"W-what?" she asked, her voice trembling, her pupils dilating not believing her ears.
But Allan only turned, moving swiftly, forcing her to follow.
"Hey, Allan, wait!" she yelled, panic lacing her tone. "What do you mean my life is in danger?" she asked following him again.
"I thought you said you wouldn't follow me" he stated, his expression stayed neutral and unreadable.
"Are you cracking jokes with me?" she pressed, her serious tone scratching at his calm exterior.
"You think I am?" he asked hoarsely.
"Well, you have to be!," she shot back, her pulse racing. "I haven't done anything wrong to anyone. Why would my life be in danger?"
Allan's gaze narrowed down at her. "Sometimes, you don't need to do anything… to be in danger."
She wanted to laugh it off, to call him dramatic, but his eyes steady and cold froze the words in her throat. He wasn't joking. And deep down, she knew it.
"You don't possibly expect me to believe the words of a stranger"
"I don't think it's proper to call someone you shared drinks with a stranger," he retorted, trying to mask her unease.
"That's not what matters now."
Her heartbeat quickened. "You can't just say my life's in danger and expect me to buy it."
"So you want proof?" His lips curved, a flicker of a smile breaking his rigid face.
"Yes." The word slipped out softly, almost a whisper, her chest tightened with anticipation as he stepped closer inch by inch shrinking the space between them.
"W-What are you doing?" she stammered, her voice cracking as she instinctively stepped back.
"I'm giving you the proof you asked for," he said in a low tone that seemed to vibrate in her bones.
Her heart thudded wildly. "I don't know how this is proof—"
"Just wait and see."
His eyes flashed, faster than her mind could process. He seized her arm, pulling her so close the heat of his breath grazed her cheek.
"Stop…" she croaked, her breath tangled as the air between them disappeared.
"Calm down," he whispered, his voice dark and steady, the kind that shook her more than his grip.
She froze, her gaze locking on his grey eyes. They were stormy, piercing drawing her in when all she wanted was to escape.
His other hand trailed up, brushing her neck. His touch was almost gentle, grazing her soft olive skin, but the anticipation it stirred made her heart experience a mix of emotions at the same time.
And then pain.
Unbearable, searing pain shot through her neck. Her scream ripped through the air as her knees buckled. He hadn't pressed hard, yet it felt like fire burning beneath her skin.
Allan let go, watching her collapse to the ground. Her eyes watered as she gasped, struggling for breath. Every inhale felt like knives slicing her chest.
She writhed, choking on the pain, desperate for it to stop.
He only stood there waiting and watching for her to gather herself back.
Minutes crawled by before the pain dulled, leaving her trembling, broken, and terrified.
"What… what was that?!" she rasped, her voice raw, her eyes red with tears.
"You asked for proof," he said calmly. "I gave it to you."
"That wasn't proof," she cried, clutching her neck. "I don't understand!"
"You're a vessel," he said flatly. "A living vessel for a random spirit."
Her breath caught. At first, she wanted to laugh, to tell him how ridiculous he sounded, but she was still reeling from the pain, and the silence that followed, the way his face didn't shift an inch it told her he wasn't joking.
Her heart pounded louder. "What are you talking about?"
"You heard me right," he snapped, irritation flashing across his features.
"You're not making any sense!" she screamed, the walls trembling with her voice. "What do you mean I'm a vessel for some random spirit? I've told you, I'm fine! Why are you trying to scare me?"
"What would I gain from that?" His calm tone sent a shiver down her spine.
"You—" her words tangled in her throat.
"There's a spirit mark behind your neck," he said, eyes narrowing. "It only hurts when someone who isn't you touches it. But the longer the spirit stays, the broader it will spread. And soon… the pain will be real. Even for you."
Her breath hitched. "I'm n-…"
He turned away, before she completed her words. His steps echoing as he left her standing there confused, scared, angry, trembling, and utterly alone.