SHADOWS OF THE PAST

The night seemed to hold its breath as Marco's chilling smirk lingered. Hazel's heart thundered in her chest, her fingers brushing against Ethan's back for reassurance.

Ethan's voice was low and firm. "Marco, I warned you to stay away."

Marco's eyes flicked to Hazel with unsettling interest. "She's quite the distraction, Ethan. Risky, though."

Hazel, gathering her courage, stepped from behind Ethan. "I don't know who you are, but you should leave."

Marco chuckled darkly. "Oh, Hazel. You're braver than most. Pity bravery alone won't protect you."

Ethan's fist clenched. "We're done here."

Marco's expression darkened. "Are we? You owe a debt, Ethan. And debts always get paid. Tick tock." With that, his car sped into the night, leaving behind a trail of tension.

Hazel turned to Ethan, her voice demanding answers. "Debt? What is he talking about?"

Ethan's jaw tightened, his gaze softening only for her. "A mistake from my past. One I hoped wouldn't touch you."

Before she could press further, Olivia's voice rang out from the shadows. "Told you he had secrets."

Hazel whirled to face her. "Why are you so intent on tearing us apart?"

Olivia's eyes flashed with envy and something deeper. "Because you have what I wanted."

Hazel's pulse quickened. "Ethan?"

But Ethan's eyes never left Olivia. "You need to let go of the past, Olivia. It's over."

Olivia's lips curled bitterly. "We'll see." She vanished into the night, leaving a storm behind.

Hazel, shaken but resolute, faced Ethan. "No more shadows. I want the truth."

Ethan's hand cupped her cheek, his voice raw. "I swear, I'll tell you everything. But first, let me keep you safe."

Their lips met—fierce, protective, desperate. But danger circled ever closer, and love alone might not be enough to survive the oncoming storm.