Shadow Market

Chapter One

It started with a theft:

My heart galloped in my chest like a wild horse as I darted through the narrow, moonlit alleyways of the city. The shouts of my pursuers echoed behind me, growing louder with each passing second. I clutched the small, ornate box tightly to my chest.

"Stop her! Don't let her get away!"

I risked a glance over my shoulder: three burly men, their expressions murderous, right behind me. I cursed under my breath. The job was supposed to be a simple snatch-and-grab, but I had underestimated the danger of stealing from Viktor Drakov, one of the city's most feared crime lords.

I rounded a corner and nearly collided with a stack of crates. With a swift, practiced motion, I leaped over them and continued running. The box in my hands seemed to hum with an eerie energy, making my skin tingle. I didn't know what it contained, but the hefty payment promised for its retrieval had been too tempting to resist.

I would be able to start a new life for myself. One were I didn't have to steal to eat—one where I could have a normal 9 to 5 job. It was too tempting to pass up. I knew the risk, Viktor wasn't to be crossed, but I thought I would have my payment and be well gone by the time he figured out it was me.

But fate was a nasty bitch!

"Almost there," I muttered to myself, spotting the flickering neon sign of an old, abandoned theater up ahead. I knew that place better than anyone, all the hiding spots and escape routes. It was my home, after all.

Just as I reached the theater's entrance, a figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking my path. I skidded to a halt,  eyes narrowing as I recognized the tall, imposing silhouette of Dante.

"Well, well, Lena," Dante said with a smirk. "Seems like you're in a bit of trouble."

"No time for chit-chat, Dante," I snapped, glancing nervously at the approaching thugs. "Help me or get out of my way."

Dante's eyes flicked to the box in her hands, and his smirk widened. "That depends. Did you get what I asked for?"

In Times like this, I really questioned my life choices and my bed partners. Dante's good looks and skilled hands had coerced me more than I care to admit.

"Yes," I hissed, thrusting the box towards him. "Now help me!"

Dante's eyes gleamed as he took the box, his fingers brushing against mine. "Go on. I will meet you when I get rid of these asshats."

I slipped into the theater, my breath returning to normal as I waited for Dante. I heard several thuds and a scream, than he appeared not a scratch on him. Only his hair was disheveled, and his shirt was wrinkled. I smiled; no one could fight like him, and that was why I found him so sexy. In this city, a skilled protector came in handy.

"What's in the box, Dante?" I whispered as I leaned up to brush a kiss against his full lips.

Dante's smirk faded, replaced by a look of intense seriousness. "Something very valuable and very dangerous."

"That's not an answer," 

Dante gestured for me to follow him. "Come on. We need to go. There is someone very eager for what is in this box." He began to walk away, but I grabbed his arm, my nails cutting into his skin.

"Dante!" I whisper yelled, my patience long gone after running for my life.

Dante sighed, "We need to get this delivered to the Shadow Market."

The Shadow Market is a hidden marketplace that appears only at night. It's where supernatural creatures trade dark secrets and forbidden items. I have made it my mission to stay away from such things.

My eyes widened. "The Shadow Market! Are you serious?"

"Deadly serious," Dante replied. "You've seen glimpses of the underworld, Lena, but the Shadow Market is where the real power lies. It's a place where deals are made, alliances are forged, and destinies are shaped. And now, thanks to that box, we have a ticket in."

 I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "So, what's in the box?" I repeated

"No idea and I'm not brave enough to open it to find out." he gestured the box toward me and waited to see if I would take the bait. I took a step back."No thanks, you keep it." I made it a rule to steer clear of all that is supernatural. 

"I can't believe you got us in evolved with this." I seethed. "You know my feeling on this matter."

Dante had the good grace to look apologetic. "Do you want out of this city?" He leveled me with a hard glare. One that sad stop bitching.

I nodded, determination etched across my face. "I'm in. Let's go."