1 hestated for a proment before nodding.
Shadow should have inferred from my pointing out the problems with his moturrycle at the time that I knew something about racing
Inf, he let right.
Before I married Les, I was a professional racer.
“Yeah, Lean race. But why should I help you?
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, fluffy cat keychain.
was so out of place in this emaronment that I couldn’t help but smile.
“If you win,” he said, hobling it out to me, “you can have this.”
I looked at the keychain, then back at him unable to suppress a laugh.
It
was such
range contrast–the tough, cool guy with this adorable little trinket.
It made him seem almost human, a stark difference from the hardened racer persons he was trying to project.
Before I could respond, a loud voice cut through our cum
“Hey, tough guy! You really think
d’s gonna win for your
The muscular man had stepped forward, his voire laced with n
smockery
“You must be desperate if you’re relying on someone who dont even look like the knows how to drive
I turned to face him, unfazed by his modra,
“What exactly are you betting no 7
The manner widened.
Your friend here mined with the
ho’s plate. If he loses the boss takes his leg”
kened as I processed his words.
Shadow qarkly jumped in, trying to explam.
“They were harassing a girl on the street. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
, so I challenged them to a race. But they didn’t play fair. They got few hits in and usessed up my hand. Thats when I thought of you.”
A young woman stepped out from beband Shadow
rys were red and puffy, like
She wore plasses and
“Is this true?”
studious appearance, so different from the rough crowd around us
I asked, my voice softening as I looked i
She nodded her vuce trembling as she
“They wouldn’t leave me alone. He stepped in to help.”
Iturbed back to Allen, my mind mada
you. But I’m holding on to this keychain until after I win.”
The Luna Marked with Lies. The Queen Crowned by Revenge
Laughter. Their disbelief obvious
They didn’t think I stood a chance.
“Good luck, sweetheart the musicular man jeereit
groting them, I stepped up in the Shadow had been standing by earlier.
It was clear they had all inced on
They knew every twist and firm by heart.
- however, was new to this game.
“I need to do a couple of laps first,” I said, looking at the muscular mai
He smirked “Tine. That don’t take too long. We don’t have all night,”
As I climbed into the driver’s seat, Shadow leaned in through the window, his expression serious.
“Listen
you don’t have to do this. I
If it gets too dangerous, just back off. Your safety cr
I nodded, appreciating his concern.
“I be fine. Just tell me what to watch out for.”
He quickly pointed out the most challenging parts of the track, places where the road narrowed or where sharp turns could easily send a car crashing into the walls.
I listened carefully, committing each detail to memury.
As I drove around the track, I could feel the tension in the air,
The other racers watched me closely, some with doubt, others with curiosity.
But I focused on the road, visualizing the race ahead, mapping out the best routes in my mind
When I returned to the starting line, Shadow was waiting for me.
He handed me his helmet, his gaze steady
“Good luck,” he said quietly.
1 smiled at him, then pulled the helmet on
“Thanks, Ill need .
The other racers had parked their cars on the sides of the track, making way for the main event.
The crowd grew silent, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.
The muscular man climbed into his red sports car, his eyes gleaming with confidence
I could tell he thought this race would be an easy win.
I lined up beside him, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
My heart was pounding, but I pushed the fear aside, focusing on the task at hamil.
A woman stood at the starting line, a flag in her hands.
She raised it high, and with a sharp whistle, her arms dropped, signaling the start of the race,
The moment the flag fell, both of us slammed on the gas, our cars shooting forward like bullets.
The red car took the lead immediately, the driver’s
Dority with the trek giving him the advament
He weaved through the narrow streets with ease, Bis car lonering the sealls on each tora.
The crowd cheered, impressed by lila skill
But I wasn’t far behind.
I pushed the car to its limits, accelerating on every straight stretch, diely closing the gap between ne
The thell of the rare took over, my front replaced by a fierce determination to win
As the race progressed, the gap between us narrowed until we were almost neck anel neck
The crowd’s cheers grew louder, their excitement palpable.
1 kept my eyes fixed on the car ahead of me, its taillights glowing dianly as it held its position just half a car length in front of me
I was aching to close the gap, to accelerate and overtake him in the upcoming straight stretch.
But something felt off
