Run
Rain hammered the bus window as Elara clutched her backpack to her chest. Every streetlight blurred into streaks of gold and gray, but she didn’t dare close her eyes. Not tonight. Not after what she had seen.
Her phone buzzed. Unknown Number: You can’t hide forever.
Her heart stopped. She yanked the SIM card out, shoved it into her pocket, and whispered to herself, “New city. New name. Forget everything.”
The bus screeched to a halt. Elara stepped into the neon-drenched street, her hair plastered against her cheeks. She dragged her suitcase toward a run-down apartment building.
“First night,” she muttered, fumbling for the keys she’d just bought from a landlord who didn’t ask questions. “First night of being nobody.”
A voice came from the shadows. Smooth. Amused. Too close.
“Funny thing about running away…”
Elara froze. A tall figure leaned against the lamppost, umbrella balanced casually on his shoulder. His suit was immaculate despite the rain, his eyes glinting like he knew every secret she was trying to bury.
“…your past always runs faster.”
Her breath caught. “Do I—know you?”
The stranger tilted his head, a faint smile tugging his lips.
“Not yet. But I know you, Elara.”
Her stomach turned cold. She never told anyone her real name here.
Before she could answer, headlights flared at the end of the street. A black car slowed, window rolling down—men in dark suits inside. Searching.
The stranger’s hand extended toward her. Calm. Certain. Dangerous.
“Choose,” he said softly. “Trust me… or let them find you.”
