Obey: 11. Watching Shadows

Clara woke to the sound of her phone buzzing insistently. The screen flashed a single, anonymous number.

 You’ve been seen. Watch your back.

Her stomach dropped. She hadn’t even left the loft yet, and the message felt like a hand curling around her heart.

By the time she got downstairs, Marcus was already waiting, leaning against the doorway with that sharp, unreadable expression that made her body tighten in response even when her mind screamed caution.

“Morning,” he said softly, though his eyes were alert. He reached for her hand, their fingers intertwining. “You got it?”

Clara nodded, showing him the phone. He read the message, his jaw tightening imperceptibly.

“They’re close,” he said. “Not inside the building, but someone’s watching. You weren’t being careful this morning?”

“I… I didn’t see anything,” she said, her voice small. The truth was she hadn’t even thought to be careful. Not yet. Not until this moment.

“Good,” he murmured,