Fallen (Lingorm)

Chapter 21

Orm trudged along the quiet street, hands gripping her bag a little too tightly as she glanced over her shoulder. 

She'd been feeling it all night—a nagging sensation that someone was tailing he, following her everywhere she goes. Ever since that unsettling incident with the car, she'd been on edge, and the eerie silence around her wasn't helping. 

Quickening her steps, she muttered to herself, Keep it together, Orm, but her nerves were fraying fast.

Just when she thought she was in the clear. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her arm, spinning her around.

"Ahh!" Orm let out a sharp scream, her eyes slamming shut as adrenaline coursed through her.

"Woah, relax, Orm!"The familiar voice broke through her terror.

Her eyes snapped open, and relief flooded through her as she saw Detective Yinganda, her expression a mixture of concern and barely suppressed amusement.

"Ying!" Orm exhaled, her hand pressed to her chest as her heart thudded wildly. "You... you scared the hell out of me!"

Ying raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth tugging up in a grin. "Well, you really looked like you were about to pass out. What are you doing walking out here alone anyway?"

Orm rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "I was just walking back home. Until someone nearly gave me a heart attack."

Ying chuckled, her tone light but her gaze intense. "Alright, alright. how about we grab a drink? You look like you could use one."

Orm thought it over, feeling the lingering tension in her shoulders. " Ehh Sure, but can we have it at my place? I really, really need to take a piss right now."

Ying laughed again, falling into step beside her. "Lead the way, then."

--

At her apartment, Orm dashed to the bathroom, yelling, "Help yourself! There's beer in the fridge!"

Ying took her time, pulling out two beers, noticing a bowl of cut fruit, and deciding to bring them over to the living room as she settled down on the floor, casually leaning back and waiting.