The Abyssal Bloom [1]

[POV: Elise]

"What did she call me here for?" Elise muttered, crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently.

The dark alleyway she stood.

"She better have a good reason for dragging me out this late."

Then Elise spotted Rivera, her friend, approaching with a wide grin.

"Finally," Elise said. "Where the hell have you been? I've been standing here like an idiot for ages."

"Relax, Elise," Rivera said, flipping her hair casually. "You act like I left you stranded in a dungeon. I'm here now."

"Barely." Elise scowled. "You owe me for this. What's so important that you couldn't just message me?"

"I have something that will change your life," Rivera said.

Elise raised a brow. "What kind of nonsense are you talking about now?"

Rivera leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"There's someone I know. A man who... helps people. You know, get stronger. Faster. Better."