Bound by Shadows

Chapter three.

The following evening, anticipation buzzed through me as I stood in front of the mirror, applying the finishing touches to my makeup. Last night's wildness lingered in my mind, but the promise of another night out fueled my excitement. I reached for my favorite little black dress—a daring number that hugged my curves just right and left little to the imagination.

As I slipped it on, I felt a rush of confidence wash over me. I paired the dress with black ankle boots and let my hair fall in loose curls, framing my face. With a final spritz of perfume, I grabbed my phone and headed out, ready to meet Venus.

When I arrived at the club, the familiar neon lights greeted me like old friends. Inside, the pulse of the music vibrated through the air, and the energy was electric. I scanned the crowd, searching for Venus, who I found near the bar, animatedly chatting with a tall figure.

"Hey!" I called out, weaving my way through the throngs of people.

Venus turned, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. "You look amazing!" she exclaimed, her gaze trailing over my outfit.

"Thanks! So do you." I grinned, taking in her dazzling sequined top and sleek black skirt.

As I approached, I caught sight of the man standing beside her—Ezra. My heart skipped a beat. He looked even more captivating up close, his dark hair tousled and a confident smirk playing on his lips.

"Hey there," he said, his voice low and smooth, making my stomach flutter.

"Hi," I managed, trying to play it cool.

Venus's excitement bubbled over as she turned to him. "I was just telling Ezra about last night."

Ezra raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "I guess I should've introduced myself properly yesterday," he replied, glancing between us.

Venus leaned in closer to him, her interest palpable. "You should hang out with us tonight! Right, Elora?"

"Definitely," I said, but a flicker of unease threaded through me. I didn't want to be the third wheel, especially if Venus was so drawn to him.

As the night progressed, we made our way to the dance floor. The music was intoxicating, and I let myself get lost in the rhythm, the beat pulsing through my body. I glanced over to find Venus and Ezra deep in conversation, laughter punctuating their words.

Eventually, I felt a sense of distance growing between us. They were absorbed in each other, and I decided to slip away for a moment, heading back to the bar to order another drink. The bartender slid a cocktail my way, and I downed it quickly, feeling the warmth spread through me.

Returning to the dance floor, I swayed to the music, but my head started to spin. The drinks were catching up to me, and I began to feel a little unsteady. I glanced back to find Venus and Ezra still together, lost in their own world. I felt a pang of loneliness but pushed it aside, embracing the freedom of the night.

As the hours slipped by, I found myself at the bar again, ordering another drink. The alcohol blurred the edges of my thoughts, and the noise of the club felt like a distant wave crashing against the shore. I danced alone, feeling a mix of exhilaration and melancholy, the night's magic slowly taking hold.

Finally, I spotted Venus and Ezra, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the bar lights. They were laughing, clearly enjoying each other's company. I could feel the tug of my conscience urging me to rejoin them, but I hesitated. Something inside me felt off.

After another round of drinks, I decided I'd had enough. I pulled out my phone and texted Venus.

Elora: Hey, I think I'm going to head home. Not feeling great.

No response came immediately, so I took a deep breath and stepped outside to call a cab. The night air hit me like a cold splash of water, sharpening my senses.

"Where to?" the driver asked when I finally got in.

"Just take me home," I replied, leaning back against the seat. As we drove, I felt the alcohol dulling my senses, the world outside blurring by in a haze of lights and shadows.

Suddenly, the driver pulled over, glancing in the rearview mirror. "I need to pick up another passenger."

I frowned, glancing at the clock. My apartment was only a fifteen-minute walk away. "No, that's okay. Just drop me off here."

The driver hesitated but then nodded, letting me out on the side of the road. I stumbled slightly as I stepped onto the sidewalk, the cold air cutting through my haze of inebriation.

"Stay safe!" the driver called after me, but I didn't respond. I started walking, my mind still reeling from the night's events.

As I made my way down the street, the lights around me began to blur, and the shadows deepened. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to shake off the chill creeping in. The club's music faded into the background, replaced by the sounds of the city—distant sirens and the hum of traffic.

But something shifted in the air, a prickling sensation crawling up my spine. I glanced over my shoulder, the street empty behind me, but the feeling of being watched clung to me.

I quickened my pace, heart racing, but the sensation only intensified. Footsteps echoed in the distance, and I turned again, but the street remained eerily quiet. The darkness felt heavier now, closing in around me as I moved faster.

Then, I noticed a figure trailing behind me—a shadow moving steadily through the dimly lit street. Panic bubbled up inside me, and I broke into a jog, glancing back one more time. The figure was closer now, a dark silhouette against the backdrop of neon lights.

"Stop!" I shouted, my voice trembling, but there was no response, only the sound of my own heartbeat thundering in my ears.

I turned and ran, the panic coursing through my veins. I could hear the footsteps gaining on me, echoing in the stillness of the night. My breath came in sharp gasps, the alcohol still clouding my mind, making it hard to think clearly.

I spotted an alley up ahead and darted into it, hoping to lose whoever was following me. I pressed against the cold brick wall, trying to catch my breath, praying the figure would pass by.

But it didn't. Instead, the footsteps slowed, then stopped just outside the entrance of the alley. My heart raced as I held my breath, trying to stay as quiet as possible.

Then, suddenly, the figure stepped into view—a man with a dark hoodie and a black mask pulled up, obscuring his face. I felt a rush of fear. I wanted to turn and run, but my feet felt glued to the ground.

Before I could react, he lunged at me. I tried to scream, but he covered my mouth with a rough hand, dragging me deeper into the shadows. I struggled against him, but his grip was strong, and the world around me began to blur as panic set in.

The last thing I remembered was the darkness swallowing me whole, the echo of my heartbeat fading into silence as everything went black.