It was midnight, and the stars gleamed brightly in the sky, casting a soft glow over the remote streets of Orchid City. The usually lively area was eerily quiet, with only a few flickering streetlights adding an erratic rhythm to the night, syncing with the muffled beats of music spilling from a nearby dance bar.
Inside the pub, the atmosphere was electric. Boney M''s iconic "Rasputin," remixed into a thumping DJ variant, boomed through the speakers. The crowd was a sea of energy—youngsters danced wildly, as if the pulsing beats had set their spirits ablaze. Behind the console, the DJ moved with infectious enthusiasm, clearly enjoying his set more than anyone else in the room.
Amid the chaos, Xavier sat alone in a dimly lit corner, detached from the lively scene. His friends, Samuel Justin and Tina Rodriguez, tried to coax him to the dance floor, but he refused with a shake of his head. Xavier’s face showed no interest in the music or the excitement around him, making him an island of stillness in the swirling storm of energy.
Samuel Justin stood out in the crowd, not just because of his tall, commanding frame but also due to his vibrant style. An American from Philadelphia, he exuded a confidence that was hard to ignore. His perfectly styled curly hair and clean-shaven face emphasized his sharp features. Hexagonal sunglasses added a trendy edge to his appearance, while his outfit was a true reflection of his personality. A white t-shirt with a bold peace symbol printed in vivid colors peeked out from beneath his rugged denim jacket. His dark red jeans and brown Chelsea boots paired effortlessly, completing his look with flair. Around his neck hung a small silver chain that caught the flashes of light from the strobes, making him seem like part of the show himself. Justin''s charisma and distinctive style made him impossible to overlook, adding an extra spark to the atmosphere.
While the music roared and the crowd danced like they were lost in another dimension, Xavier remained unmoved. To him, the dazzling lights, pounding music, and wild energy felt like a world apart—a world he wasn’t ready to join.
Tina is Samuel’s girlfriend, but her bond with Xavier carries an unspoken depth. Their friendship hints at a shared history they never openly discuss, a connection shaped by memories that have quietly transformed into mutual understanding. Tina, a Mexican-American woman, stands at five feet four inches tall with a captivating presence. Her father, a disciplined former U.S. Marine, and her mother, a vibrant Mexican woman, have each left their mark on her. Tina’s warm features and bold personality mirror her mother’s, while her confident demeanor turns heads wherever she goes. The front of her hair, dyed pink, adds a playful edge, and a touch of lipstick enhances her oval face. She wears a trendy half t-shirt with the bold phrase "I AM CONFIDENT" printed across it, paired with fitted jeans and high heels—a style that makes her effortlessly stand out.
Xavier’s quiet demeanor is a sharp contrast to Tina’s lively personality. A British-born, Indian-rooted student who has come to the United States for his studies, Xavier stands six feet tall with a lean, athletic build and a mixed complexion that reflects his diverse heritage. His neatly cropped black hair and trimmed beard give him a polished look, but his outfit—a dark green shirt tucked into ash-colored formal pants—stands out in the casual crowd of the pub, emphasizing his gentlemanly demeanor. Beneath this calm exterior, Xavier carries the heavy scars of his past. His mother, a brilliant British businesswoman, was brutally murdered in a ruthless business rivalry when he was just a child. The memory of that day looms over him like a dark shadow, a constant reminder of the price of ambition. After her untimely death, his father uprooted their lives and moved to India, seeking solace in a new marriage. For Xavier, it was a fracture that never healed—a life torn between two worlds, burdened by grief and the haunting question of what might have been.
The pub buzzes with energy as music thumps and the crowd dances, but Xavier sits quietly, detached from the chaos. Samuel, noticing his friend’s withdrawn demeanor, finally approaches him. His easygoing, casual tone carries the warmth of someone who cares deeply but is careful not to pry.
“Hey, man,” Samuel begins, pulling up a chair beside Xavier. “We’re here for you, alright? We’ve been worried about you. You’re not sleeping much, not eating properly, and, dude, you’re the only one in this pub wearing formals. You’re not even trying to enjoy yourself with us. Whatever’s going on, you don’t have to handle it alone. Talk to me—that’s what friends are for, right?”
"Thank you, Sam, but you can’t help me," Xavier said, his tone heavy with uncertainty. "I’m thinking about going back to India."
Sam’s brows furrowed in concern. "Bro, we still have a year left to finish our academics. Why are you thinking like this? Is this about... you know, the thing between me and Tina?"
Xavier shook his head firmly. "No,, of course not. I’m happy for both of you. This isn’t about that. I’ve just got this bad feeling lately," he admitted, his voice quieter.
"Bad feelings about what?" Tina asked, stepping closer. Her gaze was sharp, searching his face for an answer.
Xavier hesitated, glancing down as if struggling to find the right words. "I don’t know, Tina," he finally said. "But I have this terrible feeling... like something much worse is coming my way."
Tina crossed her arms, her voice tinged with frustration. "Then why are you stressing over something you don’t even know? What’s the point?"
Xavier didn’t respond. This time, he had no answer. He sat there in silence, his thoughts clearly weighing heavily on him. After a long moment, he slowly rose from his chair.
"I think I have to go," he said, his voice low but resolute. "I feel something weird here."
Sam tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle. "Bro, this is a pub. All the weirdness the world has to offer is right here. Why so serious?"
But Xavier wasn’t swayed. "Anyway, I’m leaving, Sorry..," he said, turning toward the exit without waiting for a response.
Tina and Sam exchanged a quick look, concern flashing between them. They couldn’t let their friend leave alone, not when he was clearly troubled. Without hesitation, they followed him out.
As they passed the bouncers at the entrance, the men exchanged curious glances, surprised to see the group leaving so early. But Sam and Tina didn’t care about appearances—they were focused only on their friend, walking ahead, lost in his own thoughts.
Some of the streetlights outside the pub still flickered, syncing with the faint beats of music spilling into the quiet night.
"Xavier, stop! We’re coming with you," Sam called out from behind. He was draping an arm lazily around Tina’s shoulders, his steps uneven, as if he’d had a bit too much to drink. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
Xavier stopped in his tracks and turned around, watching his friends approach him. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes carried the weight of something unsaid.
"Bro, what’s going on? I thought you’d enjoy the party—that’s why I brought you," Sam said, his tone laced with concern but still trying to keep things light.
"We’re not leaving you alone, Xavier," Tina added firmly, stepping up beside Sam.
"Yeah, man, we’re sticking with you," Sam agreed, breaking into a teasing grin. "And you’re going to pay for next week’s party for all of us."
Sam chuckled at his own joke, but the attempt at humor fell flat. Tina didn’t laugh, and Xavier only stood there in silence for a moment before suddenly pulling Sam into a hug.
"Thank you, my friend," Xavier said softly, stepping back. "But I think you should leave me here."
Sam frowned, confused. "Aren’t you coming?" he asked, holding Tina closer to him.
Xavier hesitated, then looked around the dimly lit street. "I have this strong feeling… like someone’s watching us. That’s why I left the pub."
Sam let out an exaggerated laugh, throwing his head back. "I know exactly who it is!" he said, still laughing. "It’s the girl in the red bikini from the club. Dude, I think she’s got a crush on you!"
"Sam, this isn’t a joke," Xavier said sharply, his voice low but serious. "I can still feel it. Something’s not right."
Sam, still trying to brush it off, turned dramatically to the empty street and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Hey, bikini girl! Are you following my friend here?" he shouted.
The street remained silent, the only sound coming from the faint hum of distant traffic. Turning back to Xavier, Sam smirked. "See? Proved my point. She’s not following us. The only lady here is my amazing, beautiful girlfriend."
With that, Sam turned to Tina, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her into a kiss. Tina kissed him back briefly but quickly noticed the look of irritation on Xavier’s face.
"Sam, stop," Tina said, gently pulling away. Her tone was firm as she placed a hand on his chest, stepping out of his hold. Sam looked at her, surprised, while Xavier’s gaze shifted uncomfortably to the ground.
Sam''s expression twisted with anger as he turned to Xavier. "Are you really jealous, buddy?" he snapped, his voice sharp.
"No, man, I’m serious," Xavier replied, his tone unwavering. "Something is still following us."
Sam exhaled sharply, closing his eyes in frustration. The alcohol coursing through his system made his temper harder to control. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, then opened his eyes and growled, "Fine, I’ll check it out."
Without waiting for a response, Sam stormed toward the alleyway between two buildings. His voice echoed as he shouted, "Hey! Somebody out there? Is anybody following us? Get the hell out here and show me your ugly face!"
He spun around to face Xavier, shaking his head with mock disappointment. "See? That’s what I told you. Nobody he—"
Before Sam could finish his sentence, a sharp noise came from the alleyway. His expression froze, and the cocky smirk vanished from his face. Panic replaced his bravado as he turned slowly back toward the dark alley. His hands rose into the air as if in surrender, his body trembling.
"Sam… are you okay?" Tina’s voice quivered with fear.
Sam didn’t respond. His lips trembled, and his breathing became audible, long, and uneven. He stood there, rooted to the spot, staring into the shadows of the alley.
Seeing Sam like this sent a chill down Xavier’s spine. His usual calm demeanor was gone, replaced by a look of dread. Summoning what courage he could, he took a hesitant step forward. "Sam… what is it? Tell me," Xavier asked, his voice shaky but firm.
Sam remained silent, his breaths ragged. The street, otherwise eerily quiet, seemed to amplify the sound of his panic. Tina clung to Xavier, her eyes wide with terror. She had never seen Sam like this before.
The flickering streetlights made the already tense atmosphere unbearable. Shadows danced around them, distorting the scene as Xavier and Tina cautiously moved closer to Sam.
"Sam, tell me something!" Tina yelled, desperation in her voice.
The two reached Sam, their hearts pounding. Slowly, they turned their gaze toward the alleyway, but the darkness revealed nothing. Yet, Sam’s terror was unmistakable, his wide eyes fixed on something deep within the shadows.
Tina yelled at Sam in fear as she and Xavier cautiously approached him. They peered into the dark alleyway but found nothing there. Despite this, Sam’s panicked expression and his heavy breathing made their hearts race. Tentatively, they touched his shoulder, but he remained frozen.
Suddenly, a noise echoed from the alleyway, making both of them instinctively withdraw their hands. They looked ahead, and two small glowing eyes appeared in the darkness, sending a chill down their spines. The three of them stood paralyzed, staring at the glowing orbs.
"BOOM!"
The sudden sound made Tina stagger back, nearly fainting.
"Meow."
From the shadows, a small cat emerged, its glowing eyes catching the dim light as it casually trotted past them. The tension broke as the group let out shaky breaths.
Sam, however, burst out laughing. "Ha ha ha... ha!" He doubled over, his laughter echoing in the quiet street.
Tina gasped, her fear quickly replaced with irritation. She slapped the back of Sam’s head. "This isn’t funny, Sam! You scared us!"
Still laughing, Sam pulled her closer in an attempt to soften the situation. "Now you know what it feels like, bro," he said, turning to Xavier with a mischievous grin. "I was just making my point."
Tina pulled back from Sam and crossed her arms. "What’s wrong with you? Seriously, what was that?" she demanded, her voice sharp with annoyance.
Sam smirked, unable to resist another joke. "Oh, that? That was your late grandfather, dressed as a cat, checking on his cute granddaughter," he said, chuckling as he tried to grab her waist again.
She slapped his hand away, glaring at him. "Sam, stop it. This isn’t funny!"
"I’m sorry, babe," Sam said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "It was just a joke. Don''t be serious dear ?"
They began walking again through the empty, flickering streetlights. The unsettling atmosphere lingered, though none of them voiced it. Unbeknownst to them, the night still held dangers they couldn’t foresee.
"Tina, babe, look, I’m really sorry," Sam said softly, slipping his arm around her shoulder again. This time, she didn’t resist, though her face remained gloomy.
"Babe, are you still mad at me? I said I was sorry..." Sam''s voice softened as he pulled Tina closer, his charming smile attempting to bridge the rift. He leaned in, his lips seeking hers .
"You know I wasn''t lying about it. I can still feel that somebody is watching over us," Xavier interjected, his eyes scanning the dimly lit street.
Hearing this, Tina pulled Sam back once again.
Sam''s patience snapped. "My foot, why are you so jealous, Xavier? Just accept that you don''t want to see me and Tina together. Why are you like this? I thought we were friends, but you''re being toxic now. You broke your relationship, not me. Don''t drag me into that. You won''t like the things I have to say."
His words cut through the night air like a blade.
Xavier''s voice remained calm but firm. "Sam, I don''t have any problem with you two being together. You can leave with Tina from here. This type of feeling I have isn''t wrong."
"Okay, we''re going. I can''t stand your madness anymore," Sam retorted, grabbing Tina''s hand to lead her away.
But Tina resisted, holding onto Sam''s hand. "Sam. We can''t leave him alone here."
Sam fell silent, taking a deep breath to quell his irritation.
Suddenly, Xavier''s demeanor shifted. His eyes darted to the left, and he whirled around as if sensing something.
"Xavier, are you okay?" Sam and Tina asked in unison.
Before Xavier could respond, they noticed two men with strange appearances standing a short distance behind them. Sam and Tina felt a surge of fear upon seeing the oddly dressed individuals, while Xavier''s expression turned curious, as if he recognized them.
Terranus and Perado, realizing they had been spotted, stood still. For a few seconds, no one moved. Even Perado felt a twinge of embarrassment; in all his years of covert operations across various planets, no one had ever detected his presence unless he intended it. This was the first time someone had noticed him while he was secretly tailing them.
Sam couldn''t believe his eyes. Panic gripped him as he watched the strange figures in robes. Their garments, open at the front, revealed crystalline armor underneath. Each figure radiated a menacing aura that sent shivers down his spine. Tina felt the same unease. She wanted to ask who they were, but her lips refused to move. The realization struck them both: Xavier’s warning wasn’t just paranoia.
"Who... who are you?"
Sam summoned every ounce of his courage, though his voice faltered. The fear in his tone was unmistakable, each word quivering as it escaped his lips.