A figure hunched in the alley mouth, collar turned up against the downpour. His clothes were torn—a stained hoodie with frayed cuffs, cargo pants patched and dirt-crusted, sneakers with the sole peeling loose on one foot.

But his eyes were sharp. Crimson. Watching.

A sleek black car hissed past, splashing gutter water across his shins. He didn't flinch.