_Mia didn't wait. She grabbed her keys, phone, and the sketchbook with its twisted vines, and slipped out the back door. The narrow College Hill alleys seemed to narrow further, shadows chasing her steps. She dialed Leah's number—no answer. The Annex, a block away, felt too exposed._
_She cut through a side street, glancing up at the sky. A sliver of moon hung low, like a warning. The hum from her apartment grew fainter, but the sense of pursuit didn't. Avoid the trees, Leah had said. Why?_
_Mia veered toward the river, thinking of the bright lights of downtown. Maybe find safety in a crowd. As she hit the riverside path, footsteps echoed behind—light, deliberate. Not hers. She didn't look back._
_A figure emerged from the fog over the water. Tall, hooded, eyes gleaming faintly. Mia spun to run, but a hand closed around her arm._
_"You're not alone, Mia," a low voice said. "Elian sent me."_
_Mia jerked free, heart racing. "Who are you?"_
The scene ends with:
- A mysterious ally (possibly connected to Mr. Elian) appearing, raising questions about trust.
- Mia's fear and confusion amplifying.
- A hint that the hunt is closing in, and she needs choices.