Fire Chronicles

I arrived at Saints Bar earlier than usual, the morningsunlight streaming through the windows. The familiar scent of stale beer and worn leather enveloped me as I made my way to the arena, our nickname for the stripper hall.

A figure sat in the shadows, face obscured. "Hey Joe, you're here early. Same thoughts, huh?" I said, dropping my bag onto the couch.

Silence.

"Joe?" I stepped closer, my voice laced with concern.

I tapped his shoulder, and his head lolled off, blood pooling on the floor. My scream echoed through the empty hall.

I grabbed my bag and sprinted out, fear propelling me. My phone shook in my trembling hands as I dialed Clara.

"Clara...can you hear me?" I stammered.

"Hey, what's wrong? You sound like you're about to die!" Clara's voice was calm, reassuring.

"I'm about to die. Come pick me up. Dark wolves killed Joe!" I blurted.

Clara's voice dropped to a whisper. "What? Oh my goodness, I'm coming right away. I'm close by."

"Please hurry!"

"Meet me at Pluemi Workshop in 15." Clara instructed.

I rushed to the workshop, Clara's car screeching to a halt beside me. We sped away, leaving Saints Town behind.

As we drove, the landscape shifted from urban to rural.

"Clara, where are we headed?" I asked, confusion etched on my face.

Clara smirked. "Isn't it obvious? We're leaving Saints Town for another city...or country."

"My family's here. Dark wolves will hurt them!" Fear and anger wrestled within me.

Clara's expression hardened. "Eve, your family wants you dead. They sold you to Dark wolves. Are you crazy?"

I took a deep breath, acknowledging the painful truth.

"Look, if you want to stay with sinners and die, feel free. I won't stop you." Clara said, her gaze piercing.

I squared my shoulders. "You're heartless, Clara. Let's enjoy life in a new place."

Clara grinned. "That's the spirit! Let's go."

As we approached Dams, Clara's cousin Didi greeted us at the hotel with food and tickets.

"Wait, what about international passports?" I asked.