Moira remained a shadow, her presence invisible to the bustling world around them. She kept her gaze locked on you as you made your way through the crowded streets, weaving through the occasional passerby. Moira had anticipated this. You would seek safety in numbers, thinking that the presence of others would protect you.

A flawed assumption.

Moira knew how the human mind worked—how fear drove people to predictable actions. They always sought the familiar, the safe. But safety was a carefully crafted illusion, and Moira excelled at shattering illusions. She allowed you to believe you had outmaneuvered her, that you were blending into the crowd unnoticed.

Yet, Moira was already two steps ahead.

She moved with purpose, always remaining out of sight but never far behind. Your path was clear; you'd gravitate toward the busier streets, hoping that the throng of people would provide a barrier between you and the threat you felt creeping closer. The evening air carried the scent of street food and exhaust fumes, while distant car horns echoed between buildings.

Moira's mismatched eyes flicked to the horizon, where the sky was tinged with the last traces of daylight. The setting sun cast long shadows, making it easier to blend into the crowd unnoticed. She smirked. It was almost too easy.

You quickened your pace, sensing something off, glancing over your shoulder as if expecting Moira to be there. Your heart beat faster against your ribs, the hair on the back of your neck standing on end. The sounds of the crowd seemed to dim around you, your focus narrowing to the primal instinct for survival.

The open plaza, filled with people walking their evening routes, loomed ahead—an inviting refuge. You would think that once you crossed into the heart of it, you'd be safe.

But Moira had chosen this place deliberately. The van was parked at the very edge, near a row of shops where the crowd thinned. There, the bustling city faded into something quieter, more secluded. She knew you would veer towards it, away from the noise, away from the lights, seeking a quieter path where you wouldn't stand out.

And there Moira would be waiting.

She moved through the shifting crowd with ease, her tall form slipping between pedestrians like a predator stalking its prey. Her gaze never wavered from you, even as she kept her distance. She could feel the tension rising, the moment of capture drawing nearer.

As you approached the plaza, Moira's smile widened. Just as expected, you hesitated, glancing around at the crowd, unsure of where to go next. There was a moment, brief but telling, where your eyes caught the alley near the edge of the plaza. Secluded. Quiet.

Perfect.

Moira stepped into the alley just as you approached, her voice calm, measured, carrying the weight of inevitability.

"Did you really think the crowd would save you?"

The van door creaked open behind her, metal against metal in the otherwise silent space. The scent of消毒水 and something chemical hung in the air. There was no need to rush now. The hunt was over. Moira always won.