The night outside was eerily quiet as Anya slipped out of the back door of the club. The alley was dimly lit, the shadows seeming to crawl and twist with the soft hum of the city beyond. Her heart pounded as she glanced around, clutching her jacket tightly. She had mastered the art of moving unnoticed, her steps light and deliberate, blending into the darkness like a ghost.
Once she reached her temporary room, she fumbled with the keys, her hands trembling. The weight of the night pressed heavily on her chest. As soon as the door clicked shut, she locked it in a frenzy, sliding the chain into place for added security. The blinds were next, pulled down with a sharp tug, sealing herself off from the world outside.
Her breath came in ragged gasps as she rushed into the bathroom. The fluore
