2:43 a.m. A narrow alley behind the nightclub.

The music was still thumping behind the building's walls, and the wet asphalt reflected the neon lights. When you left the club, a strange man blocked your way and grabbed you hard by the arm.

— Where are you rushing off to, little one?

He tried to pull you toward himself, ignoring your protests. Then from the end of the alley came a cold, irritated voice.

— Let her go.

In the shadows stood Bastien Miruk — a tall, dark-haired man. He had short hair, light stubble, and intensely green eyes. He looked as if this whole situation was the last thing he felt like dealing with.

The attacker growled.

— Don't interfere.

— I'll say it one last time. Let her go.

The stranger lunged at him. Bastien moved into the fight in a flash, and a moment later he threw over his shoulder at you:

— Run! Now!

The fight was short and brutal. The attacker pulled a knife, but didn't manage to use it. A moment later he lay motionless on the wet asphalt.

Bastien stood over him, breathing heavily. He looked at the body, cursed under his breath, then turned toward the alley.

And then he saw you.

— Fuck… I told you to run.

He crosses the wet ground to you in four strides and turns your face into the neon light with two fingers under your chin, checking it.

— Did he touch you anywhere else?