The city breathed in the stillness of the late hour, neon lights flickering against the rain-slicked pavement.
The occasional hum of a passing car sliced through the silence, but most of the world had already folded into sleep. A distant honk, the rhythmic patter of raindrops, the scent of wet asphalt—everything felt suspended in time.
Sophia Laurent tightened her grip on the steering wheel, exhaustion pooling behind her sharp eyes. Another long night shift at the hospital had drained her, leaving her body yearning for rest, but her mind refused to quiet.
The soft purr of her vintage car was a steady comfort, the familiar leather scent mingling with the faint traces of her perfume.
She barely noticed the drizzle tapping against the windshield until—
A shadow darted across the street.
A split second. Reflex kicked in.
Tires screeched against the asphalt as she slammed the brakes, her pulse hammering against her ribs.
Her breath hitched.
Outside, a figure stumbled back, arms flailing before landing on the wet ground.
The glow of the streetlights cast long shadows across the pavement, illuminating dark strands of damp hair clinging to pale skin.
Sophia shoved the car door open, the cold night air biting at her skin.
Her footsteps splashed against the pavement as she rushed forward. "Are you hurt?" Her voice carried a sharp edge of worry, eyes scanning for injuries.
The girl—young, perhaps early twenties—winced slightly as she examined her own palm. A fresh scrape marred the skin, blood beading at the surface.
She exhaled, a shaky breath escaping her lips. "I-I'm fine," she muttered, pushing herself upright. Dark eyes flickered up to meet Sophia's.
Sophia's gaze didn't waver. "You're bleeding. Let me take you to the hospital."
The girl took a step back, shaking her head. "It's nothing. I just need to—"
Her stomach growled, betraying her.
A deep flush crept up her cheeks, stark against the pale glow of the streetlights.
Sophia arched a brow, arms crossing.
"Where were you heading this late?"
The girl shifted awkwardly, damp sleeves sticking to her skin. "Restaurant nearby. Wanted to get something to eat."
Sophia glanced at the street ahead—most places had long since shut their doors.
The air smelled of fading grease and rain, the last remnants of the city's bustle now a ghost of movement. "You won't find anything open at this hour."
The girl chewed her lip, clearly debating something in her mind. "It's fine. I'll just—"
"Come on." Sophia gestured toward her car. "We'll check together."
Hesitation flickered in the girl's expression, but as another gust of cold wind brushed against them, she relented. "Alright…" She followed, slipping into the passenger seat.
The ride was quiet save for the rhythmic beat of raindrops against glass.
The girl sat stiffly, hands resting on her lap, her fingers fidgeting slightly.
They reached the restaurant a few minutes later—lights off, doors locked.
The girl exhaled softly, shoulders sinking.
"Told you," Sophia murmured, her voice gentler this time.
The girl gave a small, defeated nod.
"Guess I wasn't thinking."
Sophia tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, considering. "Where do you stay? I'll drop you off."
"Hostel's not far. I can walk."
Sophia cut her a sharp look. "It's almost midnight. You're alone. Walking isn't an option."
A moment of resistance, then a quiet sigh. "Alright."
But as they neared the hostel, reality settled in. The front gates were locked, the entrance dark. The girl's posture stiffened. "No... No way."
Sophia studied her. "You didn't know they closed early?
The girl bit her lip. "I lost track of time..." Frustration laced her voice, a mix of exhaustion and helplessness battling for control.
Sophia leaned back, exhaling slowly. "So what's your plan now?"
Silence.
The girl glanced around as if searching for an answer in the empty streets. "Maybe… find somewhere else to stay?"
Sophia narrowed her eyes. "And where exactly?"
More silence. Then, hesitantly, "I'll figure it out."
Sophia sighed, already making up her mind. "Come with me."
The girl stiffened. "What? No, I can't—"
"It's just for the night. You have nowhere else, and you're still bleeding."
Sophia gestured to her injured hand. "Let me clean that up, and you can leave in the morning."
The girl hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. She didn't want to be a burden—but exhaustion was quickly winning. Finally, she nodded. "Okay. Just for tonight."
Sophia pulled the car back onto the road, the silence between them no longer uncomfortable but something else entirely—unspoken, yet oddly settled.
The city lights blurred past, but inside the car, a quiet story was beginning to write itself in the night.
The smooth hum of the engine filled the space between them as Sophia drove through the near-empty streets. Jane sat stiffly, her fingers gripping the edge of her seat, her thoughts bouncing between relief and wariness.
She stole glances at Sophia, the way her hands barely gripped the wheel, her gaze steady on the road, her posture effortlessly elegant. Everything about her exuded control, confidence—wealth.
When they reached Sophia's building, Jane hesitated before stepping out. The house—no, the mansion—loomed before her, tall and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the dim city lights. Jane swallowed, feeling out of place.
They entered the main living room, and Jane's wide eyes darted around, taking in the opulent surroundings. The polished marble floor, the sleek furniture, the subtle fragrance of something expensive in the air—it was everything she had only seen in movies. Her thoughts ran wild.
She must be rich. Look at this place. Her car, her dress... Then another thought crept in, ridiculous yet persistent. Wait. What if she's a cultist? What if she's not human? What if—
"Are you always this expressive?" Sophia's voice cut through Jane's spiraling thoughts. She stood with her arms crossed, amusement flickering in her eyes.
Jane blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"You're making faces. What are you thinking?"
"Nothing," Jane answered too quickly.
Sophia arched an eyebrow but didn't push. Instead, she sighed and uncrossed her arms. "I forgot to ask—what's your name?"
"Jane."
Sophia nodded. "Come on, I'll show you to the guest room."
Jane followed her hesitantly down a hallway, her steps light against the wooden flooring. When Sophia pushed open a door, Jane stepped inside and immediately felt even smaller than before.
The guest room was massive. A king-sized bed, soft lighting, an entire seating area, and a balcony overlooking the city. It was bigger than her hostel room. Bigger than her grandma's whole house.
"Wow," Jane whispered before she could stop herself.
Sophia leaned against the doorframe, watching Jane take in the room with wide eyes. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast golden hues on the elegant decor—plush ivory bedding, a sleek mahogany desk, and floor-to-ceiling curtains that swayed slightly from the night breeze filtering in through a partially open window.
Jane turned in slow circles, her fingers brushing over the smooth surface of a velvet chair. "This is a guest room?" she muttered, mostly to herself.
Sophia smirked. "Would you rather sleep on the couch?"
Jane quickly shook her head. "No, no. This is... nice. Just unexpected."
Sophia crossed her arms, leaning casually against the wall. "You thought I was going to eat you or something, didn't you?"
Jane stiffened. "W-what?"
"You kept glancing at me like I might sprout fangs." Sophia arched a brow, amused.
Jane let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of her neck. "I mean… you are kind of mysterious. Rich, beautiful, driving around late at night—" She hesitated, then shrugged. "You never know."
Sophia laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're amusing, Jane."
Jane gave a small, awkward grin, still feeling out of place in such luxury.
Sophia pushed off the doorframe. "Bathroom's through that door. If you need anything, my room's down the hall."
Jane nodded. "Okay. Thanks… for everything."
Sophia studied her for a second longer, then with a small nod, she turned and walked out, closing the door gently behind her.
Left alone, Jane exhaled deeply and sank onto the edge of the bed. The mattress was so soft it felt like clouds. Her fingers curled into the silky sheets, and for the first time in a long time, exhaustion settled in.
She glanced toward the door, as if expecting Sophia to walk back in. Strange. A few hours ago, she had been drenched in rain, starving, and alone. Now she was in a stranger's—no, in Sophia's house, being treated with kindness she hadn't expected.
Her stomach twisted. She wasn't used to this.
Lying back, she stared at the ceiling. The air smelled faintly of lavender, and the quiet hum of the city outside was a distant lullaby.
Maybe, just for tonight… she could let herself rest.