Lyra's eyes fluttered open, and she was greeted by the faint glow of dawn creeping through the grimy windows of her small apartment. She lay in bed for a moment, listening to the sounds of the city waking up outside. The hum of traffic, the chatter of pedestrians, and the wail of sirens in the distance all blended together to create a familiar symphony.
As she tossed off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, Lyra's thoughts turned to the events of the previous night. She had met a mysterious stranger at a local bar, and their encounter had left her feeling both exhilarated and uneasy.
Lyra stood up and began to get ready for the day, her movements practiced and efficient. She showered, dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a worn T-shirt, and headed to the kitchen to start her day with a cup of coffee.
As she waited for the coffee to brew, Lyra's gaze wandered to the stack of bills and past-due notices on the counter. Her heart sank, and she felt the familiar weight of responsibility settling onto her shoulders.
But as she poured herself a steaming cup of coffee, Lyra felt a sudden jolt of energy run through her body. It was as if the caffeine had kicked in instantly, and she felt her senses heighten and her heart rate quicken.
And then, without warning, everything went black.
Lyra's world went dark, and she felt herself falling, plummeting through a void of nothingness.
When she came to, she was lying on the floor, her head throbbing and her body shaking. The room was silent, the only sound the quiet hum of the appliances.
Lyra struggled to sit up, her eyes scanning the room wildly. What had just happened? What was going on?
And then, as she looked around, she saw it.
A figure, standing just beyond the edge of the shadows.
Watching her.
Waiting for her.
Lyra's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a scream building in her throat.
But before she could make a sound, the figure vanished.
Leaving Lyra shaken, confused, and wondering if she was losing her mind.