erta prepared to leaveher workplace. With a tired sigh, she gathered her b

pproached her with a concerned expression."Leaving alr

esponse. "Yes, ma'am," she confir

ta. "You don't look well. You should takesome time to r

berta promised, her gratitude evid

farewell with a warm smile, watchin

ight of day urging her toquicken her pace. She knew she needed to reach h

t helpbut feel a sense of unease creeping over her. The dimly lit streets were filledwith rowdy

thebars. Some were visibly intoxicated, stumbling as they called out to her withslurred words,

bar'sentrance as soon as possible. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact withthe men

relief. She glancedaround anxiously, hoping to catch the attention of the barten

ghtly shaky with nerves. "Can I get a six

m where he was cleaning glasses behind thecounter. He eyed Robe

umbled, his tone brusque as he tu

ith each passing second. And just then sheaccidental

sir." She apologized immediately

feeling of being watched, the weight of themen's sta

ting it down on the counter with acareless thud. "That'll be

ey from her purse andhanded it over. "Thank you," she muttered, her voice bar

decided to keephis voice low when Roberta accidentally stepped on his foot. Normally,

ired of the bartender as soon

often to buy beer for her uncle," thebartende

"Ketax repl

night?" the bartender teased, s

my drink," he replied curtly, histone leaving no room for fu

ver the requested wine.Ketax tossed his payment onto the counter befor

evening air against her skin. Turning onto a dimly lit street withsparse illumination, she reached for her ea

f men following her behind with no intentio

bustling street faded into the distance behindher,

ears as she remained absorbed inher music. Suddenly, a voice cut

e asked her in an annoyed tone and she rol

e, you need to stop" he said

ther one of them slurred, hi

would regret it." She warned him w

o face us, you little girl?" he

She struggled, her heart pounding in her chest. Just as sh

ep voice commanded, cut

the light, revealing himself to be Ketax. His presence was a stark contrast

of the men challenged

cold and calculating. He didn't need to reveal his ide

e men scoffed, his words laced with

, his eyes scanning the men with a predatory glint. "I am," he sa

g. They knew when to retreat. One by one, they dispers

h a mix of gratitude and fear. "Thank you

n unreadable. "It's nothing

him again, to express her gratitude for his intervention. But

ried towards her home. The incident had left her shaken, but she was grateful to be safe. As she walked, she