Yasan couldn't focus on anything in class that day. Her mind kept drifting back to the strange woman and the mysterious device she had been given. The faint glow that pulsed from it still lingered in her mind like an echo, impossible to ignore.
Her fingers itched to pull it out and examine it again, but she resisted. Rei would think she was crazy, and frankly, Yasan wasn't sure she wasn't crazy. After all, how could someone just walk up to her in broad daylight, hand her a glowing object, and tell her she was in danger?
But that feeling, the unsettling weight in her chest, told her she couldn't just forget about it. Something was wrong, and she needed to figure out what it was before it was too late.
The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Yasan quickly gathered her things and stuffed the device into her bag. Rei, ever the chatterbox, didn't seem to notice Yasan's distraction as they walked out of the classroom together.
"So, guess what?" Rei said, nudging her playfully. "I'm meeting with Alex and the gang later. We're planning to hit that new arcade downtown. You coming?"
Yasan hesitated, her mind too preoccupied. She looked at Rei, smiling weakly. "I think I'll pass today. Got some things I need to do."
Rei raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you skip out on the arcade?"
"I'm just not in the mood," Yasan said quickly, avoiding her best friend's gaze. "You go ahead. I'll catch up later."
Rei didn't press her further, although the look she gave Yasan told her she wasn't buying it. But she was already walking off toward the exit, chatting excitedly about their plans for the evening. Yasan watched her go for a moment before turning in the opposite direction, toward the school's back exit.
Her heart raced as she moved through the crowded halls, toward the quiet street behind the school. She couldn't help herself—she needed answers, and this strange device was the only lead she had.
The cool air outside was a welcome relief from the stifling school building. Yasan walked briskly toward the alley behind the school, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. When she was sure she was alone, she pulled the device from her bag and examined it in the fading light.
It was smaller than she had originally thought, sleek and smooth in her palm. The light pulsed once more, but this time, it felt... stronger. More urgent. Yasan held it closer to her face, her brow furrowing in confusion.
Then, it happened.
The device suddenly shifted, a soft click echoing in her ears as it opened like a small, futuristic flower. A holographic screen flickered to life, projecting a map that was unfamiliar to her. The map didn't seem to belong to any part of the city she recognized.
Yasan's breath caught in her throat. This wasn't just some random gadget—it was a clue, and she was being pulled into something much bigger than herself.
A small blinking red dot appeared on the map.
It was an address. And it was just a few blocks away from where she stood.
Before she could think any further, the sound of footsteps echoed down the alley. Yasan quickly shoved the device back into her bag, her heart pounding. She glanced over her shoulder.
A figure appeared at the end of the alley. It was a tall man in a dark coat, his face shadowed beneath a hat. He moved deliberately, his eyes scanning the area like he was looking for someone.
Yasan's pulse quickened. There was something about him that felt wrong—something too cold, too calculating. He hadn't noticed her yet, but it wouldn't be long before he did.
Without thinking, Yasan darted into a side street, her mind racing. She couldn't risk being seen by someone who seemed like he knew too much. She had to get away, to find out what was going on, and fast.
Her feet carried her through narrow streets and alleyways, until the city's familiar chaos began to fade. She was on the outskirts now, heading toward the address the device had given her. Each step felt heavier than the last. She didn't know why she was following the map. She didn't know who had left it for her or why. But the mystery tugged at her, pulling her forward as if she had no choice but to uncover the truth.
Finally, she arrived. The building was old, a run-down warehouse tucked between two larger, more modern buildings. The paint on the outside was peeling, and the windows were dark and broken.
Yasan paused in front of it, her heart hammering in her chest. The map had led her here. But now that she was standing in front of the door, she felt a deep sense of dread.
Should she go inside? What would she find?
Before she could decide, the sound of a car engine echoed in the distance. Someone was approaching.
Yasan's mind raced. There was no time to turn back now.
She pushed the door open, stepping into the darkness.
End of Chapter 2