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F rom my vantage point in the shadows, I have a clear view of her interaction with Raven. The way she tenses at his initial approach, the subtle shift in her posture as she relaxes under his charm—it’s all as expected. Raven has a knack for drawing people in, making them feel safe while keeping them on edge, and Red is no exception. I can’t help but feel a slight pang of envy that he’s the first to speak to her, but I also know my role in this game. Patience has always been my strength, and tonight, that patience will pay off.

As their conversation continues, I watch her closely, studying the way she responds to his suggestion to find me before Blade finds her. There’s a flicker of determination in her eyes, a spark of curiosity that intrigues me. But when she finally moves through the crowd, searching, she passes right by me without even realizing it. She’s close—so close—but she has no idea I’m right here, watching her every move.

The thrill of the chase stirs something deep within me, and I follow her, staying just out of sight, my movements careful, deliberate. I can see the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes dart around the room, sensing that someone is watching her, stalking her. She’s aware, but not fully. She knows she’s being hunted, but she doesn’t know by whom.

She weaves her way through the party, her movements hesitant as she tries to keep her composure. I can see the uncertainty in her step, the way she’s trying to be brave, to keep up the appearance of control. But I know better. I can see through the facade, and it only makes the game more enticing.

She heads toward a dark corner of the warehouse, near the bathrooms, where the shadows are thicker, the noise of the party muted. It’s the perfect spot—secluded, a place where she might think she can catch her breath, reassess her situation. But she doesn’t realize she’s walked right into my territory.

I slip through the shadows, moving silently, until I’m behind her. She senses me at the last moment, her body tensing as she turns, but it’s too late. I’m already there, close enough to touch, to corner her like the prey she is. The thrill of it sends a surge of excitement through me, the power, the control, the tension thick in the air between us.

“Looking for someone?” I ask, my voice low and teasing, as I step into the dim light, allowing her to see me at last. Her eyes widen, and I can see the flicker of fear mixed with something else—something darker, more primal. “You must be Shadow,” she whispers, her voice trembling slightly, trying to sound brave.

I let a slow smile spread across my face, taking in the way she reacts to my presence. “That’s right,” I say, stepping closer, backing her further into the corner. “But you’re not ready to meet Blade yet.”

She straightens, trying to hold her ground, trying to convince herself as much as me. “I am ready,” she insists, but I can see the doubt in her eyes, hear the uncertainty in her voice. Even she doesn’t fully believe it, and that only makes this more interesting.

I tilt my head, studying her, enjoying the way she’s struggling to maintain control. “Are you turned on yet?” I ask, my voice a soft, dangerous whisper that hangs in the air between us. Her hesitation is telling, the way her breath catches, the slight parting of her lips.

She’s conflicted, unsure, but she finally nods, a barely audible “yes” slipping past her lips.

“Good,” I murmur, my hand coming up to brush a loose strand of hair away from her face, my touch light, almost tender, but the intent behind it is anything but. “Because this is only the beginning.” I step back slightly, giving her just enough space to breathe, to think, but not enough to escape. The night is far from over, and she’s only just begun to understand what she’s gotten herself into.