The night air was heavy. The streetlamps buzzed like tired insects. Cars rushed past, but their sound felt far away, muffled, like the city itself was holding its breath. Aria walked faster. She clutched her coat close. Her heels clicked on the pavement, too loud, too sharp. Every step echoed.
Behind her, a shadow moved.
She told herself it was nothing. Maybe just a man leaving a café. Maybe someone walking home after work. But her chest felt tight. Her hands trembled as she pulled out her phone. No signal. Dead corner.
She didn't turn around. If she turned, she feared she would see eyes staring back.
Her driver was supposed to be waiting, but the car wasn't there. Only the empty curb, shining with the thin layer of rain from earlier. Her mouth went dry. She thought about calling Zoe. She thought about calling anyone. But the words of Isabelle came back, that cruel voice that had haunted her since the dinner. "Check your bedroom, Aria. I've already been there."
Her skin crawled.
