10
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RAINE returned to the flat, greeted by the usual silence that blanketed her nights. Though her most productive hours often began after dusk, she had a remarkable ability to rise early, tending to her myriad responsibilities without complaint.

She sank into her favourite sofa, laptop open, fingers poised over the keys as she began typing to quiet her troubled mind.

"...But who exactly is this Lorraine Adriella de Verra? To those in her professional sphere, she was a college professor for four years, with a focus on researching human behaviour and emotional responses. To her cousin, Detective George Alexander Ferrer, she was akin to a contemporary Sherlock Holmes-her heightened perceptive acuity and diagnostic instincts distinguishing her from her peers. This reputation facilitated her integration into the CSI team, where she was realizing her long-standing aspiration to become a forensic investigator-a career trajectory she had only embarked upon a month prior," she murmured, her mind drifting to another world.

Her gaze drifted to the hallway as footsteps echoed from one of the bathrooms. Zane emerged, towel draped over his head, hair still damp. His eyes fell upon her.

"There you are," he said. "You're lucky Auntie's preoccupied upstairs; she hasn't noticed you're still not back at that time."

Raine paused, turning to him with a slight frown. "What? I told you I'd be home."

"Yes, three hours later," he replied, sounding more like a scolding parent than a friend, as he held up his phone, the screen showing 10:10.

"But I was just here a couple of minutes ago. You are the one being inside the bathroom for ages. And you're just like your auntie, aren't you?" she replied with a smirk. "Now, be a gentleman and fetch me some tea from the café. I need a rest. Put it on my tab, won't you? Thanks."

"Alright, first of all, I'm not your personal assistant. Second, I don't even know who you really are yet. And third, do you always boss Auntie around like this?" he asked as he went inside his bedroom.

"Don't forget the sugar," she called out, her gaze drifting towards what she was typing.

Zane huffed, unfazed. He stepped out of his room, leaning against the doorframe, eyes fixed on her. "Are you even listening? I told you earlier-I was abducted! That's right, abducted!" he almost shouted, frustration colouring his voice.

Raine continued typing, her focus unbroken, not once glancing at Zane. "She's licensed, but why didn't she just trade her teaching licence to join the police? Still, she's great at-" she murmured, fingers moving swiftly across the keys once more.

"I was sort of kidnapped a few hours ago. Yes, it's true," Zane insisted, then grumpily plopped into his chair, facing her. "And, as much as I hate to say it, you might be in danger."

Raine turned toward him, amusement flickering across her face. "Danger?" she echoed, a smirk tugging at her lips, though she tried to hide it.

"In great danger, and believe me, you won't like the sensation of being watched by them," Zane pressed. "These people know everything about their targets. They even knew my new address."

"Oh, did they try to buy you off?" Raine scoffed, unimpressed. "A bribe of some grand amount, was it?"

Zane hesitated, glancing toward the hallway as though expecting eavesdroppers. Then, he dropped his voice. "Yes... they did. They wanted me to spy on you."

Raine's expression shifted, an exaggerated look of alarm crossing her face as she took a swift step back, her eyes wide with mock fright. "A spy? You're a spy?" she asked. "Are you a secret agent now sent to watch my every move?"

"No! No, I'm not!" Zane protested. "I didn't accept the offer, alright? Go on, search me if you like. You'll find nothing!"

Zane stayed rooted to his spot, his foot tapping impatiently. "Look, I know this sounds odd, but I trust you more than those two," he called out. Raine, however, kept typing, seeming to enjoy it. "You know what? If you won't listen, I'll grab your laptop and hide it. We need to discuss the details, Ms. de Verra!"

Silence.

He scoffed, frustration creeping into his tone. "You do realize how rude you're being? I saved you from a rather dangerous individual-"

The grey laptop snapped shut, and Raine's cool gaze met his. "Did it not occur to you that you should've pretended to play along with them?" she said, arms crossed. "You could've let them think you were spying. Who knows? You might've gotten something worthwhile-perhaps a nice dress for your sister or niece. Maybe some new gel for your hair."

"Oh really?" Zane retorted, folding his arms, eyes narrowed. "I don't even use gel."

"Yes, really," Raine replied, unflinching. "Now, tell me, did they at least give you a name?"

Zane shifted, his expression hardening as he recalled. "I don't know where in the underworld they crawled from, but the one in pink, she made it clear-she's always watching."

Raine's expression remained unreadable. "And...?"

Zane's voice dropped, almost a whisper. "She said she's your greatest rival."

Raine stood frozen, her usual retorts slipping away into the silence.

"Any idea who these people might be?" Zane ventured. "I could report the car's plate number... if I'd managed to catch it. It was too dark, and my head felt like it was being hammered."

Raine's gaze flickered, a trace of something guarded passing over her face. "Just stay vigilant, Zane," she replied softly. "This place is not what it appears. Be cautious about whom you trust." She paused before adding, "Anyway, I'm off to bed. I need to clear my mind after today's events."

With a soft click, Raine gathered her laptop and entered her bedroom, the door shutting behind her, leaving Zane alone in the dim hallway. He lingered a moment, watching the sliver of light beneath her door fade, then sighed and made his way to his room. Moments after lying down, exhaustion took over, and he slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep.

He found himself standing in the void, darkness stretching endlessly in every direction. The silence was thick, almost oppressive, until a faint light flickered in the distance, like a candle flame struggling against the dark. Driven by curiosity-and something deeper, almost instinctual-Zane took a cautious step forward. Then another. The light grew with each step, slowly illuminating a figure.

As he drew closer, recognition settled over him. There she stood, her black, curly hair framing her warm, familiar face. Her brown eyes shone with that gentle, knowing sparkle he remembered so well, and her morena skin seemed to glow softly under the strange light. She was dressed in simple white-a top and trousers, as if she were ready to wrap him in a hug at any moment.

"Mama!" Zane called, his voice was filled with warmth. She was here again, the one steady presence in his restless dreams. Somehow, she always appeared when his mind grew too heavy, when memories of her unresolved case started to stir. It was as though her spirit lingered, waiting in his dreams, anchored by unanswered questions.

"So, how's the new place?" she asked gently with a smile radiating on her face. "Your auntie seems over the moon that you're finally there."

He shrugged, hands slipping into his pockets. "I suppose she is." He tried to sound casual, but he couldn't shake the sense that he was still adjusting, still out of place.

"Are you happy?" her mother asked, eyes narrowing as if reading hidden thoughts.

"I am," he replied, though a shadow flickered across his face. "But everything's changed. Now, people are dying-no explanations, just bodies."

A slight crease formed on his mother's brow, her warm gaze clouded with concern. "Oh, my dear," she murmured. "Mysteries fill this world, but those lost souls... they need peace. And their families need answers."

Zane shifted, unease prickling under his skin. "There's this woman I'm living with now, an unexpected apartment mate," he began, the words slipping out almost reluctantly. "She's sharp, seems to know things about me without trying... and someone wants me to spy on her. It feels off, like I'm drawn into something I can't quite grasp, yet I don't fully trust her."

His mother's gaze held steady, almost searching his face as though looking for something she couldn't see. "People come into our lives for reasons, my boy," she whispered. "But tread carefully. Not everyone who stands close is an ally, and not every shadow means you harm."

Zane felt the weight of her words settle over him, grounding him, even as her image began to blur, fading slowly until only her voice lingered in his mind, echoing as the dream dissolved into darkness.

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THE following morning, a distant, haunting piano melody stirred Zane from sleep. As he rose from bed, it ceased abruptly, almost as if the unseen player anticipated his movement. He stretched, combed his fingers through his unruly curls, and adjusted his clothes in the small mirror to his right.

When he opened his door, he halted, eyes widening. His flatmate stood silently in the hallway, facing him. She wore a peach gypsy top, black trousers, and grey trainers. Her hair, half-tied with a black ribbon, framed her face in soft waves.

"Where are you off to?" Zane asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he regarded Raine, who seemed far more composed than he felt.

"Well, I've got a free morning," she replied with an air of casual confidence. "Mrs. Nuñez asked me to join you for breakfast at your favourite spot."

Zane's eyes widened, disbelief washing over him as his mind raced to make sense of the unexpected invitation. The prospect both thrilled and unnerved him.

"Come on, now," she urged, her patience beginning to wear thin. "I don't like wasting time."

"Alright, alright!" Zane exclaimed, the urgency of her tone jolting him into action. "Just give me a few moments to pull myself together."

As he hurried to prepare, Raine observed him with a mix of amusement and concern, knowing that beneath his youthful bravado lay an undercurrent of anxiety that had been growing since their unusual circumstances began.

After a brief moment of hurried preparation, Zane and Raine made their way to a quaint restaurant on the corner of Amandra Street. The ride was punctuated by a twenty-minute silence.

As they arrived, the familiar sight of the restaurant enveloped Zane like a warm embrace, reminiscent of home after a three-year absence. It was a modest establishment, adorned with rustic wooden beams and native decorations. For Zane, this place held cherished memories of his mother taking him here on special occasions. Raine, on the other hand, was visiting for only the second time, her curiosity taken by the ambience.

Yet, even amidst the comforting atmosphere, the events of the previous night loomed heavily in Zane's mind. The images of chaos and the haunting shadows of death remained fresh, though he struggled to suppress the memories. He reminded himself that he had witnessed similar scenes during his time at the hospital, where the reality of life and loss had become all too familiar.

He chose a spot for their duo by the open window, sitting face to face on cushioned bamboo chairs. A varnished square table of woven bamboo stood between them.

"Raine, I heard what happened last night on the nearby street. You alright?" A man in his fifties approached, his gaze drawn to the pair. "And... Zane? Sir Zane, you're back!"

"I'm good now. Just a bit... shaken but all fine," Raine replied, forcing a smile that barely masked her unease.

"You two have company today, I see," the man said, introducing himself as Albert Tan.

"Oh, I'm just looking out for my new colleague, sir," Zane explained. "Aunt Clara asked me to, given those killings here and there. She must be her favourite tenant."

Albert's gaze turned to him, igniting a sense of unease. "Seems like you're doing a good job of it," he said, offering a smile in Zane's direction.

"Um... thanks?" Zane muttered, unsure whether it was a compliment or something else entirely.

"When did you two start a relationship?" the man quipped.

Their eyes widened in surprise, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "We're not... we're not together!" Zane blurted out.

"The relationship we have now, Mr. Tan," Raine replied flatly, "is merely that we work at the same university."

"Exactly what I was thinking," Zane chimed in, though he couldn't shake the unexpected stir of something within him.

"That's great," Albert murmured, handing them the menu. "I'll come back when you've decided what to order." He turned and walked toward the counter.

"What would you like to eat?" Raine asked.

"Uh... are you going to look at the menu, too?" Zane asked, extending the menu printed on stiff, thin cardboard. Raine gently pushed it back.

"I already decided what I wanted while you were reading," she replied. "Go on, look for yours. I'll pay for both." She raised her hand to signal the man she had spoken with earlier.

"What will you order?" the old man asked as he approached.

"Just tea and dark chocolate cake for me," she answered.

"Uh... just coffee for me and my usual quarter egg pie," Zane said, handing the menu back to the man.

"Is that all?" Raine asked.

"Yup! Let's eat..." Zane paused, the memory of the cake she'd left on Liberty Street the night before flashing through her mind. "What about your cake? Did you even have a slice?"

"Don't worry. I'll check it again when I get home," Raine replied.

As their conversation flowed, Mr. Tan quietly retrieved the menu from Zane's hand and strolled back to the counter, his footsteps soft against the wooden floor.

Zane exhaled, the tension easing from his shoulders. "That's a relief," he murmured, a faint smile breaking through.

"I've still got some adobo left, aside from what I gave your aunt," she said, a mischievous grin playing on her lips. "If you're interested, I tucked some away in our fridge."

"No worries," he replied with a casual wave. "We'll just heat it up later."

The server arrived swiftly, placing their plates before them with practiced ease.

"Thinking of adding more to your order?" Raine teased, a playful eyebrow arched.

"Not at all," Zane replied, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

"I'll take care of it," Raine countered. "My treat."

"Thank you, but I can't accept it," he replied with a grin.

"No, I insist. I'll treat you as a welcome gift," Raine persisted.

"Don't argue over who pays," Mr. Tan interjected with a chuckle.

As their playful banter carried on, they might have seemed like a couple caught in a light-hearted squabble over something trivial. Were it not for the lingering fear from earlier, Zane might have found the moment amusing enough to chuckle at himself.

"I should be the one treating you after the adobo," Zane admitted, his tone filled with gratitude.

"But you mentioned you're tight on money right now. What if you run out of allowance? Where will you get the money?" Raine's concern cut through the light-hearted banter.

Her words struck a chord in his heart, and he hesitated before responding. "I'll pay," Raine declared, reaching into her purse to settle the bill.

"Thank you, Raine, Zane," Albert acknowledged. "Did you remember to apply my discount for you and your new companion?"

"Yes, I deducted the ten percent," Raine confirmed, glancing at Zane with a smile before turning back to Albert.

"So, you have a discount," Zane noted.

"I helped him out once to escape from a robber," Raine explained, sipping her tea.

"Come Saturday for the 55th anniversary of this restaurant. It starts at around six," Albert offered, looking at Zane and Raine. They returned his smile as he made his way back to the counter.

"You seem to have lots of friends around here," Zane said, interrupting the silence that had settled between them.

"Huh?" Raine responded, raising an eyebrow. "I doubt it. Do you tell your students the same thing to lift their spirits?"

"No one is an island," he replied, a hint of surprise in his voice. He suddenly realized she'd deduced something about him once again. "How-"

"There are a lot of people who just come and go in your life," Raine remarked, her tone thoughtful.

"I can see why you might not have a boyfriend yet," Zane teased, a playful glint in his eye.

"Are you sure about what you are saying?" she shot back, her eyes narrowing as they locked onto him.

"Girlfriend, then?" he ventured, his tone shifting. "I mean, I get the different genders we-"

"What are you even asking?" she interrupted, her eyes furrowed. "If you think this is a date, you're mistaken. I just followed what Mrs. Clara-"

"What? No!" Zane blurted, his face flushing slightly. "That's not what I meant."

"Good," Raine said. She reached into her pink shoulder bag, pulling out a small white envelope. "Now, back to work." She laid out a few photographs and a mythology book they had both shown interest in before, steering the conversation back to business.

"What do you know about mythological beings?" she continued.