The morning air tasted sharp, cold—too cold for late autumn. Alyssa pulled her coat tighter as she walked down the narrow alley that led to her studio. The city felt different today, heavy with tension she couldn’t quite name. Every shadow seemed to stretch a little too long, every footstep echoed a little too loud.

She paused.

Another step.

Not hers.

A prickle crawled up her spine.

She spun around—empty street.

Nothing but wind and lingering fog.

But the feeling didn’t leave.

She continued walking, faster this time, her boots clicking against the pavement. Her key was already in her hand when she reached the studio door. She pushed inside,...