The gym was warm with bodies and sound. Music thrummed low through the speakers—something synthetic and forgettable—but her mind filtered most of it out.
Sera was stacking towels behind the counter, fingers moving in an automatic rhythm, when a chill crept across the back of her neck. A subtle change in pressure. Not enough to notice unless you were looking for it.
Or unless you were something like her.
She didn't look right away. Just shifted her weight and caught the reflection in the glass case to her left.
A man had walked in. Tall. Solid frame. Buzzed dark hair and a face that didn't give away much. He scanned the room the way she did—like he was taking inventory. Not curious. Not cautious. Just… too still.
The creature inside her stirred.
Not with hunger. Not quite with anger, either. Just... interest. Wariness.
