Camille is then seen walking out of the school campus, her silhouette bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. School must be over. The scenery around her looks idyllic, almost dreamlike, with hues of amber and gold painting the sky. The golden hour casts a soft light over the world, making even the simplest details—the rustling leaves, the faint glimmer of dew on grass, the distant chirping of birds—seem enchanted.
Everything feels surreal, as though the moment itself was plucked from an artist's canvas, offering an overwhelming sense of comfort and delight to anyone willing to pause and take it all in.
"Camille! Camille!" A panting voice called out from behind. It was Karla, sprinting to catch up with her. "Are you going to Lucas's party later? 7:00 PM sharp!"
Before Camille could even reply, Karla waved her off with a quick gesture and dashed away, clearly in a hurry.
"So, that wasn't a question—it's a statement," Camille thought, her lips curling into a small, amused smile.
A short while later, Camille is seen in her favorite authentic french bakery.
"Madam, your croissants are great." She smiled while taking a bite. She was on her way out when the owner replied.
"My dear child, you say that almost everyday." The elderly lady laughed heartily her eye smile showing sincerity, waving her goodbye.
As she was walking home, she stumble upon an arrow sign. It was 574 District. Suddenly an unparalleled pain striked her temples making her clench her head along with the pastry in her hands, then she saw a glimpse of a vivid scene that felt real. Too real for her own liking. Deja vu?
In another point of view, a beautiful brunette with honey-amber eyes and fair, pale skin walked along an eerily quiet sidewalk. The area was void of other people, leaving only the faint rustling of leaves and the soft echo of her footsteps.
This was 574 District, a notorious place infamous for harboring bandits, criminals, and gamblers. The government had long abandoned any efforts to regulate the area, leaving it as a chaotic yet strangely tranquil haven for its shadowy residents. Most stores bore shattered windows and tightly locked doors, their exteriors worn by neglect. Yet, amid the strangeness, the district was known for selling rare and unusual items, things that couldn't be found elsewhere in the city.
Karla strolled through the district with a purpose, her mind preoccupied with plans for Lucas's upcoming party. She prided herself on her knack for party planning—her last beach party had been such a hit that everyone ditched prom to attend. This time, she wanted something unique, something that reflected Lucas's tastes. While Lucas projected a friendly and fierce demeanor, Karla knew he was an introvert at heart. That knowledge made her feel special, as if she understood him in ways no one else did.
The thought of Lucas brought a soft, thoughtful smile to Karla's lips. But the warmth of the moment was fleeting. She suddenly felt the weight of someone's gaze on her, a prickling awareness that made her skin crawl.
Hesitant but unable to ignore the feeling, she turned a corner. There, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of three familiar figures—residents she had crossed paths with earlier.
"This is not good." Karla said in an alarmed tone. Panickingly, she walked a pace faster than usual. She was looking for something or someone for help. But all there was, were empty streets, broken stores, and the eerie silence that dominates the area, adding fuel to the flame of Karla's anxiety.
"Why, no, no, NO!" Karla instantly ran without thinking twice, when three of the same residents are starting to catch up to her.
As Karla rounded another corner, a shadowy figure emerged abruptly from the street ahead. The suddenness petrified Karla's entire being, freezing her in place. Her breath caught in her throat —for a moment, she thought it was over.
Before she could react, the figure grabbed her wrist firmly and began running, pulling her along without a word.
Karla's mind spiraled into chaos, unable to comprehend what was happening. Her fear consumed her, and she could do nothing but follow the stranger's lead, her legs moving mechanically. Right then and there, Karla lost her mind in shock.