It had been two months since I started as a call center agent here in Esperanza City. As a chat support agent, my work was straightforward—though I used to prefer day or afternoon shifts to keep my body clock aligned with a normal rhythm. But in my current role, night shifts were my only option.
"Got any weekend plans?" Aljon asked me from the next cubicle. As my mentor, he had been guiding me since I joined the team, always eager to share tips that would make the job easier.
I frowned, recalling that he had asked the same thing last week. "No, not really," I replied, sensing where he might be headed. I didn't want to build friendships anymore. Things had changed since I'd moved here. Back then, I was the type to make friends easily, but now, forging connections felt dangerous—especially with the secrets I kept hidden.
"My friend's throwing a party at Argus Club on Saturday. Exclusive access! You should come along," he insisted, flashing an encouraging smile.
"I'm not really into parties," I mumbled, glancing away. A half-truth.
If my life hadn't taken a turn, I'd probably have jumped at the invite without a second thought. I used to be the life of the party, stumbling back home in the early hours without a care in the world. My family was long gone, and there was no one to answer to. Freedom was mine—until everything changed.
"Come on, don't be such a killjoy!" Aljon laughed, irony slipping in as he threw back my own words from a different lifetime when I used to say that exact phrase.
"Alright, I'll think about it," I relented, though I was already thinking of how I'd ditch him last minute if it came to that. I just hoped he wouldn't surprise me by showing up at my place to drag me along.
But, of course, he did.
On Saturday night, Aljon showed up outside my apartment, looking impeccable in black pants and a crisp, white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His sharp outfit and the faint, intoxicating scent of his cologne were enough to signal that he wasn't taking 'no' for an answer. With no choice, I threw on baggy jeans and a plain black top and went with him, though his raised eyebrow told me he expected something flashier.
We drove to Argus Club in the city's Flower District, a lively area buzzing with bars, restaurants, and clubs. It was my first time here, and while the surroundings were unfamiliar, the noise was overwhelming. The loud music, clinking glasses, and dozens of conversations grated on me. My senses weren't perfect yet, and the noise felt like a pounding headache that refused to ease.
"You okay?" Aljon asked, his voice tinged with concern. He took my elbow and guided me through the crowd, gently but firmly.
Trying to concentrate, I clenched my fists to keep myself grounded. I could feel my fangs subtly pressing against my lips, and panic stirred within me. I should have said no to this. I wasn't sure if I could hold back tonight.
"She alright?" I heard a guy's voice. I didn't look up, though curiosity tugged at me; the throbbing in my head made it impossible to focus.
"Sit her down here, Aljon!" someone nearby suggested, and before I knew it, Aljon eased me into a seat. I squeezed my fists even tighter, determined to stay in control.
"Breathe, Fiera. Just breathe," he urged, his words grounding me a little. Memories of my training on that mountain flashed through my mind. This was supposed to be under control by now.
"Aljon, grab some water. I'll handle this," came a new voice—a deep, steady voice, somehow cutting through the noise in my head. His tone was quiet, but it resonated within me, oddly commanding.
Aljon must have agreed, because I felt him step away. Instead, another presence took his place, kneeling beside me.
"Fiera, is that right?" he asked softly.
I nodded, afraid to open my eyes, worried they might be red.
"Listen closely," he said, his hand gently tracing along my arm as he tried to ease my clenched fists open. His touch seemed to hush the storm inside my head, muffling the noise.
"Focus on your heartbeat," he instructed. As he spoke, his fingers lightly traced my pulse points, anchoring me to reality.
"And now… listen to mine," he continued, voice soft yet compelling. Slowly, I tuned into his steady heartbeat, falling into sync with mine. The ringing in my ears faded, and the tension drained from my body.
Finally, I opened my eyes to see the person beside me. His gaze held mine, and I couldn't help but gasp. His eyes were a rich, warm shade of brownish-red, similar to mine but somehow deeper.
"Good to meet you, Fiera," he greeted with a mischievous grin, revealing a sharp set of fangs that matched my own.