Aurora's Pov
I tried to forget about the car, blaming it on one of humanity's famous words—"coincidence." I already had too much on my mind. And now, on top of everything, I'd just received the news that I got my dream job… while lying right next to a middle-aged man.
We hadn't even done anything—he was already fast asleep, snoring softly. My clothes were still on.
I slipped out of bed and tiptoed into the living room. The walls were lined with portraits: him, his wife, and their two daughters. Smiling faces in neat frames. A picture-perfect family.
Disgusting.
The company that gave me the job only worked with the best. They must have been fascinated by my record, my quick thinking, my ability to solve problems. Honestly, I didn't expect to land it. I just applied out of faith and so I wouldn't be idle after school. But in the middle of all the dark clouds in my life, I could finally see a light for my future.
I picked up my bag. He'd already paid me, so… his loss, I guess. Without another glance at the happy-family photos, I slipped out and called a cab.
---
"I'm so happy for you!" Maya screamed as soon as I walked in. She hugged me so tightly I could barely breathe.
"Thanks, babe," I said, hugging her back.
Maya hadn't gone to college—she never had the chance. She didn't have enough money for it. Instead, she poured her heart into art. She was like a present-day Leonardo da Vinci, just without the fame or fortune. She once drew me sitting cross-legged with a book, and gave it to me as my birthday present. I loved it. I loved her.
"So, when do you start?" she asked, eyes wide with excitement.
"Tomorrow morning."
"Wow, that's so soon!"
"I know, right? I'm nervous but excited."
"You should be. You worked your ass off for this," she said, grinning.
I smiled back. Then she asked, "Did you tell Harrison?"
I shook my head. "No… I shouldn't, right?"
"Well, yeah. As long as it doesn't affect your night job, I think you'll be good. I just don't want you to get into trouble."
"I know. Thanks, babe."
She squeezed my hand. "You deserve this. Just… don't let anyone ruin it."
Her words stayed with me.
---
We stepped out to face what we hated most. The music blasting in our ears, the air heavy. I glanced around immediately, scanning the crowd. Thank goodness—he wasn't there. He hadn't shown up since that night, it had been a week now, but I never stopped looking for him.
I couldn't shake the feeling that he'd come back. And if he did, he'd find me. Somehow.
Later that night, I tried to slip by unnoticed, but Harrison caught me. His grip on my arm was like a steel trap.
"Tonight," he said under his breath, his eyes sharper than usual. "Someone important is asking for you."
A chill ran down my spine. Important never meant good. It meant dangerous.
"Who?" I asked, forcing my voice to stay even.
"You'll know when you see him." He smirked, and it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't screw this up, Siren. He's not like the others."
He let go, and I rubbed my arm, the skin burning where his fingers had been. Not like the others.
I already knew exactly who he was talking about.
I knew it.
He walked in. The tall, dangerous man with the piercing eyes. He wasn't alone this time—another guy trailed him, leaning close as they whispered in hushed tones.
My whole body went cold.
I moved quickly, slipping toward the back of the building. The bass of the music thumped through the walls, rattling in my chest. Sweat and perfume clung to the air, mixed with cigarette smoke. I pulled my thin jacket tighter around me, though it didn't help. My mask hid my face, but it didn't hide the terror crawling beneath my skin.
I wasn't going back in. Not tonight. I couldn't.
"Siren!" someone called.
I froze. That was my stage name. Not my real one—it was too risky to use that here. Everyone had a mask and a name. That was how it worked.
But I didn't answer. Whoever it was, I didn't care. I just wanted to leave. I had a big day tomorrow. I couldn't risk showing up looking like I'd been dragged across hell.
I turned sharply—
—and bumped into a wall. Or at least, that's what it felt like. A firm, solid body.
It was him.
My heart plummeted.
"I'm sorry, sir," I muttered quickly, lowering my face so he wouldn't notice me. The mask was still on. Maybe that would save me.
He said nothing at first, just stared. I tried to walk away, but his voice stopped me.
"Come back."
That voice. Icy, cutting straight through me like a blade.
I froze, then turned slowly.
"Where's that bitch—Siren?" he asked.
My throat tightened. He didn't realize I was the one he was searching for. At least not yet.
"Um… I don't think she came in today," I managed, keeping my voice steady.
"Are you lying to me?" He stepped closer, shadows swallowing his features.
"No, sir. Why would I lie?" My tone stayed firm, though inside I was unraveling.
"Your stupid boss said she came in today."
"I don't know, but… I can go in and look for her if you want."
He stared at me for a long moment, suspicion clouding his dark eyes. For a second, I thought he saw straight through me.
Then his hand shot out. He grabbed a fistful of my hair and tugged sharply.
I winced, gasping.
"You go in," he said coldly, "and you bring her out."
Then he shoved me back and turned away.
I stood frozen, my scalp burning where his hand had been. My mask felt suffocating now, my breath trapped under it.
I couldn't do this.
If I went back inside, he'd see. He'd know.
And if he knew—
He would never let me go.