THE DEVIL'S CAPTIVE ( 18+ )

Chapter 2: Elena's Perspective

**THE MOON MAIDEN**

The nightclub's pounding bass and flashing lights felt like a distant memory as I pushed through the crowd, my heart still racing from the night's excitement. Ava, my best friend, chattered beside me, oblivious to the unease gnawing at me. We had danced and laughed, but something about tonight had felt off, a persistent sense of discomfort that I couldn't shake.

As we stepped out into the cool night air, the city streets, usually so familiar, now felt alien and menacing. I scanned the area, my senses on high alert. I was trying to enjoy the evening, but the feeling of being watched wouldn't go away.

"Are you okay?" Ava's voice broke through my thoughts, concern clear in her eyes.

"Yeah, just a little tired," I replied, forcing a smile. "Let's get a cab."

We made our way to the curb, but I couldn't ignore the creeping sensation that we were being followed. I glanced over my shoulder frequently, noticing a figure lingering in the distance and a car that seemed to slow down as it passed us. My skin prickled, and I tightened my grip on my purse.

"Ava, I think someone's following us," I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.

Ava's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Are you sure?"

I nodded, trying to keep my anxiety in check. "I'm not entirely sure, but I have this feeling... like someone is watching us."

Ava looked around, her expression shifting from confusion to concern. "We should get out of here. Maybe it's just your imagination."

I wanted to believe that, but the sense of dread wouldn't leave me. The city lights seemed dimmer, and the shadows felt darker. Every noise, every movement, seemed magnified. My phone buzzed with a message from my father, reminding me of the constant danger we faced. It only added to my growing anxiety.

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, and my heart skipped a beat. It wasn't the usual yellow cab we had been expecting. The windows were tinted, making it impossible to see inside. Ava seemed unsure but opened the door anyway. I hesitated, my instincts screaming at me to be cautious.

As we climbed into the car, I noticed the driver's face was obscured by shadows. The journey felt endless, each turn and stoplight stretching out interminably. I glanced at Ava, who was absorbed in her phone, unaware of my growing anxiety.

The car finally stopped with a jarring screech of tires, and the driver's voice, cold and impersonal, came through the rearview mirror. "We've reached your destination."

Ava and I exchanged a look of mutual concern. As we stepped out of the car, the feeling of being watched intensified. The street was eerily quiet, and I couldn't shake the sense that someone-or something-was lurking nearby.

"Are you okay?" Ava asked again, her worry evident.

I nodded, though I wasn't entirely convinced. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just a little shaken up."

We said our goodbyes, and I watched Ava walk away before heading toward my apartment. The streets felt more deserted now, and the sense of being followed was even stronger. Every shadow seemed to stretch longer, and I glanced over my shoulder repeatedly.

When I finally reached my apartment, I hurried inside, locking the door behind me with a sigh of relief. But the feeling of being followed didn't fade immediately. I leaned against the door, my breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. My father's warnings about the dangers surrounding us echoed in my mind. Tonight felt different, more ominous, and I couldn't ignore the gnawing fear that something terrible was imminent.

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