I point at the clubs. “They look fun.” I glance around further. It’s hard to see much in the inky darkness, although the moonlight shows traces of what’s around—outlines of buildings, a couple of stores that don’t openly advertise what they sell.
“You haven’t seen a fraction of it. I really still don’t know that you’re ready. We might regret this.” He sighs, as if burdened by his decision to bring me here.
I scoff. “It’s a neighborhood, not hell. You’re just trying to freak me out.”
“This isn’t a joke, Ivy. Once you are for sure ready, I promise I’ll show you the rest of my world.”
I glare at him. “I want all of it, Soren. I’m ready now.”
He shakes his head, frowning. “If I introduce you too early, it might cost you everything. I’m still conflicted about bringing you here tonight. It might not end well.”
I jut my jaw out, feeling stubborn and sassy. “I’m willing to take that chance.”
“I’m not so sure you know what you’re asking for.” He frowns, deeper now, his brows knit tighter than I’ve ever seen them.
“Try me,” I say, a grin forming.
But his expression remains serious, and his eyes don’t leave mine, save for when he pulls a thick black hoodie over his head. It temporarily obscures his eyes before they pop out the other side, the storm brewing in them, darkening them.
My own eyes widen as he retrieves something from its pocket, slowly pulling it down over his face—a mask, with a skull on the front. Its eyes and mouth have been crossed out, and whatever was used to do it glows under the dim lights of the Anything Goes’ grungy streetlamps.
“Run.”
The word lands so softly I almost miss it. For a second, I think I imagined it. My head tilts, brows pulling together as I look up at him. “What?”
He doesn’t repeat it. Doesn’t explain. He just looks at me. Still. Focused. Waiting.
Something in my chest tightens.
A beat passes. Then, quieter— “You have ten seconds until I chase you. And I won’t be the only one.” He points in the direction of a darkened street, further away from the action and the pulsing music of the clubs. “Go.”
My stomach drops. A small, sharp flicker of adrenaline hits before I can stop it, my body reacting faster than my thoughts can catch up.
I hesitate. Just for a second. Because I don’t understand. Because I don’t know what this is supposed to be. Because I don’t know what happens if I don’t move.
Is he joking?
Why would he chase me through a place I’ve never been?
And underneath all of that—something else. Something worse. Something that feels like anticipation.
My pulse kicks harder.
He doesn’t move. Doesn’t step toward me. Doesn’t reach for me. He just waits. Like the outcome is already decided.
I turn.
And I run.
It’s immediate. The shift.
My body snaps into motion like it was already halfway there, breath catching as my feet hit the floor faster than I expect, the space opening up in front of me.
My heart races. Too fast. Too sharp.
The dark street stretches out ahead of me, completely unfamiliar. My pulse jumps. I don’t know this place—I’ve never been here before.
The air is cool against my skin, and despite the heat in my body I feel a prick of goosebumps swirling over my arms and chest.