Lily

In the desolate heart of the city, the world coalesced into the soft clicks of Lily's heels against the concrete and the ambient hum of distant traffic. The moon hung low, a silent witness to the unfolding drama. The air grew thick with menace as three burly men emerged from the shadows, their intentions clear in their lurid smiles. "Look what we got here, boys," the one with a scarred eyebrow sneered, his eyes roaming over Lily's petite frame. "A little night bird, all alone and far from her nest." Lily's breath hitched, her eyes darting for an escape as a second man, with tattoos snaking down his arms, stepped closer. "She's a pretty one," he leered, his voice a gravelly whisper that seemed to suck the warmth from the air. The third man, built like a brick wall, remained silent,