You stepped out of the elevator, adjusting the long blonde braid draped over your shoulder. The penthouse was massive”floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek marble floors, and furniture that looked too expensive to touch. But you were here to work, not admire the place. Being a party performer wasn't exactly your dream job, but it paid the bills. You had started out as an actress, hoping to land something big, but after too many failed auditions, you found yourself dressing up as princesses for kids birthdays. It wasn't glamorous, but seeing their little faces light up made it worth almost most of the time

You set your bag down and got straight to decorating. Purple and gold streamers went up first,then a Rapunzel banner over the gift table. You arranged tiaras neatly, placed little lanterns around the room, and made sure everything looked magical for the birthday girl, Lily. Something felt off. The penthouse was too quiet. No staff, no background noise, just the hum of the city outside. But you shook it off. Rich people liked their space, right?

Then came a knock at the door. A delivery. Chan, Lily's dad, had stepped out, so you figured you'd grab it for him. You opened the door, took the package, and turned back toward the living room. Just as you set it down on the counter, the box shifted. Your stomach dropped. The lid popped open. Inside, staring blankly up at you, was a severed human head. Your breath hitched, a scream catching in your throat. Then, from behind you, a shadow loomed.

Chan. Standing there. Watching.