Where the Night Turned Dangerous
1100 Words
Dusk had settled, and Elena wandered along an empty stretch of road without direction. Her eyes were red and swollen, clear proof that she had been crying for a long time. She didn’t know where she was headed, nor did she care.
As she moved forward absentmindedly, a brightly lit club came into view ahead. Women dressed in revealing outfits and sparkling jewelry walked confidently inside, while a few men lingered near the entrance, some stepping in, others simply watching.
Her gaze shifted to a nearby alley, where a couple was pressed against the wall, completely lost in each other. A memory surfaced Zoe once told her that alcohol helped drown pain and silence thoughts.
Right now, that was exactly what Elena needed.
Her chest felt unbearably tight, like something was crushing her from within. Acting purely on impulse, she made her way toward the entrance and stepped inside the club without a second thought.
She wiped her cheeks quickly, brushing away any remaining tears, and walked deeper inside. This was her first time ever setting foot in a place like this in all her twenty years.
Her body felt tense, slightly trembling as she looked around.
Everything felt unfamiliar.
Loud music pulsed through the air as people danced recklessly. Drinks flowed freely. Couples clung to each other in dim corners. A few men stared openly at her, as if she didn’t belong there.
Was it because she wasn’t dressed like the others?
She glanced down at her pink dress, frowning slightly. It seemed perfectly fine to her. Shrugging it off, she continued observing her surroundings.
The club was large and elegant. There was even an upper level, though it remained mostly empty.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice where she was going and suddenly walked straight into someone.
“Oof—”
She staggered back slightly.
‘Did I just walk into a wall?’ she thought, lifting her head.
The “wall” turned out to be a tall, broad-shouldered man. She barely reached his chest. His features were sharp, his expression cold, and his amber eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her uneasy.
Behind him stood two other men, both serious and alert, though not as intimidating. It was obvious who held authority among them.
She hesitated, then looked back at him, expecting a reaction.
Nothing.
He simply stared.
“I’m sorry… I wasn’t paying attention,” she said softly, fidgeting with her fingers.
Still no response.
Her brows drew together slightly.
‘Did he not hear me?’
“Hey, watch it, kid,” one of the men behind him spoke up.
Her expression changed instantly.
“I’m not a kid,” she replied, her tone firm. “I’m an adult.”
“Oh really?” the second man scoffed. “Dressed like that in a place like this? Have you seen how people here look?”
Her annoyance grew.
‘Why are they even talking to me like this?’
“That’s none of your business,” she snapped before turning away. “Rude.”
The three men heard her clearly.
Alessandro DeLuca watched her walk off, a faint trace of amusement flickering briefly in his eyes before disappearing. One of his men took a step forward, clearly irritated, but stopped when Alessandro lifted his hand slightly.
That was enough.
They backed off immediately.
The two exchanged silent looks, surprised. Their boss wasn’t known for tolerance, especially not when someone collided with him.
Yet he let her go.
Without question, they followed him as he walked away.
---
Elena made her way to the bar and sat down, still irritated by the encounter.
“What can I get you?” the bartender asked.
She hesitated. “I… don’t know.”
She had never ordered alcohol before. She didn’t even know what to choose.
The bartender studied her face for a moment, noticing her swollen eyes.
“Let me guess… heartbreak?” he said casually.
Her head snapped up, startled.
Was it that obvious?
He chuckled at her reaction.
“I’ll make you something,” he said, turning away.
She watched as he prepared a drink. A few minutes later, he placed a glass in front of her.
She leaned forward slightly, examining it.
“What is this?” she asked.
“French martini.”
He moved on without another word.
Elena stared at the glass, unsure. But she wanted the pain to go away even if only for a little while.
Taking a cautious sip, she immediately winced.
The taste burned her throat, making her pull back quickly.
‘People actually drink this willingly?’ she thought, grimacing.
There was no way she could finish it.
She asked for the bill, paid, and stepped away from the counter.
---
Once outside, the night felt colder.
She felt even worse than before.
How long had she been inside?
The streets were nearly empty now.
She looked around, uncertain.
Where was she supposed to go?
Still, she kept walking, hoping something would come up.
After a few minutes, a strange feeling crept over her.
Like someone was behind her.
She turned.
Nothing.
Maybe she was imagining it.
But as she continued walking, the feeling returned stronger this time.
And then she heard it.
Footsteps.
Faint, but clear.
Her heartbeat quickened. She glanced around, searching for anyone nearby, but the street was deserted.
Where had she ended up?
This place didn’t look familiar at all.
‘Should I just go back?’ she wondered, fear creeping in.
But the thought of returning… of facing everything again...
No.
She couldn’t.
She picked up her pace.
The sound behind her grew faster.
That’s when it hit her.
Someone was definitely following her.
She turned her head slightly and saw shadows moving behind her.
Fear surged through her body.
She ran.
The figures chased after her.
Her breath became uneven as she pushed herself forward, panic taking over completely. Sweat gathered on her skin as her heart pounded wildly.
But she wasn’t fast enough.
They caught her.
Tears filled her eyes as she opened her mouth to scream...
“M—!”
A hand clamped tightly over her mouth, cutting off the sound.
Her eyes widened in terror.
Another arm wrapped around her waist, holding her in place. She struggled, kicking and twisting, but it was useless.
Then..
A sharp sting pierced her neck.
Her body stiffened.
Something had been i
njected.
Her vision started to blur almost instantly. She blinked rapidly, trying to stay conscious, but her strength faded quickly.
Darkness closed in.
And within seconds
She collapsed into unconsciousness.
- Writer
