Chapter 02 - Secrets in the Skin

New York, present day...

Kyera got out of bed, still reeling from the nightmare that had plagued her since childhood, when she first arrived in New York to live with her aunt, Siena Winter. She stretched out her arms to relieve the tension and ran her fingers through her vibrant copper-colored hair, while trying to dispel the dark images that swirled around her mind. The clock struck almost noon, and the rumbling of her stomach reminded her that she needed to eat. Cooking was not on the agenda that day.

Moving around the spacious apartment she had inherited from Siena after her tragic death in a car accident, Kyera pulled aside the heavy curtains of the bedroom window, revealing the grandiose landscape of New York, with its bridges and towering skyscrapers. The cloudy sky indicated the imminent arrival of more rain, intensifying the melancholy atmosphere typical of winter.

She thought fondly of her extravagant aunt. Siena, the only woman in the Winter family who had chosen a single life, far from the Texas countryside, where her sisters remained with their husbands. Siena had swapped rural life for art, living as a painter in New York. Although she wasn't famous, she made a comfortable living from selling her paintings. More than an eccentric, Siena was a free and creative soul.

Kyera sighed, moved away from the window and went into the bathroom. As she lifted her arms to remove the shirt she was wearing as pajamas, she noticed the long scar that marked the inside of her forearm, a memory she had never been able to understand. The scar, which ran from near his armpit to his elbow, was a mystery. Not even her aunt could explain it, claiming that Kyera had already arrived at her house with the mark, probably the result of some prank, since she was a restless child.

The strangest thing, however, was the persistent discomfort that scar caused her, as if it hid an important secret, buried deep inside her mind, which she feared to uncover.

Putting these thoughts aside, Kyera stepped into the shower. The hot water brought immediate relief, relaxing her tense body. After a while under the shower, she got out, put on jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and a jacket. Putting on her sneakers at the apartment door, she headed for her favorite restaurant, a few blocks away.

Lunch was a moment of peace, as she enjoyed the food and the silence. Afterwards, she visited a bookstore, and the books she bought excited her. Reading had always been one of her passions, an escape into imaginary worlds that helped her forget the challenges of everyday life. Racing at high speed was also something that fascinated her, and it was this passion that led her to learn to ride and buy a motorcycle.

Back at the apartment, Kyera snuggled up between the cushions on the sofa and lost herself in her favorite movies. The hours passed so quickly that she hardly noticed it was almost time to go to work as a bartender in a nightclub. She dressed quickly, put her hair up in a high ponytail and left. Outside, the city was already lit up, ready for New York's nightlife.

As she walked down to the lobby of the building, the heels of her boots echoed across the floor, drawing the attention of a few people in the foyer. Among them, Stephan, the night porter and a long-time friend.

— Good evening, Miss Winter. – greeted Stephan with a friendly smile and a slight nod.

— Good evening, Stephan. – Kyera replied, returning the smile. – How is your wife?

Stephan smiled gratefully.

— She's doing very well, thanks to you. Thank you for everything.

Kyera shrugged, modest about what she had done. A few nights earlier, she had witnessed Stephan's wife being attacked by a mugger near the building. Using her Krav Maga skills, Kyera intervened quickly, taking down the assailant, who was arrested shortly afterwards. Although Stephan's wife suffered minor injuries, she was now recovering well.

— It was nothing, Stephan. I only did what was right. – Kyera said humbly. – Tell Patricia I said hi, and if you need anything, you know where to find me.

— Thank you very much, Miss Winter. You're very kind. – said Stephan, with a smile. – Have a nice evening.

Kyera nodded and waved to the doorman before heading to the building's garage, where her motorcycle was parked. As soon as she stepped out, she was greeted by the typical chaos of Manhattan's avenues during rush hour. The streets were packed with cars as people hurried along, some looking for relaxation and fun after a long day at work, others longing for the comforts of home. And, like her, there were those who had just started their working day.

She accelerated the bike, feeling the adrenaline and freedom as she cut through the dense traffic with agility. She would soon reach her destination, where she would stay until almost dawn.

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