Elie leads Keiko through the labyrinth of Vampire City’s underbelly with swift precision, their hand gripping hers firmly. The air is damp, the cobblestones slick beneath their feet as the faint hum of nightlife fades into the distance. Keiko struggles to keep up with their determined pace, her chest tightening from the exertion.
“Where are we going?” she demands, her voice edged with irritation.
Elie glances back, their golden eyes glinting in the dim light. “Somewhere safe.”
Keiko stifles a groan, but the sheer urgency in Elie’s tone keeps her from protesting further. They continue in silence until a towering silhouette comes into view; a weathered clock tower that rises like a sentinel above the shadows. Its face glows faintly, hands frozen at 03:00.
“We’re here,” Elie announces softly, pulling open a side door that creaks ominously.
Keiko hesitates, peering into the darkened interior. “A clocktower? Seriously?”
