Chapter 13: TWO ME’S, ONE PROBLEM

DANIEL'S POV

People always wonder how I have become so successful in the hard drug business. They whisper about it in dark corners, trying to figure out my secret. Some think I have powerful connections, others believe I am just lucky. They make up stories, crafting theories about how I rose to the top. But none of them know the truth.

Luck has nothing to do with it.

I tricked nature itself.

This world isn’t just a place for humans to live, work, and die. It is more than just land, water, and air. It is bound by forces that most people cannot see— forces that shape everything around us, guiding our lives in ways we do not understand. These forces are more than ideas; they are beings, real and powerful. They walk among us, unseen and unheard, yet always present.

Luck, Mistake, Lie, Truth, Death, Life, and many more. They are the invisible hands keeping the world in balance, whether we realize it or not.

And years ago, I made a deal with one of them— Mistake.

The deal was simple. I would live a life without ever making a single mistake. Every hijack, every drug deal, every decision I made would be perfect. No failures, no second chances needed. Every move would be calculated, precise, and successful. No errors, no missteps.

At first, it felt like a gift. I never failed. Everything I touched turned to gold. My business grew, my enemies fell, and I became untouchable. But it was not a gift. It was a curse, wrapped in the illusion of perfection.

Because in exchange for this flawless life, I was only given ten years to live.

After those ten years, I would die. No escape, no negotiations. My time would run out, and I would vanish from existence.

Mistake never told me the full price before sealing the deal. They tricked me, as their name suggests. And when I found out the truth, I was furious. I had spent my entire life building something that would only last a short time. I refused to accept it.

So I spent the next three years searching for a way out. I traveled to places most men would never dare to go. I sought knowledge hidden in the darkest corners of the world. I spoke to people who should not exist. And in the end, I found a way.

I do not speak of how. I do not share the details. But ever since that day, I have been untouchable. I walk through fire, and I do not burn. I should be dead with everything have gone through, but I am still here.

And tonight, I am preparing for war.

I step into the dimly lit room and scan my surroundings. The air is heavy with the scent of gunpowder and whiskey. My men are scattered around, checking weapons, making last-minute preparations. They are loyal, ruthless, and ready to kill at my command.

I turn to Scott, my second-in-command, and give him a simple order.

"Gather the men. Make sure everything is ready by tomorrow."

Scott nods without question and moves to carry out my instructions. Gideon and his men will not know what is coming for them. This attack has been planned to perfection just in seconfs in my mind— just like everything I do.

But just as I give the order, something shifts in the air.

A presence.

I know it before I even turn around.

I walk to my room and sit down, waiting. My hands rest on the armrests of the chair, my breathing slow and steady. I do not have to wait long. A few moments pass, and then, just as I expect, he appears.

Truth.

He does not knock. He does not announce his arrival. He simply appears, as if he has always been there. He looks human, but he is not. His presence is overwhelming, filling the room like an unbearable weight.

I meet his gaze without flinching. "Is there a problem?" My voice is steady, controlled.

Truth wastes no time. "Yes," he says, his voice cold and certain. "Your man, Scott, is working for Dog's Of Hell. He is a traitor."

I do not react. I do not blink. I have learned never to show emotions in moments like this. But inside, I am burning with fury.

Scott. My most trusted man. The one I have counted on for years. A traitor.

"I should kill him tonight," I say, my voice calm despite the storm inside me. "Put a bullet in his skull and watch the light leave his eyes."

"But you won’t," Truth interrupts.

I narrow my eyes. "Why not?"

Truth’s expression remains unreadable. "Because there is something bigger at play. You need to go to your hotel on 48th Street. There is a Truth you need to experience."

And just like that, he vanishes.

I take a deep breath, though my chest feels tight. I do not question Truth’s words. I have learned the hard way that ignoring him only leads to disaster. If he says there is something I need to see, then I will see it.

I arrive at the hotel, and the moment I step into the reception area, I notice something strange.

Nina, the receptionist, is staring at me like she has seen a ghost.

"What’s up?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.

She hesitates before answering. "Your hair…" she murmurs, frowning. "It looks longer than it was a few minutes ago."

My heartbeat quickens.

Marcus said the same thing this morning.

And that can only mean one thing.

The other me is here.

This is what Truth wanted me to know.

I keep my expression blank, my mind racing. "Can you remind me of the room I booked?" I asked.

Nina tilts her head, confused. Then she smiles. "Are you kidding? It’s boldly written on the keycard I gave you."

"I know," I reply sharply. "Just tell me."

Her smile fades. "Room 666."

Of course.

I nod and turn toward the elevator. As I step in, I tighten my grip on my gun. I know what is waiting for me upstairs. Someone is playing games with me. Perhaps Gideon, perhaps someone worse. Either way, they will die tonight.

The elevator ride feels painfully slow. I use the time to pull out my gun and clean it, making sure it is in perfect condition. A single mistake could cost me my life.

But I do not make mistakes. Not anymore.

When I reach the door, I do not hesitate. I knock.

Silence.

Then, the door creaks open.

And my blood runs cold.

Standing in front of me is someone who looks exactly like me.

Not just similar. Not just a twin.

Me.

I do not flinch. I do not move. But inside, my mind races.

What is this? A trick? A test? A setup?

I slowly raise my gun, my finger hovering over the trigger. "On your knees," I order, my voice calm but firm.

The other me does not move. Our eyes lock, and in them, I see something strange. Something too familiar.

For the first time in a long time, I do not know what comes next.

But one thing is certain.

Tonight, I am facing a Truth that even I might not be ready for.