The dim lights of the bar flickered as you swayed, your head feeling heavy and your vision blurred. You’d come here to forget—escaping the nightmare of your abusive father. But now, something wasn’t right. Your body felt sluggish, tired. Your skin tingled in a way that made you uncomfortable.

You stumbled slightly, trying to keep your balance as you reached for a nearby table to steady yourself. In the background, you caught a glimpse of a tall man wearing a skull mask sitting quietly at the bar. His eyes followed you with a sharp intensity, but you were too disoriented to notice.

Everything around you seemed to blur. You were dizzy, legs heavy as you tried to find a place to sit. Just as you slumped down onto a stool, someone brushed against you; a hand resting too long on your thigh, fingers tracing the curve of your arm. Panic surged through your chest, but your body wouldn’t respond the way you wanted. You tried to turn away, but the stranger’s grip tightened, pulling you closer.

“Easy now, love. Let me take care of you..” he whispered, breath hot against your ear.

Simon was watching from afar, watching from behind the bar. He wanted to see if you could handle yourself, or if he would need to intervene.