Chapter 4

• Alyssa walked fast on her way home, her heels tapping the ground and making a rapid "tap" sound.
• As night fell, the streetlight stretched and twisted her shadow like a monster with teeth and claws.
• "Whoosh... Alyssa exhaled white and pulled her coat tight.
• She felt eyes staring back at her, as cold and sticky as a viper.
• She suddenly turned around, and there was no one behind her except for a few fallen leaves, which were swept up and swirling by the wind.
• 'An illusion? "Alyssa said to herself, picking up her pace.
• She turned into an alley where the street lamp was broken and the dim light obscured everything.
• Suddenly, a dark figure came around the corner and lunged at Alyssa!
• 'Ah! "Alyssa exclaimed, instinctively backing away, only to trip over the rocks beneath her feet and fall hard to the ground.
• As the dark shadow approached, Alissa smelled a strong, sickening smell.
• "Get out of here! "She grabbed a handful of sand and hurled it at the figure.
• The figure was blinded by the sand and moved slowly.
• Elisa picked herself up and stumbled forward.
• "Don't run! 'roared the figure, his voice hoarse, like a broken gong.
• Alyssa ran as fast as she could, her heart beating out of her mouth.
• She was about to run out of the alley when the figure ran after her again and grabbed her by the hair.
• 'Help! "Alyssa screamed, struggling with all her strength.
• Just then, a figure rushed forward like lightning and kicked the figure in the chest.
• "Bang! The shadow is kicked out and banged against the wall with a dull thud.
• Ryan!
• Alyssa looked at Ryan in front of her, her eyes full of surprise and gratitude.
• "Are you all right? Ryan turned around and helped Alyssa up.
• "I... I'm fine." Alyssa was shaken, her voice shaking.
• "Asshole! The figure rose from the ground and stared at Ryan viciously. "Dare to ruin my good deed!"
• He pulled a dagger from his waist, its blade gleaming cold in the dim light.
• 'Be careful! "Alyssa exclaimed.
• Ryan didn't blink, his mouth curling in a grim curve.
• The shadow swung a dagger at Ryan with surprising speed.
• Lane sidestepped, grabbed the figure's wrist and gave it a hard twist.
• "Ka-ching! The sound of bones breaking is clearly audible.
• "Ah! 'cried the figure, and the dagger fell to the ground.
• Lane punched the figure in the stomach, knocking him to his knees.
• "Roll! "Lane coldly spits out a word.
• Clutching his stomach, the shadow rolled and crawled away.
• "Thank you, Ryan." Alyssa looked at Ryan with gratitude in her eyes.
• "I told you, I'll protect you." Lane looked at her with tender eyes.
• Alyssa's heart, touched again.
• The next day, Alyssa visits a sick client in the hospital.
• She left her car in the hospital parking lot and when she came out, she found that all four of her tires were punctured.
• "Damn it! "Alyssa stomps her foot in anger.
• She pulled out her phone, ready to call a tow truck.
• "Can I help you?" "A familiar voice rang out behind him.
• Ryan!
• Why did he show up again?
• "How did you..." "Alyssa looked at him in surprise.
• "I was just passing by." Ryan shrugged. "Someone pricked your tire. Let me change it for you."
• "You can change a tire?" "Alyssa was skeptical.
• "Of course." Ryan smiles confidently, "To me, it's a small thing."
• He opened the trunk, pulled out his tools, and moved expertly to change the tire.
• Elisa felt a strange emotion as she watched his busy figure.
• This man, it seemed, could do anything.
• "There you go." Ryan clapped his hands and stood up. "Good to go."
• "Thanks." Alyssa looked at him and whispered.
• "You're welcome." Lane looked at her with deep eyes. "It's been rough lately, you have to be careful."
• "Not safe lately?" Alissa gasped. "What do you mean?"
• "Some things, it's better you don't know." Ryan didn't explain, "Anyway, you've got to be careful."
• "He pulled a delicate silver bracelet from his pocket and handed it to Alyssa.
• "What is this? Alissa took the bracelet and studied it carefully.
• "The amulet." 'Ryan said.' Wear it. It protects you. '
• Alyssa placed the bracelet on her wrist and felt a cool sensation that reassured her.
• "This bracelet..." Alyssa looked at the bracelet and stopped talking.
• "What's wrong? "Ryan asked.
• "Nothing." Alyssa shook her head. "Thank you, Ryan."
• "Come on, I'll walk you back." "Ryan said.
• Alyssa nodded and followed Ryan into the car.
• The car started and pulled out of the parking lot.
• Alissa looked out the window at the passing scenery, but her heart couldn't calm down.
• The dark shadows of last night, the punctured tire, Ryan's warning...
• All of this, it made her feel uneasy.
• "Ryan, that guy last night..." "Alyssa couldn't help but ask.
• "Don't ask." Ryan interrupted, "The more you know, the more dangerous it is for you."
• Alyssa is silent.
• Ryan must be hiding something, she knew.
• "Ryan, who the hell are you? "Alyssa asked softly, looking into Ryan's profile.
• Ryan didn't answer, just focused on driving.
• The car pulled up outside Alyssa's house.
• "Here we are." "Lane said.
• "HMMM." Alyssa nods and unbuckles her seat belt.
• "Alyssa." "Lane said suddenly.
• "Huh? "Alyssa turned to look at him.
• Ryan looked at her with mixed eyes.
• "Remember, no matter what happens, trust me." "Lane said.
• "Believe you?" "Alyssa looked at him, quizzical.
• "Yeah, trust me." Ryan nods. "I'll protect you."
• Alyssa doesn't speak, just looks at him in silence.
• "Go back." 'Ryan said.' Go to bed early. '
• 'HMM.' Alyssa nodded and got out of the car.
• She stood by the side of the road and watched Ryan's car pull away.
• She felt a chill as the night wind blew.
• She looked down at the silver bracelet on her wrist, confused and uneasy.
• Ryan, who the hell are you?
• Alyssa turned and walked down the hallway.