Cassian was more than Viper's father's right hand—he was Viper's brother in everything but blood. From the moment Viper was old enough to walk into a war room, Cassian was there, teaching him how to survive in a world built on blood and betrayal. They had each other's backs, through heists, wars, and whispered threats from rival cartels.
But when Elara's pregnancy was discovered, Viper's father made a demand that shattered everything.
"Kill her," he ordered.
Cassian was torn. He had always obeyed, always followed the rules of the empire that raised him. But Elara wasn't just another target—she was carrying Viper's child, and Cassian couldn't be the man who ended that story before it even began.
So he let her go. Helped her vanish without a trace. He thought Viper would understand. Instead, Viper burned with betrayal.
"You let her go—alone?!" Viper had shouted, grief turning to rage. "You should've brought her to me! You should've told me!"
Viper never forgave him—not for sparing her, but for keeping the secret. For letting Elara disappear into a cruel world without protection.
And then, as if fate hadn't twisted the knife deep enough, Viper's father took Cassian's love—the one person who made the darkness feel bearable—and made her bleed in front of him. A message. A punishment.
Cassian shattered.
When the old man finally died, Cassian didn't stay. He left the ruins of a life built on loyalty and pain and swore never to serve another man's dream. Instead, he carved out his own empire—merciless, cunning, and dominant.
And the first name on his list?
Leon.
Because Leon was Viper's pride. And Cassian had run out of mercy.