3

As I drifted off to sleep, the darkness outside seemed to press in, making me feel vulnerable. The city's sounds – car horns, laughter, and distant sirens – created a familiar symphony, yet tonight, it felt discordant.

My phone lay silent on the nightstand, but my gaze kept drifting to it, anticipating a message that might never come.

Sleep eluded me, and I found myself tossing and turning, lost in thoughts of the mysterious stranger and Alessandro's piercing gaze.

What did they want from me?

Why did I feel like my life was about to take a drastic turn?

The clock ticked away, each passing hour marking the stillness of the night.

Finally, exhaustion took hold, and I slipped into a restless slumber.

My dreams were fragmented, filled with fleeting images of the stranger's face and Alessandro's imposing figure.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring, the morning light streaming through the window. The unease from the previous night lingered, like a shadow.

I got out of bed, going through the motions of getting ready for work. My mind, however, remained stuck on the events of the previous day.

As I walked to the ice cream parlor, the city seemed different, its vibrant colors muted by my growing anxiety.

Nathal and Kaya greeted me warmly, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

The day unfolded slowly, each customer's smile and laughter a stark contrast to my inner turmoil.

And then, just as the lunch rush subsided, I saw him – Alessandro – standing outside the parlor, his eyes fixed intently on me.

...****************...

Alessandro strode into the dimly lit study, the soft hum of the city outside a stark contrast to the tension building within. He handed a slender file to Killian, who sat behind the mahogany desk, his piercing gaze expectant.

"Violet Koth," Alessandro said, his voice low and measured. "That's the woman from Cream & Bliss ice cream parlor."

Killian's eyes narrowed as he opened the file, scanning the contents with interest.

"Tell me more," he commanded, his deep voice dripping with authority.

Alessandro leaned against the wall, his arms crossed. "She's 25, works at Cream & Bliss. No known connections to our world."

Killian's gaze snapped up, his eyes locking onto Alessandro's. "And your interest in her?"

Alessandro's expression remained neutral. "Curiosity. She's...different. And I think she might be useful to us."

Killian's brow arched. "Useful?"

Alessandro nodded. "Yes. She has a certain...innocence. One that could prove beneficial in our dealings."

Killian's eyes returned to the file, his expression unreadable. "I want to know everything about Violet Koth. Her past, her present, her secrets. Get it done, Alessandro."

Alessandro nodded, his jaw clenched. "Already on it."

As Alessandro turned to leave, Killian's voice stopped him.

"Alessandro?"

"Yes?"

"Keep this quiet. For now."

Alessandro's nod was almost imperceptible before he disappeared into the shadows.

Killian's gaze lingered on the file, his thoughts already racing with possibilities.

Violet Koth had no idea her life was about to take a drastic turn.

Hours passed, the silence in the study broken only by the soft hum of the city outside.

Killian's phone rang, shrill in the stillness.

"A update on Violet Koth," his assistant said.

Killian listened intently, his expression darkening.

"Bring her in," he ordered.

The line went dead.

Killian's eyes narrowed, his mind already spinning with strategies.

Violet Koth's world was about to collide with his.

Days passed, each one blending into the next.

Violet's routine remained unchanged - work, friends, and exploring the city.

Alessandro's presence lingered, a ghostly figure watching from the shadows.

Killian's instructions echoed in Alessandro's mind: "Patience. The time will come."

The city pulsed, its rhythm steady.

But beneath the surface, tensions simmered.

And Violet remained unaware, her life a ticking time bomb.

Alessandro sat in the dimly lit conference room, surrounded by files and photographs. Sophia entered with a discreet knock.

"More information on Violet Koth," Sophia announced,

handing him a thick folder.

Alessandro walked into Killian's office, the file on Violet Koth still clutched in his hand. Killian looked up from his desk, their eyes locking in an unspoken understanding.

"Anything new?" Killian asked, his voice low and measured.

Alessandro handed him the file. "Sophia dug up more on Violet. No connections to our world, but she's receiving mysterious texts."

Killian's brow furrowed as he scanned the contents. "Untraceable numbers?"

Alessandro nodded. "Yeah. Looks like someone's keeping an eye on her."

Killian's gaze snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "Keep monitoring. I want to know who's behind this."

Alessandro nodded, his expression mirroring Killian's concern.

The silence between them was comfortable, a testament to their years of friendship.

"You think she's in danger?" Alessandro asked, breaking the silence.

Killian's jaw clenched. "I don't know. But we'll find out."

Their gazes met, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Protect Violet Koth at all costs.

For now, she was theirs to watch over.

Alessandro turned to leave, but Killian's voice stopped him.

"Alessandro."

"Yeah?"

"Keep a close eye on her. But don't make contact. Not yet."

Alessandro nodded, his mind already racing with strategies.

The game had begun.

Days passed, with Alessandro keeping a discreet distance from Violet. He monitored her movements, always lurking in the shadows.

Violet's life remained quiet, her routine unchanged. She worked at Cream & Bliss, spent time with Nathal and Kaya, and explored the city's hidden gems.

But Alessandro noticed something.

Violet's unease.

She'd glance over her shoulder, as if sensing being watched. Her smiles were fleeting, and her laughter seemed forced.

Alessandro's instincts screamed that something was off.

One evening, as Violet walked home from work, Alessandro followed at a distance. The city's lights cast long shadows, and he blended into the darkness.

Suddenly, Violet quickened her pace, her head swiveling.

Alessandro's eyes scanned the area, searching for potential threats.

A figure emerged from the shadows, tailing Violet.

Alessandro's jaw clenched.

Not on his watch.

With silent precision, Alessandro closed in, his eyes locked on the mysterious figure.

Violet's safety was his priority.

And he'd stop at nothing to protect her.

Meanwhile, Violet's heart raced as she sensed the presence behind her. She darted into a nearby alley, hoping to lose the tail.

But the shadows seemed to move, closing in around her.

And then, just as suddenly, everything went still.

The silence was oppressive, heavy with unspoken threats.