UNSEEN DANGER

Beneath The Mask

As we reached an unknown dark alley, he paused, pressing me against the wall, his body protecting mine. His breath was steady, and I could feel the warmth of his presence, even though danger was chasing us just beyond the door.

"Stay quiet," he whispered, his lips dangerously close to my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I nodded, but my heart was pounding too loudly in my chest. I couldn't focus on anything except him. Who was this man? Why did he risk everything to help me? And why, did I feel like I could trust him with my life?

Suddenly, he glanced down at me, his eyes softening. "You okay?"

I swallowed, my voice barely a whisper. "I think so... who are you?"

He hesitated, "I'll explain everything soon, I promise. But right now, we have to go."

Before I could respond, he took my hand again, pulling me through the door and into the alleyway The cold air hit my face, but his warmth helped me. Even though my mind was swirling with questions about his eyes being familiar to me the one thing I knew for sure was that despite whoever he is ......he will definitely help me and why did I feel this strange connection with him, like I knew him somehow?

After what felt like an eternity, we stopped right across a busy highway.

"We should be safe here for a minute," he said.

I looked up at him, "Why do I feel like I know you?".

He turned to face me fully, and for the first time, he removed his mask the moonlight hit his face just right. My heart stopped. There was something familiar about his eyes, his jawline... and then it hit me like a truck.

"Marcus?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

He tensed, his expression unreadable as he took a step back. "Mia, I-"

"No." I shook my head, the shock turning into disbelief. "It can't be. You're dead. I saw-"

"I never died," he interrupted softly, his voice laced with regret. "It was all staged. I had to disappear..."

Marcus stepped closer, his eyes pleading. "There's so much you don't know, Mia...."