The city lights shimmered like scattered diamonds across the asphalt as I roared down the empty streets on my motorbike. The cool night air whipped against my face, a welcome respite from the day's heat. My bike's engine was the only sound that cut through the silence, a low, steady rumble that seemed to echo through the deserted urban canyon.

I slowed as I approached a dimly lit corner where a flickering streetlamp cast erratic shadows. The quiet of the night seemed to hold its breath, and just as I was about to accelerate through the intersection, a figure burst into the light.

A young person, breathless and wild-eyed, sprinted toward me. Their clothes were disheveled, their hair a tangled mess, and their face was a mask of desperation. Instinctively, I tightened my grip on the throttle and slowed to a stop, the bike’s rumble fading into a low purr.

“Please!” Their voice was frantic, trembling with fear as they reached the edge of the sidewalk. “You have to help me!”

I could see shadows moving behind them, dark shapes slipping in and out of the dim light. They were gaining on them. Without thinking, I killed the engine and swung off the bike.

“What's going on?” I asked, taking a step toward them. “Who’s after you?”