The gym felt colder than usual.

Not the kind of cold that came from busted AC or winter drafts slipping through old windows; this was the kind that crawled under the skin, the kind Jesse Draconis had been feeling ever since Wolfy changed. Ever since The DreamMaster arrived. Ever since The DreamMaster said he was going after Kia Hans's son and Jesse William Draconis’s son.

He shook out his arms, trying to ignore the chill. The ring ropes creaked as Kratos Payne leaned against them, watching Jesse with that calm, steady stare that always made Jesse feel like he was being evaluated.

Hands up, Kratos said. You’re dropping your guard again.”

Jesse snapped his fists back into position. Sorry. Just thinking.

Thinking gets you pinned. Kratos pushed off the ropes and stepped forward. Or worse, in your case.

Jesse swallowed hard. He knew what Kratos meant. Everyone in the HWA did. Wolfy wasn’t just “off his game” or “going through something.” He was hollowed out, replaced by something ancient and hungry.

Jesse tried to shake the thought away. Alright. Again.

He charged. Kratos sidestepped, hooked Jesse’s arm, and sent him rolling across the mat. Jesse hit hard, breath knocked out of him.

Get up. Don’t look weak. Kratos isn’t the enemy. The real enemy is coming.

Jesse pushed himself to his feet.

Kratos raised an eyebrow. You’re slow today.

I’m trying, Jesse muttered.

Try harder.

They locked up again. This time Jesse held his ground, shifting his weight like Kratos taught him. He managed a clean takedown, but Kratos reversed it instantly, pinning Jesse with a knee to the chest.

Jesse groaned. You’re not even breaking a sweat.

That’s because you’re fighting me like I’m human.

Jesse blinked. You… are human.

Kratos stood, offering a hand. Yeah. But the thing you’re fighting at the Art of War pay per-view isn’t.

Jesse hesitated before taking the hand. I know. I just… I keep hoping Wolfy’s still in there.

Kratos’s expression softened, but only slightly. He might be. But The DreamMaster is in control. And that thing doesn’t play by our rules.

Jesse rubbed his ribs. What even is it? I mean… really?

Kratos paced slowly, choosing his words. Some say it’s a spirit. Some say it’s a parasite. Some say it’s older than anything we’ve got names for. He stopped and looked Jesse dead in the eyes. But whatever it is, it feeds on weakness. Fear. Doubt. It crawls into cracks and makes them canyons.

Jesse felt his stomach twist. So Wolfy… he was weak?

No, Kratos said sharply. Wolfy was one of the strongest guys in the locker room. But he was open. He cared too much. He carried everyone else’s weight. That’s what made him vulnerable.

Jesse’s chest tightened. So… like me.

Kratos didn’t deny it.

Instead, he stepped closer. Jesse, listen. You fight with your heart first. That’s your strength. But it’s also what The DreamMaster will try to use against you.

Jesse looked down at his hands. They were shaking.

I don’t want to fight him, he whispered. I want to save him.

Kratos nodded. Then you need to understand what you’re walking into.

He motioned for Jesse to follow him to the corner of the ring. The gym lights flickered overhead just for a moment but long enough to make Jesse’s skin crawl.

Kratos lowered his voice. The last Havoc… I saw something.”

Jesse’s breath caught. You never told me.

Because I didn’t want to believe it. Kratos leaned on the turnbuckle, eyes distant. He was in the locker room. Alone. Talking to himself. Except… it wasn’t his voice. It was deeper. Wrong. Like two people speaking at once.”

Jesse felt a shiver run down his spine.

Kratos continued, Then the lights went out. And when they came back on… Wolfy wasn’t Wolfy anymore.

Jesse clenched his fists. Why him? Why not someone else?

Because Wolfy had light in him, Kratos said. Real light. The kind that pisses off things like The DreamMaster.

Jesse looked up. So this is… good versus evil?

Kratos shrugged. If you want to put names on it. But it’s bigger than that. It’s about control. Corruption. Breaking someone from the inside out.

Jesse took a deep breath. Then I’m not letting it break him.

That’s the spirit, Kratos said. But spirit alone won’t save him.

He stepped back into the center of the ring.

Come on. Again. This time, fight like you’re facing something that doesn’t feel pain.”

Jesse nodded, heart pounding. Okay.

And something that doesn’t get tired.

Right.

And something that won’t hesitate to break you.

Jesse swallowed. Got it.

Kratos smirked. Then show me you’re ready.

They clashed again harder, faster, more desperate. Jesse pushed himself past exhaustion, past fear, past the cold creeping into his bones. Every slam, every hold, every breath was a promise.

I’m coming for you, Wolfy. I’m not letting the darkness win.

When they finally stopped, Jesse collapsed against the ropes, drenched in sweat. Kratos stood over him, arms crossed.

You’ve got heart, Kratos said.