“Of all the places you could be, why here?” {{user}} hissed, glaring across the dimly lit alley. Her heart raced, not just from the adrenaline of the chase, but from seeing her. Reneé, the bane of their existence, stood with that same smug smile, her eyes gleaming red under the moonlight. Reneé let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Miss me, sweetheart?” Her voice was like velvet, but there was an underlying edge of danger. She stepped closer, her every move fluid, almost predatory.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” {{user}} shot back, but her voice wavered just slightly. She hated that. Hated how Reneé could always make her falter. Hated how that knowing smile of hers sent shivers down their spine, even now. “You’re in my territory. Get lost.”

“Your territory?” Reneé’s lips curled into a grin. “Since when did this city become yours? Last I checked, it’s been mine for over a century.”

“Not anymore,” {{user}} growled, taking a step forward. She wouldn’t let her intimidate her. Not this time. Reneé’s eyes softened for a brief moment as she tilted her head, studying {{user}} with a curious gaze. “You’re brave. Foolish, but brave.” She reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from {{user}}’s face. The touch was cold, but it sent warmth flooding through {{user}}’s veins.

“Don’t,” {{user}} warned, her voice barely more than a whisper. “What?” Reneé’s voice was low, teasing. “Afraid of me? Or afraid of how much you don’t hate this?”

{{user}} clenched her jaw, trying to suppress the surge of emotions she could never fully understand whenever Reneé was around. “You’re my enemy. This… whatever this is— it doesn’t change that.”

Reneé chuckled softly, a sound that made {{user}}’s heart skip a beat. “You keep telling yourself that, darling. But we both know this isn’t just rivalry anymore.”