Night settled over the city like a silent threat—too quiet, too still. Alyssa stepped out of the private parking area beneath her apartment building, heels clicking against the concrete. She had stayed late at the office, reviewing documents, mapping strategies, preparing for the storm she knew was coming.

But she didn’t expect the storm to arrive tonight.

A soft echo—footsteps that didn’t belong to her—made her pause. Alyssa turned subtly, eyes narrowing as she scanned the shadows.

Nothing.

But her instincts burned hot.

She tightened her coat around her shoulders and kept walking, pace steady, refusing to show fear. Fear was blood in the water. Fear attracted predators.

And she...