Chapter 1: The Shadows of the Seine
The Seine River shimmered under the pale Parisian moonlight, its surface reflecting the city’s indifferent glow. Luka’s legs ached, his breath hitching with every step along the cobblestone path. On his back, Aerin felt as light as a ghost, but the weight of her grief was crushing."I just... I want it to stop, Luka," she mumbled, her voice thick and slurred. Her head rested heavily on his shoulder, her breath smelling of the alcohol someone had cruelly swapped for her juice at the festival. "Why can’t I just go into the water? It looks so quiet down there."Luka bit his lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to blur his vision. He adjusted his grip on her, pulling her closer. He had been there when her world turned to ash at eighteen, and he wasn't going to let her go tonight."Not tonight, Rin," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Not while I’m still here."He turned away from the river, seeking a shortcut through a narrow alley. Aerin continued to ramble, her words a heartbreaking melody of pain. But as they rounded a sharp corner, Luka’s heart stopped.Under the dim light of a flickering streetlamp, a man stood. He was terrifyingly handsome—with sharp, cold features and eyes that held a dangerous stillness. He looked to be in his thirties, dressed in an expensive suit that stood out against the grime of the alley.He was holding a young woman firmly against the damp brick wall, his posture radiating a silent, overwhelming threat.Luka’s blood turned to ice. He recognized the girl. It was his sister, Mina.Panic surged through him. He carefully slid Aerin off his back, propping her against a wall just outside the alley’s entrance. "Aerin, stay here. Do not move. I’ll be right back," he hissed, though she barely seemed to hear him.Luka ran toward them. "Please! Stop!" he yelled, his hands raised. "Please, let her go!"The man didn't flinch. He slowly turned his head, his gaze sliding toward Luka with predatory calm."She was bothering me," the man said, his voice a deep baritone. "She thought she could play games with someone like me.""She’s just a kid! She doesn't know what she’s doing!" Luka pleaded, dropping to his knees. "I’m so sorry. Please. I’ll take her away. We’ll never cross your path again. I beg you."For a long, agonizing moment, the man looked at Luka with utter disdain. Then, with a chillingly calm motion, he stepped back and released Mina. He adjusted his cufflinks and walked past Luka without another word, leaving the scent of expensive cologne in the cold air."Mina! Are you okay?" Luka grabbed his sister, who collapsed into his arms. It took him a moment to realize the man was gone. He looked back toward the entrance of the alley. "Aerin! I’m coming!"Luka rushed back to the spot where he had left her.The sidewalk was empty.The shadows were there, and the distant sound of the city continued, but Aerin was nowhere to be seen.She was gone.
