The crescent moon hung low over the ancient city of Edwen, casting eerie shadows across the cobblestone streets. Julian had always hated this part of the night—the moments just before midnight when the world felt unnervingly quiet. He was only on his way home after a long shift at the library, yet the silence seemed to echo in his ears, making him feel like a trespasser in his own city.

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It wasn't until he turned into an alleyway, a shortcut he had taken a thousand times before, that he heard it—the rustle of movement behind him. He froze.

"Who's there?" Julian called, his voice betraying his anxiety.

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From the shadows stepped a woman unlike any he had ever seen. Her hair was dark as midnight, eyes gleaming like rubies under the moonlight. She was ethereal, almost unreal, her lips curving into a predatory smile. Before Julian could utter another word, she was inches away, her breath cool against his neck.

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"You should be more careful," she whispered, her voice silk and smoke. "The night holds dangers you can't imagine."

He stumbled back, heart pounding, but the strange woman simply laughed, the sound echoing through the narrow street. She reached out and, to his surprise, cupped his face gently.

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"Relax, Julian," she said, her tone suddenly soothing. "I mean you no harm... tonight."

Julian's pulse raced even faster as he blinked. "How... how do you know my name?"

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"Let's just say," she leaned in closer, her lips brushing his ear, "I've been watching you for a while."

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Before Julian could react, she vanished, leaving him standing alone in the dark. His heart was hammering in his chest, and he felt an undeniable pull—a hunger in the pit of his stomach he had never experienced before. As he stood there, trying to make sense of what had just happened, a soft voice called out from behind him.

"Julian? Are you alright?"

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He turned to see another figure standing in the alley, this one more familiar. It was Lila, a quiet, shy girl from the library, her dark hair tied in a loose braid. Her eyes were wide with concern.

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"Did you... see her?" Julian stammered.

Lila stepped closer, her brow furrowed. "See who?"

Julian swallowed hard, his mind spinning. "I don't know. It's nothing. I... thought I saw someone."

Lila glanced around, seemingly unconvinced but too polite to push. "It's dangerous out here this late. Let me walk you home."

As they walked, Julian couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly off. Every shadow seemed to move, every breeze carried whispers just out of earshot. And as they neared his apartment, Lila paused, her face strangely unreadable under the dim streetlights.

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"I'm glad you're safe," she murmured, her voice softer than usual. "But be careful, Julian. There are forces out there that you can't understand."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "You sound like you know something."

Lila smiled, but it was a sad smile, as if she knew far more than she was willing to say. "Just... trust me. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to call me."

Julian opened his mouth to respond, but she was already gone, slipping into the night with the same ease as the strange woman before.

Back in his apartment, Julian sat on the edge of his bed, the events of the night replaying over and over in his mind. Two women—both mysterious, both warning him about dangers lurking in the dark. He had no idea what any of it meant, but one thing was certain: something had changed in his world tonight.

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The soft tap at his window jolted him from his thoughts. He turned slowly, expecting the worst. His heart stopped when he saw her—the first woman from the alley—perched on the fire escape, her crimson eyes glowing in the dark.

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"You're not safe, Julian," she said, her voice full of promise and danger. "But with me... you could be."

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He stood, unsure of whether to run or invite her in. Before he could decide, the window behind him slid open, and she was inside. Her presence filled the room, her scent intoxicating, her gaze locking onto his. Julian took a step back, but she closed the distance effortlessly, her hand resting on his chest.

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"Welcome to the night," she whispered, her fangs gleaming under the moonlight. "This is only the beginning."