The next morning, Aria woke to an empty apartment, she was alone. Maybe he had let himself out when she felt asleep. A strange sense of emptiness, fear and protection enveloped her. "How can i be ...." Her phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number:
"You can't hide. But you don't have to be afraid... not if he's around."
Her fingers trembled. She didn't know if she wanted to run or stay put. She got ready for work but couldn't shake the sense of unease. She avoided her usual streets, taking winding paths to work. But even then, a chill followed her.
Her coffee shop was quieter than usual. She noticed a man sitting in the corner, sketching her movements. Her stomach twisted.
Before she could panic, Elias appeared beside her chair. "I've been watching too," he said softly.
Aria blinked. "Watching me?"
He gave her a faint, reassuring smile. "Making sure you're safe."
Her mind raced. He had been watching... and protecting. But there was more to it. The air felt charged, like a storm ready to break. "There are rules. One: Never let them know fear controls you. Two: Never trust anyone who watches from the shadows. Three..." His voice dropped, "Never let anyone hurt you again."
His words struck her. They were chilling, yet comforting. She realized he was giving her a new code, a new way to survive.
"You're... different," she whispered. "Why me?"
His gaze softened, almost tenderly. "Because I can't let you go."
The room felt smaller, tighter, charged with an energy she couldn't name. She wanted to pull away-but something in his eyes stopped her. After their cups were emptied, He motioned for them to leave and took her hand, guiding her to the safest path home. The quiet tension between them was palpable. She realized she depended on him, more than she wanted to admit. As she closed her door, she noticed a smear of red on her mailbox-a warning.
That night, her phone buzzed again:
"Not everyone is as gentle as him. Watch your back."
Aria's heart leapt. Sleep became distant. How did they know? Who was sending these messages? Images of her past, Elias, and the ominous red smear danced in her mind. Her apartment, once safe, now felt like a cage
Cliff hanger: Later that night, the window rattled. A shadow moved across the glass. This time, she wasn't sure if it was friend or foe.