Chapter 1 : Nightlife: Wolf's Den - Accidental Meeting

Makwood City slept fitfully, its skyscrapers piercing the night sky like shards of glass. Kaya Sen tossed restlessly in her small apartment, plagued by recurring dreams – visions of teeth bared in snarls, eyes glowing like embers, and an unsettling sense of being hunted.

Kaya woke with a start, her heart racing like a wild animal. She glanced at her alarm clock: 2:47 AM. The full moon cast an eerie glow through her window, illuminating the faint scars on her left palm – souvenirs from a childhood accident. Shivering, Kaya threw off her covers and padded to the kitchen for a glass of water.

As she drank, her gaze wandered to the nightclub flyer on her fridge – "Wolf's Den" – tonight's destination with her friends, Sarah and Lovely. Kaya's phone buzzed with an incoming text from Sarah:

"Hey, girl! Still meeting at Wolf's Den at 10 PM? Lovely's already there, getting us a table"

Jaya smiled, feeling a spark of excitement. She typed a quick reply:

"Yep, see you soon! Almost ready"

Little did Kaya know, tonight's outing would unleash a terror beyond her wildest nightmares – and forever bind her to the shadows.

Kaya arrived at Wolf's Den around 10 PM, the nightclub's exterior resembling an abandoned warehouse with a neon wolf sign pulsing above the entrance. Inside, lasers cut through thick smoke as DJs spun hypnotic beats. Kaya spotted Sarah and Lovely at the bar, already sipping cocktails.

As Kaya hugged her friends, her gaze wandered across the crowded room – patrons danced wildly, while others lounged in VIP sections. One area caught her attention: a secluded table near the back, occupied by a single figure shrouded in shadows.

Sarah noticed Kaya's fascination: "Who're you staring at? Spill!"

Kaya leaned in, the voice barely audible over music: "That mysterious guy in the back... who is he?"Lovely shrugged: "Rumor says he's Martin Stone – a wealthy businessman, rarely seen in public. Some claim he's... troubled."

Kaya's curiosity deepened as Martin's gaze suddenly locked onto hers – piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through her.

Kaya danced with Sarah and Lovely, lost in the pulsating music and colorful lights of Wolf's Den. As the night wore on, she excused herself to grab a drink from the bar.

While waiting in line, Kaya accidentally bumped into someone – her elbow knocking against a tall figure's chest. Turning to apologize, her eyes met Martin's piercing blue gaze up again close.

"Oh my god, I'm so clumsy!" Kaya exclaimed, feeling heat rise to her cheeks.

Martin's expression softened into a charming smile: "Not clumsy, just enthusiastic. I'm Martin."

Kaya's hand instinctively extended for a handshake, and Martin wrapped his long fingers around hers – a spark of electricity ran through her body.

"I'm Kaya," she replied, voice barely above the music.

As they shook hands, Kaya noticed Martin's gaze drifting to her lips before returning to her eyes. The air seemed charged with tension between them.

Sarah appeared beside Kaya, curious about the interaction: "Everything okay here?"

Kaya nodded, still holding Martin's gaze: "Yeah, just... introducing ourselves."

Martin released Kaya's hand, his touch lingering in her mind: "Perhaps I'll join you ladies for a drink? If Kaya would like my company."

Kaya's heart skipped a beat as she met Martin's eyes once more– her answer was already decided.

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