revealed his figure, but I could make out a bright orange glow where his left eye should have been. It was unnerving.
I glanced at the door, and my stomach dropped. A tall woman stood there—how had I missed such a mountain of muscle when I entered? I released the plate. With my size and build, I had no chance against her.
— Please, sit down, dear thief. I’d like to talk with you, — the man said, gesturing to the chair across from him with a long, slender hand.
I hesitated, my heart hammering in my chest. But his calm tone kept me from freezing. I slowly approached the chair and, keeping my eyes on the man, sat down.
From this distance, through the smoke of his cigar, I could make out his features: pale, grayish skin marred by scars that stretched from his lips to his forehead on the left side of his face, a long nose with a sharp ridge, hollowed cheeks, and stern brows. His right eye was gray and cold; the left appeared to be some kind of black glass with a reddish-orange pupil. I’d never seen an implant like that before. Whoever he was, he had access to top-tier craftsmen.
He took another long drag from the cigar, exhaling smoke toward me. My chest tightened, the air suddenly feeling heavier.
— That was extremely foolish—stealing that package. Even more careless to walk the streets with it, where my eyes are watching.
His gaze swept over me, deliberate, confident. It wasn’t just a warning—it was a statement.
If this was the man Muriel warned me about, I had a feeling I knew how to handle him.
— Well, — I forced myself to sound casual, — it wasn’t all that smart to hire kids who can’t even run from Enforcers.
His lips curled into a smirk, but it was nothing like a smile.
— I’m afraid you don’t fully grasp the scale of the actions happening around you. Everything has a reason, and everything has consequences. — He brought the cigar to his thin lips and took another slow drag, savouring the moment. He exhaled the smoke like he was toying with me.
— Your actions have disrupted my plans. So I want to know what you did with the contents of that bag and take the necessary measures.
I could feel the sweat forming on the back of my neck as I tensed up. A crazy idea popped into my head, but I needed time to think it through.
— I gave it to my brother. He’s a dealer. I told him to sell the Shimmer in District X—your people haven’t hit that area yet. You could say I’ve helped expand your business, Silco.
For a split second, his expression flickered—whether in shock or admiration for my audacity, I couldn’t tell. But there was something in his gaze, something that suggested he was weighing my words carefully.
— Expand my territory, you say? — His voice was slow and thoughtful. — And what’s the gain for you in this?
His tone was probing, testing me, daring me to slip.
I leaned back slightly, trying to sound composed, but my heart was pounding too loudly in my ears. — Maybe I’m tired of living in my brother’s shadow, of watching him screw things up with his half-baked decisions, — I blurted out, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. My breath was ragged, and I felt exposed, but I couldn’t take it back now.
Silco’s gaze bore into me, cold and sharp, laced with curiosity and suspicion. I fought to keep my composure, even as my palms began to sweat.
— Tired of living in the shadow, you say? — He stretched the words, savouring their taste. — So, what are you after, then? Influence? Money? Or perhaps… power?
His voice, smooth as silk, wrapped around the space like a tightrope. The room seemed to shrink as his words filled it, and I couldn’t help but feel like he already knew the answers but wanted me to say them out loud.
I sucked in a breath, the air thick with tension.
— It’s time to admit to myself that his partnership with Finn has been driving me crazy for a while. — I muttered, almost embarrassed at how much truth I was letting slip.
— Finn had the chance to take over all of Zaun after Vendor’s death, but he wasted it on selling drugs instead. It irritates me—such wasted potential.
I exhaled, gauging Silco’s reaction. He was still listening, his attention unwavering, so I pressed on.
— And my brother? He never deserved the opportunities he was handed. He didn’t earn any of it. That’s why I thought maybe I could grab the attention of someone competent with my little stunt and offer him a partnership.
— A partnership? — he chuckled, leaning back on the couch, draping his long arms over the backrest lazily. — And what exactly can you offer me?
I glanced at the woman by the door, still standing so still she seemed almost invisible. Her silence only added to the looming pressure in the room.
— Mind if I smoke? — I asked, stalling for time as my brain worked furiously to cobble together a plan.
Sevika turned her gaze to Silco, and he nodded ever so slightly. I slowly pulled a cigarette from my black cigarette case and gestured for a light.
Silco leaned forward with a fluid movement, gracefully flicking the lighter on and holding it to my cigarette.
I moved closer, to his hand, taking a drag longer than necessary, studying his fingers. The delicate yet powerful control he had over the lighter—it was almost mesmerizing.
The flame from the lighter illuminated his face, casting harsh shadows that made his scars stand out, as if they were reminders of some forgotten war. I couldn't help but wonder—what happened to him?
- I can give you Finn, — finally, after a long pause, I said. — I’ve got a plan, but it could be tweaked a little to your liking.
His gaze, slow and intense, slid over me from bottom to top, as though testing my strength. Under his stare, I felt like I was under a microscope. The air between us felt thicker, charged, and I couldn’t help but shift slightly, as though his gaze was a tangible force pressing against me.
- You must have known where the kids left the backpack. That means they were let go by Enforcers. Given how they love locking up anyone who dares lay a finger on them, I’d guess you’ve got some connections among them.
For a moment, surprise flickered across Silco’s face before it melted into a calculating, focused look. Was I imagining it, or did I just catch a hint of admiration there?
- You could tip the Enforcers off about Finn. They’d be thrilled to arrest any Zaunite thug to boost their stats, and you’d have one less competitor. After that, Finn’s men will be scrambling for a new roof over their heads— I quickly took a drag from my cigarette, exhaled, and added, — And that’s where I come in.
- You? — he asked, raising a sharp brow.
- Exactly. I’ll admit, my relationship with my brother is strained, but that idiot trusts me. If I whisper to him that someone stronger than Finn is looking for dealers to push Shimmer, he’ll jump at the chance. I can also find out Finn’s location and plans through him. Then, using my brother, I’ll feed Finn false intel that’ll land him right in the Enforcers’ hands. As you can see, there’s a lot to work with here, but my idea is clear.
- Hm... — a thoughtful hum rumbled from his chest, then a half-smile tugged at the corners of his thin lips.
- You do seem like a resourceful individual. I think I can give you a chance.
I mentally exhaled, but my heart was still racing.
Shifting his tone to something warmer, he stubbed out his cigar in the ashtray on the table and stood up from the couch. The air between us shifted with his movement—he was no longer just a figure looming in the shadows, but a real, immediate presence.
Silco moved slowly across the room towards the window, his every step measured. My eyes followed his lean, tall figure. I caught myself thinking that he had a beautiful body. How old was he? In his forties, maybe? But he looked damn good. Why am I even noticing this?
- However, you’ll still have to pay for that stolen shipment of Shimmer, — he said, turning back toward me, his eyes dark and steady. — How do you plan on doing that?
I opened my mouth, but nothing came to mind. Suddenly, a raspy voice from the corner of the room almost made me jump.
- I found her money in the other room.
- Damn, I forgot about you, — I blurted out. Turns out she can talk after all.
Sevika stepped forward, pulling out my pouch of silver coins from under her cloak.
- We’ll be taking this from you, — she said, her voice as icy as her gaze.
The excitement from the potential easy outcome of the situation turned into disappointment. These were my last savings… I took a deep breath, stubbed out my cigarette, and looked up at Silco.
- A small price to pay for working with the rising power of Zaun, — I shot back, trying to sound calm, though my chest felt tight, the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
His figure moved toward me, his long strides smooth and deliberate. He came to a stop just a step away, so close that I could feel the heat of his presence. His serious gaze bored into my face, and suddenly I felt something tighten in my chest. I should have felt threatened, but instead... I felt an unsettling sense of anticipation.
- I’ll grant you a credit of trust, but don’t expect such favours in the future. Otherwise, you’ll find out about things that make a Piltover prison cell seem like a vacation, — he whispered, his voice low, as though testing my resolve.
- I understand, — I replied quietly.
He pulled a paper card from his pocket, holding it between his slender fingers and extended it toward me. It read: Last Drop Bar VIP.
- I’ll be waiting for you there in a couple of days. Show the card at the entrance, and they’ll take you where you need to go. Keep in mind, I expect useful information.
I tossed the card onto the coffee table among the other items.
- I hope you’ll be waiting for me eagerly? — Immediately, my brain screamed at me for such a stupid comment, but to my surprise, Silco matched my tone. He leaned in, so close I could feel the whisper of his breath as he spoke.
- Oh, I will. It’s a date.
His lips curled into a mocking smile that sent a jolt through me, before he turned and moved for the door. I froze, unable to move. Was that flirting? Or just a joke? And why the hell did I want it to be the first?
The door clicked shut behind him and Sevika, and I was left alone in the smoke-filled room. After a few seconds of confusion, I finally stood up from the chair and grabbed at the short hair on the sides of my head.
I had either just made the worst mistake since breaking things off with Aya—or the best deal of my life.