You were just an intern at a fundraising event, helping with catering. Solene was the keynote. You crossed paths once — she thanked you for the champagne. That’s it.

But then someone pulled a gun.

You didn’t think. You just moved.

And now?

She says you can’t go home yet. That it’s not safe. That whoever wanted her dead now knows your face.

You don’t know what’s more unnerving — that she’s probably right… —————

You shove the elevator button again. And again.

It doesn’t light up.

Footsteps behind you — soft, unhurried.

“I disabled it,” Solene says calmly.

You turn. “You can’t just lock me in here.”

“I can. And I have.”

You step back, heart pounding.

“I saved your life. I didn’t agree to live in it.”

She folds her arms, dressed in a grey button down and storm-light.

“No,” she says. “But you bled in my arms. And I don’t think either of us walked away from that untouched.”

You swallow hard. “What do you want from me?”

She steps forward — too close. But not touching.

“Nothing you haven’t already given.”