"Holy shoot, I'm late again!" I groaned, yanking on a hoodie and scrambling to find my shoes. Of course, it couldn't just be a calm morning. I should've blamed my alarm—but no, I cursed the universe instead.
"Kiera Hart!" my mom's voice rang from down the hall. The full-name call. That could only mean one thing: trouble.
I froze at the doorway, already anticipating the scolding. "Yes, Mom?" I called, trying to sound innocent.
She marched over, portfolio folder in hand. "You're heading to a modeling interview without your portfolio? How do you expect to land the job?" Her left eyebrow rose so sharply it could slice steel.
"Holy shoot—thank you! You're a total lifesaver," I said, kissing her cheek before dashing out the door.
I was running—legs burning, heart pounding—but something felt off. The sidewalk kept stretching, the buildings blurring. No matter how fast I went, I couldn't reach my destination.
And then came the pain.
A blinding jolt in my lower back.
I screamed.
And woke up.
I was lying on the floor next to my bed, staring up at the dull ceiling of my room. "Ugh. Not again," I mumbled, rubbing my back.
It was becoming a pattern. Every time I had an important interview, the same bizarre dream played out. Endless running, sharp pain, and... darkness.
I climbed back into bed, confused and exhausted—but something tugged at my thoughts.
I'm forgetting something.
I reached for my phone. Ten missed calls—all from Lilly, my best friend and agent.
That's when it hit me. "Oh no. The interview!"
Miraculously, I made it just in time. As I arrived at the venue, I spotted Lilly near the entrance, pacing like a storm cloud with high heels.
"Lilly!" I called out, breathless.
She spun around, fury and relief mixing in her expression. "Kiera Hart, one of these days, you're going to give me an actual heart attack."
I offered a sheepish smile. "I'll bring flowers to the hospital, promise."
"Inside. Now," she said, grabbing my wrist and yanking me forward.
Today's interview wasn't just another gig—it was the gig.
Cullens Industries, a powerhouse name in Crescent Falls, was launching a premium skincare line with an international campaign. Medicine, cosmetics, biotech—they had a hand in everything.
Landing a spot in their ad wasn't just a dream job. It was a one-way ticket to the big leagues. If I nailed this, I wouldn't just be a model. I'd be remembered.
"Kiera," Lilly snapped her fingers in front of my face. "You're up."
I nodded, stepping forward, heart racing.
The campaign wasn't just about looks. They wanted something more. Acting. Emotion. Presence.
As I crossed the threshold into the audition room, a cold chill danced down my spine.
That dream again...
That same pain. That same feeling of someone watching me. And behind it all, eyes—unforgettable, unreal—watching from a place just beyond reason.