The cell was small, cold, and silent. Gian Kayne sat on a metal bench, cuffs still biting his wrists. The echo of the police van's engine and the crowd outside haunted him.
He had protected Gormon City for years. He had faced gang lords, killers, and even corrupt politicians. But this… this felt different.
"The one you trust will kill you."
"Your wings will burn. Your crown will fall."
Both warnings echoed in his mind. He had ignored them for too long.
The door clanged. A guard pushed a tray of food through the slot. Gian didn't touch it. He didn't eat. He had bigger battles to think about—battles no one else could see yet.
Rico appeared a few hours later. His young face was pale, eyes full of worry.
"Boss… I snuck in," he whispered, glancing nervously at the camera mounted in the corner. "I couldn't let them take you like this without saying something."
Gian's gaze softened briefly. "Rico… stay safe. They're watching everyone close to me."
Rico shook his head. "I don't care. I'll fight for you."
Gian clenched his fists. "Good. I need you to remember everything. Every move, every face. Nothing should surprise us."
A sharp sound from the hallway made them both flinch.
"Next court session is tomorrow," a guard barked, before walking away.
Tomorrow. Just one day, and the city would judge him. Millions would watch. Everyone would decide if he was a hero… or a monster.
Gian closed his eyes. He remembered the thug's warning, the sniper, the black-robed man, the red letter. Each piece of the puzzle clicked in his mind.
This wasn't just a trial. It was a trap.
And traps were made to break heroes.
Outside, the city buzzed. Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted. People debated in the streets. Some cheered for the Demon Angel. Others demanded justice for the alleged victim.
Inside the cell, Gian Kayne felt the first real weight of isolation. He had always stood above the city, protected it. Now, the city stood above him—judging, accusing, deciding.
And he realized something cold, sharp, and undeniable:
He would have to survive this.
No one would help him. No one would save him.
Only him.