Yuri's POV
My head was pounding.
My wrists burned against the rope.
Voices. Gunshots. Shouting.
So they came.
Of course they came.
Through the chaos, I could hear Keifer's voice somewhere in the distance. Sharp. Furious.
I tried twisting my wrists again.
Nothing.
The rope was tight against the pillar.
"Come on…" I muttered under my breath.
A gunshot echoed closer.
Metal clanged.
Someone screamed.
Then I felt it.
A presence behind me.
Soft.
Careful.
Not one of Sienna's loud, stomping men.
I went still.
"Who's there?" I asked quietly.
A whisper came right near my ear.
"Shhh. You rooster. Shhh."
I rolled my eyes despite everything.
"Eli."
A pause.
"How did you know?"
I smirked slightly. "Only you call me rooster."
He stepped into view, crouching slightly behind me.
Same calm expression.
Same relaxed posture.
Like this was a casual afternoon visit.
"Hello, Eli," I said flatly. "Do you realize there's a fight going on?"
"Yes," he replied calmly. "I noticed the bullets flying. Very dramatic atmosphere."
I stared at him.
"Are you going to untie me or commentate?"
He tilted his head. "I was observing your survival skills. So far, you have excellent rope-holding technique."
"Eli."
"You know," he continued casually, inspecting the rope, "my company might need a new mascot. Why don't you apply? Strong posture. Very loyal expression."
"Eli."
"Okay, okay," he sighed dramatically. "I get it. You are the famous Yuri Hanamitcchi."
"I swear—"
He chuckled softly.
Then I lowered my voice.
"Eli."
He stopped joking.
"What?"
"Keifer needs help."
He blinked once. "Huh?"
"Look."
He turned slightly.
And there it was.
Keifer fighting three men at once.
One with a knife rushing toward him.
Another holding his leg.
Sand flying into his eyes.
Eli's expression changed.
The humor vanished.
"Oh," he said quietly. "That is inconvenient."
He pulled out his knife instantly and began cutting the rope around my wrists.
"Hurry up," I muttered.
"I'm trying," he replied calmly, though his movements were fast and precise.
The rope loosened slightly.
Gunshot.
Another shout.
Keifer punched someone again.
The knife was getting closer.
"Eli."
"I said I'm trying."
The rope snapped.
Finally.
I dropped forward, catching myself quickly.
My wrists stung, but I ignored it.
I looked around fast.
Gun.
On the ground.
One of the men had dropped it.
I grabbed it.
Keifer was still blinded, trying to fight off the man holding his leg.
The knife guy was almost on him.
I aimed.
Steady.
Breathe.
Shot.
The man with the knife dropped instantly.
Keifer blinked, confused.
The grip on his leg loosened.
Eli stepped forward, finishing off the other man smoothly with his knife.
Keifer looked up at us.
Sand still in his eyes.
"Nice."
I gave him a small nod.
Then he turned immediately and ran back toward the crane.
Of course he did.
Jay.
Everything always circled back to Jay.
I glanced at Eli.
He smirked slightly.
"Rooster," he said softly, "next time, try not to get tied up. It ruins your image."
I picked up another gun from the ground.
"Next time," I replied, "try arriving earlier."
He chuckled.
Then we turned back toward the chaos.
The war wasn't over yet.
But now?
Now it was even.
End of Chapter.