This is an AI-assisted story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write. Surprisingly, it came close but I had to convert the POV from third to first. In addition, as you could probably tell, it is not written in "my voice",
Rest assured, "The Duel" is the only book I have worked with AI to write.
Created using NovelAI with a little bit of my own voice thrown in

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the deserted streets as we approached the Stark Garage on the outskirts of town. The air was thick with tension and excitement, a palpable energy that crackled between them. My heart raced not just from the thrill of the impending heist, but also from the intoxicating sense of adventure that came with it. I glanced sideways at Juliette, who wore a mischievous grin, her red hair glowing like embers in the night.

“Are you sure we can do this?” I asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “What if we get caught?”

Juliette shrugged; her confidence unwavering. “We won’t. We’re Ghost and Fire. We’re practically unstoppable.”

I chuckled at the nickname Juliette had given us, feeling a surge of camaraderie. “Alright, Fire. Let’s see what we got.”

We approached the garage, a nondescript building that blended into the shadows. It was once the home to Stark Racing until the owner was caught double-crossing the local mafia. Other than that tidbit, the whole building looked like a small finger flick could bring the whole building down.

The flickering light from a nearby streetlamp illuminated the rusty metal door before us, its paint peeling and faded. I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach, but I pushed it aside. This was a chance to step into a world of danger and excitement we both craved.

“Okay, I’ll keep watch,” I said, glancing around to ensure the coast was clear. “You handle the door.”

Juliette nodded, her expression serious as she pulled out a small kit from her backpack.

“Can I ask a stupid question?” Juliette said as she took out a lock-pick.

“Please do.”

“Any idea who sent you the note?”

“Not a clue, I replied, shaking my head. “It’s crazy and stupid, but here we are.”

I wanted to ask if she ever broken into my locker with those skills but I was struck by the strange juxtaposition of my two worlds. The quiet, almost clinical efficiency of planning stood in stark contrast to the raw, adrenaline-fueled chaos of the street races. One world was organized, methodical, the other wild, unpredictable. And yet, both existed within me and Juliette. Her pragmatism served as a grounding force, a counterpoint to the recklessness that had become increasingly ingrained in my life. As I looked at Juliette, her calm demeanor kind of scared me.

“Where did you learn to do that?” I asked, my curiosity epically piqued.

“Online tutorials,” Juliette replied, her concentration unwavering. “You’d be surprised what you can learn on the internet.”

With a soft click, the lock sprang open, and Juliette looked up, her eyes sparkling with triumph. “Told you I could do it!” she exclaimed, pushing the door open slowly.

The inside of the garage was dimly lit, illuminated only by the faint glow of a single bulb hanging from the ceiling. The scent of oil and metal filled the air, and once again I felt a rush of exhilaration as we stepped inside. Rows of tools lined the walls, and various vehicles were parked haphazardly around the space. My eyes were drawn to the blue Mustang, its sleek body gleaming under the sparse light. It was everything she had imagined and more—a beauty waiting to be unleashed.

“There it is,” I breathed, my heart pounded in my chest. “The Holy Grail.”

Juliette’s eyes widened as she took in the sight. “It’s incredible! But how are we going to get it out of here?”

I glanced around, my mind racing. “We’ll have to go through the door. It’s too tight to maneuver it out any other way.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Juliette asked, her voice tinged with apprehension. “Hey, we could it apart and take it out one piece at a time, like a Cadillac.”

“Trust me,” I replied, my adrenaline-fueled confidence surging. “We’ll ram it through. It’ll be quick. The longer we linger, the more likely we’ll get caught.”

Juliette nodded, her excitement bubbling over. “Let’s do it!”

We climbed into the Mustang, the interior smelling of leather. I took a moment to admire the dashboard, my fingers tracing the sleek curves.

“You’re right Jules, This is epic!”

“Just remember to keep your foot steady on the gas,” Juliette teased, her laughter infectious. “I don’t want to crash before we even get out of here.”

With a determined nod, I turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, a powerful growl that sent shivers down my spine. I could feel the energy of the car coursing through my bones, a connection that made me feel invincible.

“Allons-y !” I shouted, slamming my foot down on the gas pedal. The Mustang surged forward, crashing through the rusty door with a deafening bang! Wood splintered and flew in all directions, and for a moment, I felt like I was in heaven—a scene of pure chaos and exhilaration.

But the moment of triumph was short-lived. As an alarm blared to life, piercing through the night like a beacon for the police to come out.

Juliette’s eyes widened in panic. “Faster, must go faster!”

My heart raced as I swerved the Mustang onto the street, the sound of sirens echoing in the distance. “Hold on!” I shouted; my instincts kicked in as we navigated through the winding streets.

I felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I glanced at Juliette, who gripped the dashboard with wide eyes, a mix of fear and excitement on her face.

“Just like old times, huh?” Juliette shouted over the cacophony the revving engine.

I laughed, my heart soaring. “Yeah! Just like when we used to sneak out to go and con our way to get tattoos!”

We sped through the city, the neon lights blurring into streaks of color as we evaded the police. My mind raced with possibilities of what the police would do to me. I had to find a place to hide the Mustang before we were caught.

“Where do we go?” Juliette asked, her voice laced with urgency.

“The Falcon’s old hideout!” I replied, my mind already calculating the quickest route. “It’s just a few blocks away.”

As we rounded a corner, the sound of police sirens grew louder, and my heart sank. I could see the flashing lights in the distance, closing in on them. “Faster!” I whispered.

With a surge of determination, I pushed the Mustang to its limits, weaving in and out of traffic and down side streets. The thrill of the chase was intoxicating, but the reality of our situation loomed over us like a dark cloud.

We reached the old hideout, a nondescript garage tucked away in an alley. I quickly maneuvered the Mustang inside, the door slamming shut behind us with a heavy thud. The sirens continued to blare, but we were safe for the moment.

“Did we make it?” Juliette asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and exhilaration.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize she was holding. “For now,” I said, my heart still racing.

“Holy crap, we did it!” Juliette laughed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We actually stole a car!”

I couldn’t help but join in the laughter, the weight of the night lifting off my shoulders. “I can’t believe we just did that. It was insane!”

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out, and my heart skipped a few beats as I saw Marco’s name on the screen. “It’s Marco,” I said.

“Answer it!” Juliette urged; her excitement palpable. “Can we tell him?

I swiped to answer, my heart pounding in anticipation to tell him what we had just done.

“Hey, Marco,” I said, trying to sound calm despite the chaos of the night.

“Ghost! Where in the hell are you?” Marco’s voice was filled with concern.

“Long story short: We are now in possession of a Mustang for Jessie to trick out.

“Where did you get a Mustang?”

“Stark garage.”

“You do some crazy things sometimes, Allie.:

“And that’s one reason why you love me.”

“It is. Is Juliette with you, are you guys okay?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of relief.

“Yeah, we’re fine. Just a little shaken up,” I admitted, glancing at Juliette, who was practically bouncing with excitement.

“Stay put. I’ll come to you,” Marco instructed. “And don’t leave the car until I get there.”

“Got it,” I replied, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Thanks, Marco.”

As I hung up, I turned to Juliette, who was practically vibrating with energy. “We did it! We pulled off a heist!”

“Can you believe it?” Juliette laughed, her eyes shining. “This is going to be the best story ever!”

I couldn’t help but laugh along with her friend, the thrill of the night washing over her like a wave.

"The Duel" Remix Theme

This is an AI-assisted story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write. Surprisingly, it came close but I had to convert the POV from third to first. In addition, as you could probably tell, it is not written in "my voice",
Rest assured, "The Duel" is the only book I have worked with AI to write.
Created using NovelAI with a little bit of my own voice thrown in

Doubleback

The air in our former hideout was thick with a mixture of exhilaration and dread as we exchanged glances, our hearts still racing from the thrill of our escapade.

The Mustang, gleaming in the dim light, felt like a trophy we fought hard to claim. But as the minutes ticked by, anticipation morphed into anxiety. Marco had said he would come, but the longer we waited, the more my stomach twisted with unease.

“Do you think he’s okay?”Juliette asked, her voice breaking the silence that had settled over. She paced the small space of the makeshift living room, her red hair caught the light as she moved, like a dancing flame.

“He’s fine,” I replied, though my voice lacked any conviction. The image of Marco’s worried face flashed through my mind, along with the thought of how was I going to explain why I took that particular car. I feared that if I told him that a note told me to do it he would read me the riot act. At that moment, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Just as the tension reached a boiling point, my phone buzzed again, and I quickly snatched it from my pocket. It was Marco. A rush of relief washed over me, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of foreboding as I answered.

“Marco! Where are you?” I asked, my heart pounding.

“Ghost, listen to me carefully,” Marcoâ’s voice came through, strained and urgent. I need you to meet me at the old racetrack. It's critical. Bring Juliette, but don’t bring the Mustang.”

My breath hitched. “What's going on? Are you in trouble?”

“Just trust me, Allie. I’ll explain everything when you get here. And be quick. I don’t have much time,” Marco said before abruptly ending the call.

“Did he say what’s wrong?” Juliette asked, her eyes wide with concern.

“No, but we need to go, now!”

Without wasting another moment, we hopped into the Mustang, the weight of the night pressing down on me. My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as I navigated the streets, my mind racing with possibilities. What could have happened? Why did he want us to leave the car behind? And how the hell were we to meet up with him without the car?

The old racetrack loomed ahead, its dilapidated structure a haunting reminder of the adrenaline-fueled nights they had spent racing under the stars. The moonlight casting eerie shadows around the empty stands, and I felt a chill run down my spine as they parked the Mustang in the shadows.

“Stay close,” I whispered to Juliette as they stepped out of the car, the gravel crunching beneath our feet. The atmosphere felt charged, as if the very air was holding its breath in anticipation.

We made out way toward the center of the track, our footsteps echoing in the stillness. My body shivered not just from fear, but from a sense of impending doom. I could feel tension in the air, a palpable energy that hinted at something dark lurking just beyond our sight.

“Marco!” I called out, my voice cutting through the silence. “Where are you?”

A rustle in the shadows caught my attention, and my heart leaped as Marco stepped into the dim light. But something was off. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide with fear. “Allie! Juliette! You need to..”

Before he could finish, a figure emerged from the darkness, clad in a helmet and a snakeskin jacket that glimmered under the moonlight. My blood ran cold as I recognized the emblem on the jacket: the mark of The Viper Syndicate, a notorious rival gang known for their ruthless tactics.

“Marco!” Juliette gasped, her voice trembling as she instinctively stepped closer to me.

The Viper leader raised a gloved hand, silencing us “You’ve got something that belongs to me,” he said, his voice low and menacing, the helmet obscuring his face but not his intent. “And I want it.”

“What are you talking about?” Marco demanded, his bravado wavering as he stepped protectively in front of us.

“The Mustang,” the leader replied, his tone unwavering. “And I want the redhead too.” He gestured toward Juliette. “Hand them over, and I might let you walk away.”

“Over my dead body,” I yelled. “You can’t take her!” desperation clawed at my throat.

The Viper leader's head turned to me, and for a moment, I felt the weight of his stare behind his helmet, as if he could see right through me. “You think you can negotiate with me? You’re in over your head, Ghost.”

“Please, just let her go,” I pleaded, my voice cracking. “We can give you the car. Just don’t hurt her!

“Too late for that,” the leader said, his voice cold as ice. In one swift motion, he drew a gun from his waistband, aiming it directly at Marco. “You’ve made your choice.”

“No!” I screamed, but it was too late. The sound of gunfire echoed through the night, a deafening crack that shattered the stillness. Marco fell to the ground, a look of shock and pain etched across his face.

“Marco!” Juliette cried as she attempted to rush to his side, but the leader stepped forward, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her back.

“Let her go!” I shouted in horror.

“Now you have a new choice to make,” the leader said, his voice smooth yet threatening. “You can keep your boyfriend alive, or you can keep the Mustang and your friend. What will it be?”

My thoughts spiraled into darkness. I couldn’t lose Marco, but I couldn’t abandon Juliette either. “You’re a monster!” I screamed, tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Choose!” he demanded, tightening his grip on Juliette, who was struggling against him, fear evident in her eyes.

“Just let her go, please!” I screeched, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on me. “I’ll do whatever you want!”

“Too late for that. It looks like you’ve made your choice.”

In a moment of desperation, I lunged forward, but the leader was faster. He fired again, this time hitting Marco in
both legs. The sound of the gunshot rang in my ears as Marco fell back, a cry of agony escaping his lips.

“Marco!” My heart shattered at the sight of him writhing in pain.

“Now, give me the Mustang,” the leader said, his voice steady as he turned away, dragging Juliette with him.

“No! You can’t take her!” I shouted, my voice filled with despair.

But the Viper leader was already backing away, Juliette in tow, his grip unyielding. “You made your choice, Ghost. Enjoy the consequences.”

I looked at Juliette's tear-streaked face, reached into my pocket, and threw the keys at the faceless monster.

As they disappeared into the shadows, I fell to her knees beside Marco, my heart pounding in her chest. “I’m so sorry,” i whispered, my voice breaking as she cradled his head in my lap.

Marco looked up at her, pain etched in his features. “You did what you had to do,” he gasped, his voice strained. “But you have to go after them. You can’t let them get away with this.”

“But I can’t leave you!” I cried.

“Go!” Marco insisted, his voice filled with urgency. “You’re going to have to save Juliette. I'll call Jessie to help me.”

I felt a surge of determination rise within me fueled by the love I had for Marco and the friendship I shared with Juliette. “I will.” I promised, my voice steady despite the fear threatening to devour me.

Double Jeopardy

The morning sun filtered through the cracks in the wooden boards of the crew garage, casting slanted beams of light across the room. I sat on the floor, my knees pulled to my chest, as I stared blankly at the wall. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind like a haunting film reel, each frame more agonizing than the last. Marco’s face, twisted in pain, the sound of gunfire echoing in my ears, and Juliette’s terrified expression as she was dragged away, it was all too much to bear.

"Why did you let them take her?" Marco's voice cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory. He stood, supported by a pair of crutches, at the entrance, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. "You could have saved her, Allie!"

I felt a mixture of guilt and anger flooding my veins. "I didn’t have a choice, Marco! You know that!" I shot back, "He would have killed you if I hadn’t given them the car and Juliette!"

"I told you not to bring the Mustang!" Marco yelled, stepping forward, his eyes blazing. “You just handed them the one thing that could have kept us safe!”

"Safe?" I scoffed, standing up and facing him. “What about Juliette? She’s the one in danger! I couldn’t just stand there and watch them kill you!”

"Maybe if you had thought it through" Marco started, but I cut him off, my emotions spilling over.

"Thought it through? I was thinking about you and about her! You think I wanted to make that choice? I love you, Marco! I had to do something!” My voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of my emotions crushed me like a tidal wave.

Marco's expression softened for a moment, the anger in his eyes giving way to confusion and hurt. "I know you love me, Allie," he said, his voice quieter now. "But love doesn't always mean making the right choice. You put us all in danger."

I felt a pang of hurt at his words, but I held her ground. "And what was I supposed to do? Let them kill you? I couldn't! I won’t let that happen!"

The tension in the room hung heavy, the silence stretching between us like a chasm. Marco ran a hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face. “We need to focus on getting Juliette back. The Vipers won’t stop until they have what they want."

"What do you mean?" I asked, not liking the shift in the conversation.

Marco took a deep breath, his expression serious. “They made a bigger demand. They want me to race against The Demon Syndicate. If I don’t, they’ll make sure Juliette pays the price.”

My stomach dropped at the mention of The Demon Syndicate, a ruthless gang known for their brutal tactics and merciless races. "You can’t. You can’t race against them, Marco! They’ll kill you!"

"I know,' he replied, his voice steady. "But if I don’t, Juliette’s life is on the line. We need to find someone else to drive for me. Someone who can handle it."

I felt a surge of desperation. I wanted to volunteer myself but felt that maybe I would not be able to handle it. Forget racing, I would be ramming into their car.

Marco’s gaze turned distant, as if he were weighing the options. "We'll have to reach out to the crew. There has to be someone willing to step up."

I nodded, determination hardening my resolve. "I’ll do whatever it takes to save Juliette."

"Let’s get to work then,” Marco said, his voice firm. "We need a plan."

The day dragged on, filled with frantic calls and hurried meetings with the crew. I felt a mix of anxiety and
adrenaline as we strategized, each member of the Red Falcon Syndicate rallying around the cause. They discussed potential drivers, the risks involved, and the best way to confront The Viper and the Demon Syndicates. But in the back of my mind, a nagging doubt lingered: what if we failed? What if something had already happened to Juliette?

As the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over the horizon, I found myself standing outside Juliette’s house. I hesitated for a moment. Up until that day, Juliette would greet me at door and I thought there was a brief chance she would be the one to open the door.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked on the door, my palms clammy with anxiety. The door swung open, revealing Rhiannon Ekens, Juliette’s mother. Her eyes were red-rimmed, filled with worry and desperation. "Oh, Allie! Thank God you’re here!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "Have you heard from Juliette? The police don’t know anything. I’m so scared!"

My heart sank at the sight of her anguish. "I’m sorry, Mrs. Ekens. I haven’theard anything. I wish I could tell you more."

Mrs. Ekans face fell, and I could see the weight of despair pressing down on her. "I just want my daughter back. I can't lose her, Allie. She’s everything to me."

"I'll help however I can," I replied.

Her mom nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Allie. I just…don't know what to do. I feel so helpless."

With a heavy heart, I left Juliette’s house, the weight of her mother's grief was an albatross around my neck.

“Any news?” Marco asked, looking up as I entered the garage.

"No," I replied, shaking my head. "I went to see her mom. She’s terrified, Marco. We have to find a way to get Juliette back."

Marco ran a hand over his face, frustration evident in his eyes. "I know."

As the night deepened, we continued to strategize, the weight of our choices pressing down on us. I couldn’t shake the feeling of urgency, the nagging fear that time was slipping away. But with Marco by my side, I felt a flicker of hope. We would fight for Juliette, no matter the cost. We would not let fear dictate our choices. Together, we would take on The Vipers and Demons and do whatever it took to bring my friend back home.

Two-Faces

The night air was thick with tension as I stood at the starting line, my heart pounding in my chest. The dim glow of streetlights illuminated the asphalt, casting long shadows that danced like specters around me. The adrenaline coursed through my veins, a fierce reminder of the stakes at hand. We were about to race, not just for glory, but for Juliette’s life.

The five other members of the Red Falcon Syndicate stood beside me, their faces set with determination. Marco was at my side, his black hair tousled by the wind, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "We got this, Ghost," he said, his voice steady.

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat as Jessie put his helmet on. We had decided it was for the best that Jessie took the lead for this race. I had always thrived in the chaos of racing, the roar of engines and the thrill of speed igniting my spirit. But tonight was different. Tonight, every second counted, and every decision could mean life or death.

Across from us, the seven-member crew of the Demon Syndicate loomed, their presence unsettling. They were a motley crew, clad in leather jackets and adorned with tattoos that told stories of their own. Their laughter echoed in cackles, a dissonant symphony of madness that made my skin crawl. They spoke in rhyming slang, their words a garbled mess that only added to the surreal atmosphere.

"Oi, Ghost! Ready for a race, mate?" one of them called out, a smirk plastered across his face.

"I'm your problem tonight, mate," Jessie barked.

"Just keep your eyes on the road," I shot back, my voice sharper than she intended. Marco’s hand on my shoulder, grounded me from running across the line to pummel any or all of them.

Then, the air shifted, and my heart dropped as the leader of the Vipers emerged from the shadows. Dressed in a sleek snakeskin suit, the figure was imposing, the helmet obscuring their face. The moment they stepped forward, silence fell over the crowd.

"Ghost," the Viper leader intoned, their voice a low hiss that sent chills down my spine. "You drive tonight, or Juliette dies."

The command hung in the air like a death sentence. My breath caught in my throat. "Where is she?" I demanded with a voice trembled with a mix of fear and fury.

The Viper leader didn’t respond, their helmeted gaze unwavering. Instead, they gestured toward the blue Mustang parked nearby, the sleek vehicle gleaming under the streetlights. I felt a surge of rage. They were using Juliette as a pawn, and I wouldn’t let them win.

"Get in your car, Ghost," the Viper leader ordered, their tone brooking no argument.

With a nod from Marco, I climbed into the driver’s seat of a souped-up Honda Civic, the engine purring beneath me as I gripped the steering wheel. The Demon driver settled into the heavily modified Mazda Miata beside me, his eyes filled with a wild excitement.

"Ready to burn some rubber?" he asked, a manic grin spreading across his face.

"Just try to keep up,” I replied as I revved the engine.

As the countdown began, my heartbeat was locked in-sync with the revving engines. The world around me faded, leaving only the adrenaline and the desperate hope I could save Juliette.

"Three… two… one… GO!"

The engines roared to life, and I slammed my foot on the gas, the Civic surging forward with a jolt. The streets blurred as we raced through heavily populated areas, the neon lights of the city flashing by in a kaleidoscope of colors.

The Demon driver was relentless, weaving in and out of traffic, pushing the limits of his vehicle. But my focus was solely on the Mustang ahead, the Viper driver’s taillights flickering like a beacon of despair.

Suddenly, chaos erupted. The Demon driver, in a reckless maneuver, t-boned an SUV at an intersection, the sound of metal crunching echoing through the night. I nearly lost my focus as I swerved to avoid the wreckage, adrenaline surging through my veins.

"Keep going!" I shouted, my voice barely audible over the cacophony of screeching tires and shattering glass.

With renewed determination, I pushed the Civic to its limits, my mind racing as I strategized her next move. I could see the Mustang just ahead, the Viper driver weaving through traffic with skill. In a moment of clarity, I made my decision. I would take the risk and with a fierce determination, I executed a PIT maneuver, slamming my car into the side of the Mustang.

The impact sent the blue vehicle crashing into a nearby wall, flipping multiple times before coming to a halt.

I slammed on the brakes and I jumped out of the Civic. The world around me felt surreal, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. I raced toward the wreckage.

As I approached the crumpled Mustang, I felt a mix of dread and hope. I ripped the helmet off the Viper driver, wanting so much to use him a bargaining chip to get back my friend.

My breath hitched in my throat as the driver's red hair spiraled out of the helmet and I stared into the familiar face of Juliette.

This is an AI-assisted story as I wanted to see how close it could come to the storyline I wanted to write. Surprisingly, it came close but I had to convert the POV from third to first. In addition, as you could probably tell, it is not written in "my voice",
Rest assured, "The Duel" is the only book I have worked with AI to write.
Created using NovelAI with a little bit of my own voice thrown in...more so for this chapter

"Juliette?" I gasped, disbelief flooding my senses. "Why are you—"

Juliette’s eyes burned with a fierce intensity, the remnants of the Viper persona fading away. "I had to get your attention, somehow."

"Attention?" I asked as I saw police and firetruck lights heading in our direction. "You've always had my attention, Jules."
Juliette winced as she shook her head.

"Look, let's...." I wanted to make everything go back to how it was earlier. Maybe I wouldn't have to see my friend dying in a car wreck I caused.
The sirens in the distance grew louder, a reminder our time was running out. “We got to go, Juliette! Let me help you!”

"No, run, Allie, don't get caught."

"Jules, I--"

"Run, Ghost!"

I looked at her in defiance but finally admitted I had to leave so I bolted from the scene as a fleet of emergency flooded the scene of the crash.

I ran into an alley and leaned against the wall, slowing sliding to the ground in a mess. I had broken so many rules that night that I knew I would be removed from the Red Falcons. I would have to face up with the rest of the crew.

A car came to a screeching halt on the street on the opposite side of the alley.

“Ghost!” Marco yelled.

I didn’t want to acknowledge that name, it was like a curse on me.

“C’mon!”

I stood up and ran to the waiting car. I saw Marco was standing tall on the driver’s side, which I thought was peculiar since his legs were shot less than twenty-four before.

We jumped into the car and took off.

“How was Juliette?”

“I don’t know. I wanted to stay with her, but she told me to run. I should have stayed with her.

Marco nodded as he turned onto a side street.

“What’s going on, Marco?”

“I…I have a few confessions to make.”

“Yeah, you do,” I replied as I punch on the arm.

“I deserved that,” Marco replied as he tried to smile his way through everything. Something that I would have melted under, but at that moment I wanted to smash his teeth in.

“Just let me out. I don’t want to deal with this right now.”

“Allie, please just stay in the car.”

“Are you ready to tell me just what the hell is going on?”

Marco pulled the handbrake, and the car stopped with a screech. “I promised not to say anything until I told to.”

“And since when did you listen to what anyone told you to do? I was infuriated and wanted to get out.

“Just come back to the starting line, we need to handle Syndicate rules.”

“Don’t. Don’t. You handle the laws and rules. I’m going to see Jules.”

“You don’t know where they took her, and no matter was to happen tonight she wanted you back at the finish line and to give you this.”

Marco fished a letter out of his pocket and handed it to me.

Nothing made sense to me at that moment. I was aggravated and angry at the situation and just wanted to scream. I just nodded as Marco accelerated.

We drove near the Demon driver wreck, with flames still burning from both cars, and finally back to the start of the race, which was now empty except for Jessie.

“What happened?” Marco asked as Jessie jumped into the back seat.

“Don’t know, everyone else just scattered, man.”

Marco nodded and we accelerated into the night.

I read the letter in between the light posts as we drove.

“Dear Allie, I loved the life you talked about, Allie!. I wanted to be a part of it, but I was too scared to talk to you, in fear you’d try to keep me safe. I joined the Vipers, and I knew that one day I would get to race you, but I had to work it in so you would never know.”

My heart shattered at the revelation.

“It’s madness, I know, but I wanted to be brave like you. I wanted to feel alive, and nothing was going to stop me from doing that. My plan had several holes…so many parts like an engine that could fly into pieces at any moment. I was so afraid you’d leave me behind and I wanted to share the nights with you. It will happen again. Look for me, I’ll be the one gaining up you in your rearview mirror. We’ll race again, my love, signed, Juliette, Flame.”

Author’s note: Using AI (in this case, Novel.ai) to write a story is not something I would recommend to any author, starting or a veteran. Granted, the ease of typing of characters and summaries of a chapter to let the program write a story does work. I was a bit amazed on how the system came very close to how I wanted the story to go…except for chapter six.
If you use AI, be warned your voice is lost in the output. Yes, it could probably be published as is but a lot of the heart is lost.

The Duel Remix