Argus stumbled into the dimly lit bar, the door creaking as it swung open. The Texas heat outside still clung to her skin, making the cool interior a welcome relief.

She made her way to the far end of the bar, ordering a drink in silence, the bartender nodding at her, already familiar with the regular.

She sat alone, trying to shake off the exhaustion, the thoughts swirling in her head. The steady hum of low conversations around her was comforting in its normalcy.

That was until the door opened again, and a figure stepped inside.

The newcomer caught her eye—someone who clearly didn’t belong in this dusty, sun-baked place. The way they carried themselves, the clothes they wore, it screamed city.

The woman approached the bar and chose the stool beside Argus, ignoring the row of empty seats around her.

Argus kept her gaze on the dark whiskey, her voice low as her fingers tapped lightly against the rim of the glass.

“And—why are ya sittin’ next to me?”