the Hybrid's Prophecy

Chapter 2

Lia sat on the edge of her bed, curling her hair into ringlets, her fingers trembling slightly. She could hear Steph rummaging through her closet in the next room, her excited hums punctuated by the sound of hangers clattering.

“Are you ready yet?” Steph called out.

Lia took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady her hands before answering. “Almost. You?”

Steph appeared in the doorway, her dark eyes gleaming with excitement. She was wearing a neon green crop top with a black leather miniskirt, but the frown on her face told Lia it wasn’t the final choice.

“I don’t know about this one,” Steph muttered, eyeing herself in the full-length mirror. “Maybe too bold?”

She turned toward Lia, eyes scanning her up and down. “Damn, girl, you look hot. But also… very you. Mysterious and still low-key sexy.”

Lia managed a small chuckle at her friend’s antics, but her fingers clenched around the curling iron. “It’s simple. Easy.”

“Mmhmm.” Steph raised an eyebrow before vanishing back into her closet. “You should’ve let me dress you up. Just this once. I know that black is your go-to color, but you would look amazing in, like, an emerald shade or something.”

She checked her reflection in the mirror, smoothing down the black velvet fabric of her dress with one hand. The dress, Steph’s dress really, fit well enough, its short flared skirt and bodice more revealing than Lia preferred. She’d added sheer black tights as a compromise, a small shield of modesty. She looked the part, at least. That would have to be enough.

“Yeah, well, you sort of did dress me up. This is your dress, remember?” Lia replied cheekily.

She looked normal. Like any other girl getting ready for a night out. But beneath the surface, her mind churned with unease. She wasn’t in the mood to be dolled up in the flashy outfits Steph probably would have chosen, had she allowed her friend to do as she wished.

A few minutes later, Steph emerged again, now in a fuzzy black top and leather shorts. She twirled once. “Better?”

Lia tilted her head. “That depends. Are we going to a club or a rock concert?”

Steph huffed. “Ugh, you’re right. This is more ‘badass on a motorcycle’ than ‘dancing queen’.” She disappeared into the closet again.

Lia checked her makeup a last time, adding another coat of mascara. She kept it simple. Just a bit of brown eyeshadow to create a sultry look, black mascara. And a light nude/pink lipstick color.

“Okay, this is it!” Steph’s voice yanked Lia from her thoughts. She stepped out in a sequined silver dress that shimmered under the soft bedroom light. “Final choice. No going back.”

Lia blinked at her. “That dress could blind someone.”

“Exactly!” Steph grinned, spinning in place. “Go big or go home, right?”

Lia forced a chuckle, though her fingers tightened in her lap. Steph was so excited. Lia wished she could mirror that energy. Instead, all she could think about was how many exits the club had. How many people would be inside the building? How she would handle herself if something happened.

Steph plopped onto Lia’s bed, grabbing her makeup to change some last minute details now that she finally chose her outfit.

“By the way, you never told me. What’s the deal with Jeremy? He follows you around like a lost puppy. It’s kinda cute.”

Lia groaned. “It’s not cute. It’s annoying. He pops up everywhere. It’s like he has a sixth sense for when I’m alone.”

Steph snorted. “Maybe he has a crush on you. Ever think about that?”

“He does, he’s not subtle about it.”

“So? A guy being obvious isn’t the worst thing. He’s nice. And kinda sweet.”

Lia rolled her eyes. “You think it’s sweet because it’s not you he’s following around.”

Steph wiggled her eyebrows. “Maybe he’s your soulmate.”

Lia made a face. “Ew. Gross.”

Steph laughed, nudging her. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing. But hey, are you sure you’re okay? You seem… I don’t know, tense.”

Lia hesitated. The words sat heavy on her tongue. She wanted to tell Steph everything. About the past. About why she constantly checked over her shoulder. But Steph didn’t know about some very tight-knit secrets of the world, and Lia had no intention of dragging her into it. She deserved some peace and not the relentless turmoil and danger that those secrets came with.

So instead, she forced another smile. “I’m fine. Just… out of my comfort zone.”

Steph beamed. “Then let’s make some new comfort zones!”

She grabbed Lia’s wrist and pulled her up. “Come on, let’s go before I change my mind and put on another outfit.”

Lia laughed loudly at her friend’s antics.

Stepping outside and closing the door behind her, Lia took a deep breath, the anxiety still swirling in her chest. But it was too late to back out now.

———x———

The moment Lia and Steph stepped out of the cab, Pulse towered above them, its sleek glass facade illuminated by shifting neon colors. The club had only been open for a week, even though it felt longer because of the relentless marketing they had done, but the buzz surrounding it was undeniable, evident from the long line of people still waiting to get in.

Lia’s gaze flicked to the bouncers guarding the entrance. They were massive, built like professional fighters, and stood with a kind of practiced authority that warned against any trouble. Despite their intimidating size, they handled the crowd with efficiency, letting in those on the list while calmly but firmly turning others away. No bribing, no favoritism, just a fair but firm judgment.

Steph leaned in, nudging Lia. “Damn, those guys look like they could lift a car.”

Lia smirked slightly. “Or throw someone out of here like a rag-doll.”

Steph laughed. “Probably both.”

They bypassed the main line and headed toward the side entrance, where Steph’s classmates were supposed to be waiting. But nearing the door, it seemed that they already went inside. They showed their IDs to the bouncer, and with just a nod towards them, opened the door to let them in.

They stepped through the entrance, and a wave of sound and the smell of alcohol engulfed them. The music was deafening. The bass thrumming through the floorboards. The dance floor stretched out ahead, packed with people moving to the rhythm, their silhouettes illuminated by flashing neon lights. Along the walls, LED signs glowed with phrases like “Bad decisions make for better stories” and “No regrets, just vibes”.

Crowds filled the two bars on either side of the floor, while bartenders moved with practiced ease as they poured colorful cocktails and mixed drinks under hanging glass chandeliers reflecting the vibrant lights. Everything about the place was designed to impress.

“Jason says they’re on the third floor near the bar on the right side.”

“The third floor?” Lia glanced up.

The club had multiple floors, each with an open center area, making it possible to look straight down to the main dance floor from the top. The first two floors were for the general crowd, but the third had a more upscale feel, with plush seating near the bars. And the fourth floor, the VIP level, looked to be pure luxury, with sleek leather lounges, low golden lighting, and an exclusive atmosphere that screamed money and status.

As Lia stepped deeper into the club, something in her chest tightened. The beat pulsed through her body, but under it was a hum, a low, unplaceable sound that slightly made her skin crawl.

Steph grabbed Lia’s hand as they wove through the crowd, dodging dancing couples and groups laughing over their drinks. They bumped shoulders with a few club-goers, and at one point, a girl in platform heels nearly stumbled into Lia, making her step back quickly.

“Jason said they’re near the bar,” Steph repeated, glancing at her phone. “They moved to the left side to get a better spot.”

Lia exhaled, trying to steady herself. The crowd was overwhelming, the noise a constant pulse in her ears. She reminded herself that she wasn’t alone, that Steph was here, and this was just a normal night out.

Still, her instincts remained on high alert.

As they reached the third floor, Steph grinned. “Okay, quick rundown... Jason’s the tall, cocky one. Emma is the sarcastic one in red. And Bri? Tiny but absolutely vicious at beer pong.”

Lia raised an eyebrow. “Good to know?”

Steph laughed. “Oh, you’ll love them.”

They finally spotted the group near the bar, standing in a loose circle. Jason, a tall guy with wavy brown hair, spotted them first and grinned. “Finally! Thought you bailed.”

“As if I’d miss opening week at Pulse,” Steph shot back, then nudged Lia. “Guys, this is my roommate, Lia.”

“Nice to finally meet you,” Emma said, giving Lia an appraising look. She had shoulder-length brown hair and wore a sleek red dress. “Steph talks about you all the time. Says you never go out. What changed?”

Lia forced a small smile. “She wore me down.”

Bri, a petite girl with short curls, smirked. “Classic Steph.”

Jason leaned an elbow against the bar, the gold-lit countertop reflecting the soft glow of the liquor bottles behind him. “So, first time at Pulse? What do you think?”

Lia glanced around again, noting the extravagant decor, the packed dance floor below, and the distant VIP section above, where well-dressed patrons lounged with expensive drinks.

“It’s... big,” she finally said.

Jason chuckled. “Yeah, it’s been hyped up for months. Everyone wants in tonight.” He nodded toward the stairs. “We’re on the third floor, but VIP is up there if you know the right people.”

Steph grinned. “Well, do you?”

Jason smirked but didn’t answer. Instead, he turned to Lia. “Can I get you a drink?”

Lia hesitated. The last thing she needed was to dull her senses in a place like this.

Steph looped an arm through hers. “She’ll think about it.”

Then, to the others, she said, “Let’s find a good spot before it gets even crazier in here.”

As they moved toward a more open section near the bar, Emma made a joke about Steph’s many outfit changes, and Bri pulled Lia into the conversation, asking about what it was like living with Steph.

“Is she always this pushy?” Bri teased.

Lia smirked. “You have no idea.”

Steph gasped in mock offense. “Excuse you. I am a delight.”

Lia let herself smile at their banter, though her awareness never wavered. The club was fun, exciting, but she still couldn’t shake the lingering unease creeping at the back of her mind.

And she had learned long ago to trust that feeling.

The group settled near the bar, half leaning against the counter while the other half stood close together, talking over the pounding music. Jason waved over a bartender, ordering a round of drinks while Emma playfully argued with him over which cocktail was superior.

Lia watched them quietly, taking in the way they interacted. There was an ease between them, an effortless rhythm in their teasing and conversation. Steph fit in seamlessly, laughing at Jason’s sarcastic retorts while Emma dramatically rolled her eyes at Bri’s exaggerated nods of agreement.

They had an ease that went beyond just being classmates.

Lia had always admired how easily Steph connected with people. She could walk into a room and, within minutes, feel like she belonged there. Lia, on the other hand, had spent most of her life on the fringes. Watching, listening, but never quite inserting herself into the moment. She felt the weight of that distance now, though it wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

Bri turned to Lia with a curious look. “So, we’ve seen you around before, but Steph never actually introduced us properly. You’re her roommate, right?”

Lia nodded. “Yeah, we share an apartment near campus.”

Emma grinned. “Steph’s mentioned you a few times. Said you’re allergic to fun and had to be dragged out tonight.”

Lia shot Steph a glare, but her friend just smirked, taking a sip of her drink. “I might have exaggerated slightly.”

Bri laughed. “So, is it true? Are you a hermit?”

Lia hesitated, glancing at Steph, who gave her an expectant look as if daring her to tell the truth.

“A little,” Lia admitted. “I just don’t really do clubs.”

Emma snorted. “Then you’re in the worst possible place.”

“Right?” Steph grinned, nudging Lia. “I told her this was the best way to break her out of her shell.”

Jason handed out drinks, sliding one toward Lia. She shook her head, and he raised an eyebrow. “Not a drinker?”

“Sometimes, maybe a bit later. I’ll take some water though.”

“Fair enough.” He took a sip of his own drink. “So, what do you study?”

“Business and occult studies,” Lia said.

Bri’s eyebrows lifted. “Wait, that’s a real major?”

Lia smirked. “Surprisingly, yes.”

“Okay, that’s actually kinda cool.” Emma leaned in. “What do you even learn in that?”

Steph threw an arm around Lia’s shoulder. “She’s basically studying to be a witch.”

Lia stiffened slightly but forced herself to laugh along. “Not quite. It’s more historical. Cultural beliefs, folklore, old practices. Nothing real.”

Bri sighed dramatically. “Bummer. I was hoping you had a cauldron and a broomstick.”

“Sorry to disappoint.”

Their conversation was briefly interrupted as a group of people pushed past them, jostling drinks and bumping shoulders. Lia instinctively stepped back, muscles tensing.

Emma rolled her eyes. “Ugh, and this is why I hate packed clubs.”

Jason grinned. “Then why are you here?”

“Because Steph threatened me.”

Steph gasped, clutching her chest. “Lies and slander!”

Emma smirked. “You literally texted, ‘If you don’t come, I will show up at your door and drag you out myself.’”

Steph huffed. “That’s called friendship, Emma.”

The group laughed, and for a moment, Lia relaxed.

Despite her unease, she had to admit, it wasn’t terrible being around Steph’s classmates. They were easygoing, familiar with each other in a way that made conversation effortless.

Bri teased Jason about his choice of drinks. Emma flipped her hair dramatically, declaring herself the ‘only sophisticated one here.’ Steph clinked her glass with Bri’s and wiggled her eyebrows.

It was normal. Lighthearted.

Her gaze flicked toward the VIP section above them. From this angle, she could only make out silhouettes of the people sitting there, their figures barely visible behind the golden glow of the bar’s backlighting.

She had no reason to be suspicious. No reason to think anything was wrong.

When she looked over the glass panels towards the lower floors, she thought she caught a flash of messy hair and a familiar profile in the crowd that made her stomach turn. For a second, she thought it might be Jeremy. She shook it off, but the unease lingered.

Bri leaned toward her. “So if you don’t do clubs, what do you do for fun?”

Lia blinked, bringing herself back to the conversation. “I read.”

Emma groaned. “Oh no, she’s one of those.”

Steph grinned. “She’s secretly a grandma at heart.”

Lia rolled her eyes. “Reading isn’t a crime.”

Bri smirked. “Depends on what you read.”

Lia raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Jason cut in. “Let me guess. Dark academia, murder mysteries, and pretentious old books?”

Steph let out a loud laugh. “Yes!”

Lia crossed her arms. “I feel very attacked right now.”

Bri gave her a teasing smile. “It’s okay. We accept you, Grandma Lia.”

Lia sighed but smiled, shaking her head.

Before she could say anything else, Steph’s phone buzzed. She checked the screen and groaned. “Ugh, Jeremy’s texting me.”

Lia tensed. “Jeremy?”

Steph waggled her eyebrows. “Your favorite study partner.”

Lia clenched her jaw. “What does he want?”

Steph skimmed the message. “Asking where we are.”

Emma raised an eyebrow. “Who’s Jeremy?”

Steph rolled her eyes. “Some guy who follows Lia around like a lost puppy.”

Bri smirked. “Is he cute at least?”

Lia groaned. “That is not the point.”

Jason snickered. “So, that’s a yes.”

Steph grinned. “She did say he’s hot.”

Emma sipped her drink. “I mean, if he’s hot, maybe it’s not that bad.”

Lia groaned again. “You’re all missing the point. It’s not just annoying. It’s unsettling. He always shows up wherever I am, even when I haven’t told anyone where I’m going. It’s like he’s tracking me or something.”

That made the group pause for a beat. The laughter softened, replaced by curious glances.

Bri offered a nervous chuckle. “Okay, that’s a little creepy.”

Steph waved a hand, brushing it off. “He’s harmless. Probably just has a big crush and no chill.” Still, she glanced at her phone, hesitating.

Lia narrowed her eyes. “What did you just tell him?”

Steph wiggled her phone and gave a sheepish smile. “Just that we’re at a club. No details...”

Lia huffed. “You better not tell him exactly where.”

Steph went to put her phone in her purse when it chimed again.

Lia’s jaw tightened. The unease that had been simmering all night suddenly flared hotter.

“Steph, I’m serious,” she said, dropping her voice. “Don’t tell him we’re at Pulse.”

Steph’s grin faltered slightly. “Okay, okay. Relax. I didn’t tell him which club.” She held up her phone as proof. “See? Just said ‘out with friends.’ No details.”

Lia exhaled, but the knot in her stomach didn’t loosen.

She already regretted everything about this night.

And that uneasy feeling at the back of her mind?

It hadn’t gone away.