Today is a good day. The sun is shining, the wind feels amazing, and most of all, I am currently in front of a huge building where I'm supposed to deliver these items.

Now, let's rewind a bit because I am also a bit confused.

At first, I was flying in the direction that Miss Claire told me about. She mentioned that there is a hidden building or fortress in that direction that only people wearing the pin she gave me can see.

It seems that normal people see it as nothing more than a typical call center building, which made me think that their technology is suspiciously advanced, but we'll get to that later.

As I said, this place is like a giant fortress, and I am inside a parking lot near the building. Claire contacted me beforehand, saying that I have to go through there before going inside. She also told me to wait for her to arrive before I go anywhere else.

I must say, however, that the building's design is very intimidating and leans more toward the advanced side rather than trying to look normal.

Consider a snow globe. A typical snow globe would have a city-like structure, a house, or something simple but fancy; this, on the other hand, is massive and intimidating for something of this size.

As I contemplate this place's design and structure, I hear a car entering the gate above ground. Yes, I went all the way down because I was ordered to, okay? Also, I have to say my hearing has certainly impressed me for quite a bit now with the super sensing and all—quite neat.

By the way, the big guy that I supposedly fought has shrunk quite a bit. I mean, he was as big as a two-story building with a body that looked like an orc, but now he’s just the same size as a skinny man who hasn't eaten for days.

How the Mighty Have Fallen...

I've always wanted to say that.

On the topic of the mighty, a big-busted, gorgeous woman steps out of the elevator door behind me. Man, oh man, am I down bad for this woman.

I never really understood the supposed jealousy for big-busted women with others; I just feel stiff all the time. Well, not anymore since becoming a demon.

Anyway, I am located at the bottom floor of the parking lot where an elevator is placed.

When I arrived, I already felt uncomfortable because of how clean the place is. It's like the floor is just begging to be stepped on or something.

And I felt even more uncomfortable when this woman showed up. Like, hello? Can you say something for once?!

She hasn't talked to me since she arrived or done anything, to be precise.

"So, how was your first mission, Erilith?"

"......It's alright," I say as I nonchalantly carry him like a twig. Also, where did you come from?! I knew the car had arrived, but I didn't even notice her.

I guess this just proves how bad of an idea it was to even try to kill her.

After her little spook, she took a card that seems like a key card out of her pocket and had it scanned at the elevator screen. I was confused because before she arrived, this busty woman came out of it, so what's happening?

As I ask myself that question, the moment she finished with the scan, the elevator went up. I mean, the whole elevator went up. After that, another elevator from below went up and opened for us. It's also shaped like a tube.

"Let's go."

After saying that, all three of us went inside the mysterious elevator and went down. I'm guessing that we're going down because we have to detain this guy before doing anything.

After entering the chamber-like elevator, Claire and this busty woman started doing something. She gave Claire the papers she was holding while also whispering something into her ear. To my surprise, I couldn't hear what she said despite my heightened hearing.

For the first time, I'm saying this—quite frightening...

I managed to hear bits of what they were saying, and the only words I could catch were "Prison, Research, and Victims." I assume they're pretty busy down there.

While the elevator is still going down, and after a while, they're still talking, the elevator walls rose up, revealing a huge area underground with tons of people through the elevator glass.

By the way, we are still ways above in the elevator, and I can already see people's faces. This eyesight of mine really is a cheat.

If I'm being honest, this huge underground castle or whatever is way too excessive. I mean, it's freaking huge! I'm not a fan of big buildings in the first place, so me working in one is not a good match. Well, either way, I'm just gonna do what I'm told, and if I don't like it, I can just say so. I have a feeling Claire won't mind it.

We finally arrive at the very bottom to be greeted by four guards that look like they mean business. But for some reason, they were on guard about something and were trembling. Is this not-so-big guy anymore that dangerous?

"And here I thought you were gonna bring B24 back in pieces, but you brought something more dangerous, huh, Claire?"

After the four-armed guards, a bulky white-haired man came spouting something to Claire in a calm but cautious manner. Also, something more dangerous? Is it the gem?

"Well, Ivan, you know what they say: you take what you can get, and I'm not so picky as to deny its existence by locking them up."

"Maybe you should have."

What are they talking about? I'm as lost as a little pup right now, and to be honest, I wanna go home.

As I contemplated what to have for dinner, the so-called Ivan lets out a heavy sigh and lets us through. I don't know what the deal is, but I'm assuming it isn't good.

The white-haired man, Ivan, leads us down a narrow hall, the walls seeming to close in the further we go. It's dimly lit, with tiny lights embedded in the metal walls every few feet, barely illuminating anything. Every sound echoes—a drip of water, a low hum from somewhere deeper underground, and the guards' boots clicking as we follow. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling on edge.

Ivan clears his throat and tosses a glance back at me. "So, Erilith, is it?" he asks, eyes cold and assessing.

Wow, he talks to me was my initial reaction. I mean, who can you blame when I just arrived and he gives me creepy looks? Well, whatever. "Uh... yep, that's me," I say with an awkward chuckle, though it doesn't help me feel any less like a frog under a magnifying glass.

Ivan's eyebrow twitches slightly. "You're aware of the regulations here, I assume?"

"Yeah, of course," I reply, though I really don't. My understanding of this place's 'regulations' amounts to a whopping zero, so I try to play it cool and flash a grin, awkwardly at least. Not my best move because Ivan's lips press into a thin line.

"Once we reach the containment area, don't touch anything. Or anyone," he says, slowing his pace so he's walking alongside me. "That creature you're holding is one of our... special cases. B24's not your average goon; it's infused with a substance we've been researching."

I nod, not sure what to say. Then again, what do you say to "hey, the guy you're holding like a potato sack is a science experiment gone wrong"? And also, when did he learn my name? Communication in this place is crazy.

Entering the Containment Area

Ivan finally stops outside a door with thick steel framing. He swipes a card and enters a code before gesturing us inside. The room is cold and sterile, with glass barriers surrounding various containment cells. Each one contains... well, something different. Some cells are empty; others have strange glowing items, like gemstones or weapon-like objects that seem to hum with their own energy.

"Set him in Cell 12," Ivan says, pointing to an empty cell. Does that mean he gets to float like those items there? And why not a proper cell for a person?

As I do, Claire steps closer to me, a rare smile playing at her lips.

"Excellent work, Erilith," she says, surprising me. Her voice drops to a whisper, and I catch a glimpse of that diamond-like sharpness in her eyes. "How does it feel to work with us now?"

I shrug, shifting uncomfortably. "I dunno... intense?"

She chuckles softly, then reaches into her coat and pulls out a slim, metallic bracelet. "I'd say you earned a reward."

"Oh, really?" I say, eyeing it suspiciously.

Claire holds out a slim vial filled with a swirling, iridescent liquid that seems to pulse faintly. She hands it to me with a casual smile, though her gaze is sharp and appraising.

"Consider this your initiation gift, Erilith. A little... enhancer," she says, watching me closely. "Take it, and it'll amplify your senses, reflexes, even your resilience."

I stare at the vial, a bit wary. Enhancer, huh? Well, she did say this job came with perks, but I ain't about to poison myself.

"You want me to drink this?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

Claire nods, her smile unfaltering. "You're already showing signs of... adaptation, so this should only strengthen it. Trust me. It'll help you keep up with the rest of us."

Adaptation? Is it radiation?

I mean, I have been feeling tingly since I fought this guy, but not to the point of radiation sickness or whatever. But just to be sure, I used the same technique I used to intimidate Claire, but on the down low, noticing that Ivan and the others moved slightly on guard.

"I know you may not trust me, but this is a required regulation," she said, taking out another vial that looked like what she gave me and drank it in front of me.

"There, do you want me to drink that too?" she said while smiling, quite the display to gain my trust. Does she really think she can fool me with drinking a different vial?

"Well, whatever," I said, taking a deep breath, popping the cap, and downing the liquid in one gulp.

It tastes... metallic, cold, like swallowing liquid lightning. Almost instantly, a strange warmth pulses through my veins, like I've been plugged into an electrical current. Every nerve feels alive, tingling, buzzing. My senses sharpen even further, and I feel an odd pull within me, almost like there's a new layer to my body that wasn't there before.

A slight grin stretches across Claire's face as she observes my reaction. "Feeling stronger already, aren't you?"

"Yeah," I reply, though I try to keep my expression neutral. Unbeknownst to her, something else is happening—something she definitely didn't account for. The warmth intensifies, but it's different from before. It feels like my body is igniting from the inside, flickers of... energy weaving through me. I lift a hand, and to my shock, a faint shimmer of violet light sparks between my fingers.

Magic.

Before, I could only slightly feel the mana in the air, where, of course, I tried using magic but failed, thus the birth of my pseudo aura. But this time, I feel it completely, like waves of pressure all around the place which I couldn't feel before.

Can they also feel it? I doubt it since she mentioned radiation, but I can't really dismiss the idea either.

For now, I quickly clench my fist, hiding the glow before Claire or Ivan notices. It's faint, and I'm not even sure how it's happening. But somehow, whatever she just gave me unlocked something deeper, something powerful.

Claire gives me a pat on the shoulder. "Good. This means you're ready for the next stage. HeCaTe's missions are relentless, and this will give you an edge."

I nod, pretending like nothing's changed. Meanwhile, a million questions whirl through my mind. How did this "enhancer" give me magic? Or made me able to completely feel mana? And why is Claire so calm about it?

As we exit the containment area, Claire briefs me on my next task, oblivious to the fact that my senses aren't just enhanced—they're supercharged with something beyond the physical.

As I pocket the empty vial, Claire smirks knowingly.

"This enhancer," she says with a casual wave, "it's standard issue for all our agents and workers. It helps keep everyone in peak condition for the job. We've invested a lot into developing these enhancers—just one dose, and you're nearly superhuman."

My mind races. If all HeCaTe agents use this stuff, that means they're all walking around with boosted abilities, maybe even more than mine. Yet... something tells me my reaction is different. The way that surge of energy felt—like an untapped wellspring bursting open—it was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. And the magic... if all agents use these enhancers, surely they'd be talking about magic powers, right?

"So... this isn't, you know, unusual for people?" I ask, trying to sound nonchalant as we continue down the corridor. "No... side effects?"

Claire chuckles, misunderstanding my hesitation. "Nothing concerning. Some report feeling a little 'hyper' the first few days, but it wears off. You'll adapt." She glances back with a grin. "Trust me, in a week, you'll feel like you were born with it."

"Right," I say, hiding the fact that I can feel a strange tingling in my fingertips, an urge to test this power... this magic. But I keep quiet. If I let on about it, who knows what they'd do? Would they even know how or why it happened? Or would I be just another "case study" for HeCaTe?

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Anyway," Claire continues, "this is just the first step. After this, you'll undergo more specialized training to make sure you're equipped to handle any kind of situation." She shoots me a wink. "But don't worry—I think you'll do just fine."

I return her smile, hoping she doesn't notice the barely-contained sparks that shimmer just beneath my skin.

We step into yet another elevator—this one spacious and sleek, with glass walls on all sides. As we descend, my eyes widen as the entire underground expanse sprawls out before us.

If I thought the building above ground was impressive, this... this is on another level. The organization's main complex is a vast underground network stretching out in every direction, with multiple corridors branching from five massive walls, each leading toward who knows where. Some of the hallways are lit up, buzzing with activity, while others are shrouded in shadows, as if hiding secrets best left undisturbed.

From this vantage point, I can make out labs, training rooms, and what looks like an entire city beneath the earth. People—other agents, scientists, and staff—move about purposefully, all seemingly connected to a singular mission. Screens hang on the walls, flashing data, some scrolling through lines of coded commands and others displaying maps of regions I don't recognize.

Like, what is this, Star Wars or something?

As the elevator continues its slow descent, Claire turns to me with a glint in her eye. "Impressive, isn't it?"

"Impressive?" I breathe out, almost laughing at the understatement. "It's... okay, so how deep does this go?"

Claire chuckles, clearly enjoying my reaction. "HeCaTe isn't just a building or a facility, Erilith. It's an entire ecosystem. We connect to several locations throughout Japan—underground, underwater, even up high in the mountains. Each branch is designed to operate independently if needed, but it's all part of one network. What you see here," she gestures around, "is just the core."

As we pass another level, I spot a cavernous training room where agents run through drills, some even sparring in combat gear. In another section, scientists in lab coats carefully handle equipment that looks suspiciously radioactive. It hits me that this operation is way beyond what I had imagined when I took the job—it's like stepping into a hidden world, one that, unbeknownst to the everyday person, is influencing... everything.

I also notice some of them are using some kind of energy while sparring. I even see someone jump high enough to be considered a sports genius and someone getting sent flying across the room. That guy's definitely not making it to Part 2.

By the way, I also notice almost none of them can see us, I think. Is the glass one-sided or something?

Anyway, as the elevator slows and we reach the bottom floor, Claire steps out first. I follow, glancing around as we approach a security checkpoint staffed by guards who look ready for a war zone. They nod to Claire and step aside as we pass through, heading into a sprawling central hub that branches into the five main corridors.

The big-busted lady leaves after saying something to Claire about a problem or something.

"Each corridor," Claire explains, "leads to a specific sector: Research, Security, Operations, Archives, and, of course, Containment."

Containment. I feel a chill at the thought. Whatever they're holding down here must be dangerous. And also, you mean Cell 12 was not the containment zone?!

"It's... massive," I say, unable to shake the awe from my voice. "I thought this was just another shadowy organization, but this... this is something else." I mutter.

Claire gives me a knowing smile. "Well, Erilith, you're part of something much bigger than any of us now. Welcome to the heart of HeCaTe."

The place is teeming with people moving from one place to another, their faces intense and focused, as though the very air they breathe is charged with purpose. It's unsettling, and yet, oddly captivating.

I glance at Claire and Ivan; Claire's cool demeanor is unwavering, but Ivan's expression keeps flicking back to me. I can almost feel his suspicion, like he's measuring me with every step I take. Like, what, are you gonna punch me or something?

We reach a room where the doors slide open after scanning each individual. Apparently, the clip she gave me can act as some sort of identification as well—quite handy, I would say.

As the door opens, revealing a wide space filled with tall steel shelves, some of them stocked with items that look far too advanced for this world. My senses are on overdrive, taking in everything—the hum of the machinery, the low chatter of people in white lab coats, the faint smell of sterile chemicals in the air.

Claire steps in first, her heels clicking against the polished concrete floor as Ivan and I follow. She moves with purpose, like she's always known exactly where she's going, and maybe that's because she has. But me? I'm just tagging along, trying to piece together what the hell is going on.

"So, what's the deal with this place?" I ask, my voice low but curious. "What's it all about?"

Claire glances back at me, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're not one for subtlety, are you?" she remarks, but there's no malice behind it. "This is just one of HeCaTe's many facilities. The work we do here is... unconventional, but it gets results."

"Unconventional? You mean experimenting on people?" I ask, my tone sharper than I intend. I can't help it—this place rubs me the wrong way.

She doesn't flinch, though. "Not people, exactly. Special cases, like B24," she says, motioning to a nearby holding cell, its contents hidden behind layers of reinforced glass. "We study anomalies—people like you, Erilith. You'd be surprised how many of you there are."

That catches my attention. "Anomalies?" I echo, my mind racing. "You mean... other people with powers?"

"Exactly," Claire answers, her voice calm and measured. "People who, for one reason or another, have abilities beyond the ordinary. We're not in the business of causing harm. We're studying these abilities, finding ways to control them—or destroy them if they pose a threat." Her eyes flick to me briefly, almost like she's daring me to challenge her.

I don't know what to say to that. The idea of being studied, controlled, or worse—destroyed—doesn't sit well with me. But at the same time, I can't help but feel a bit... intrigued. These people know what they're doing. They have answers—answers I've been chasing since my change, or should I say my demonic constitution first manifested.

The Testing Room

As we continue down the hall, Claire leads me to a large, steel door at the far end. She swipes her card again, and the door slides open with a soft hiss. Beyond it lies a darkened room filled with rows of high-tech equipment, machines I've never seen before. They hum with energy, their surfaces glowing faintly in the dim light.

"This is where the real work happens," Claire says, her voice low and serious now. "You're going to undergo tests—tests that will measure the extent of your abilities. You're not the only one we've been tracking, Erilith. HeCaTe is looking for those who can help us shape the future."

I'm about to ask her what she means by that when a voice cuts through the air, interrupting my thoughts.

"Claire, you're here."

A petite figure in a lab coat approaches, her bright green hair falling messily around her shoulders like she's just rolled out of bed. She moves with a lazy air, as if she has all the time in the world, but there's an undeniable sharpness in her eyes when she looks at me. Her gaze flicks over briefly, then drifts back to Claire without a hint of urgency.

"This is Dr. Kline," Claire says with a casual wave, like introducing a friend. "She's in charge of the experiments and testing here. She'll be the one running you through the motions."

Dr. Kline doesn't bother with formalities like a handshake. She glances at me, her eyes narrowing just slightly before she gives a small nod. "Erilith," she says, her voice almost too calm, like she's reading off a list. "We've been waiting for you. Let's see what you can do."

I blink, a little thrown off by her nonchalance. "Uh, sure," I mutter. "I guess I'm just here to... get tested?"

"Yup, that's the gist of it," Dr. Kline says lazily, tapping a few things on a tablet in her hand, not even looking up. "Let's start simple. No need to overcomplicate things."

I follow her into the sterile, white room, feeling like an intruder in a place designed for testing. The machines hum with energy, each one looking more complicated than the last. Claire stays near the doorway, arms crossed, her face unreadable. Ivan lingers behind her, still keeping that unnerving stare on me like I'm some sort of lab rat.

Dr. Kline finally pulls her attention away from the tablet, looking up at me with an expression that's almost bored, as if she's seen this a thousand times. She gestures to the platform in the center of the room. "Stand there," she says, her voice flat but carrying an edge of command.

I give her a questioning look but step onto the platform, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me. Claire watches from the doorway, and Ivan still hasn't stopped staring, like he's expecting something... spectacular. Anyway, I feel like a zoo animal right now.

Dr. Kline taps a few more things on her console, her fingers moving swiftly. "Just use whatever powers you've got," she says with a yawn. "We'll see what we're working with."

I focus on the energy that's buzzing in my veins, that strange undercurrent of magic still flowing through me. I can feel it, pulsing with heat and uncertainty. However, I still want to hide that I can use magic, so instead, I try to focus on my pseudo aura.

"Well, here goes nothing," I mutter to myself, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves.

I raise my hand, concentrating on the tingling sensation in my fingers, pushing the energy out. A faint violet spark flickers to life between my fingertips. It's small, barely visible, but it's there. It's my usual pseudo aura, but since my complete sense of mana, it's been amplified.

An analogy example would be like using a bike with the brakes before, but this time the brakes are stuck with glue, and it's getting harder to hold it back.

Somehow, I manage to avoid using magic and instead produce about a 30% stronger version of my pseudo aura.

Dr. Kline's eyes narrow, her lips twitching into the smallest of smiles, like she's slightly impressed but doesn't care to show it. "Interesting," she murmurs. "It's not just basic energy manipulation. There's something... raw about it."

Raw? What does she mean by that? I glance at her, trying to figure out if she's just messing with me, but she's already back to tapping at her tablet with one hand, as though this is all routine.

Before I can respond, the machines around us begin to hum louder, their lights flashing in a series of rapid, controlled bursts. A soft beep sounds, followed by a voice coming from the speakers.

"Test results: Subject exhibiting high levels of energy manipulation and an unknown signature."

Great. Just what I needed. Now I'm officially a freak.

Dr. Kline doesn't even flinch at the announcement. She just clicks her tongue and gives me a sideways glance. "Yep, that's about what I expected. You're a walking energy field, no surprise there. But we'll need more data before we can move forward."

Her tone is so casual, it's almost disarming. The whole situation feels like she's more interested in getting it over with than in any real breakthrough, but somehow, I can't shake the feeling she's already figured me out.

As I stand on the platform, the hum of the machines buzzing around me like a swarm of bees, I focus on the strange sensation of energy inside me, trying to control it. But then, without thinking, my wings—those dark, leathery appendages—unfurl, stretching out behind me. The sharp, involuntary motion sends a chill through the air, and in an instant, my tail snakes out from beneath me, its spade-like tip flicking with unexpected force.

The Room Freezes.

Dr. Kline's eyes snap toward me, no longer lazy but sharp and calculating, the tablet in her hand forgotten. Ivan's posture stiffens, and his eyes widen, flicking back and forth between me and the suddenly erratic machine.

Claire, seeing this during my fight, isn't surprised; more like she was waiting for it.

"Uh..." I mutter, feeling the weight of everyone's attention. My wings feel too big in the small room, brushing against the walls. "Sorry, I didn't—uh, mean to—"

Before I can finish, the machine next to me starts to sputter, its lights flashing in a chaotic pattern. The beeping grows erratic, a strange noise echoing through the room as the once-organized system begins to glitch. The soft hum intensifies, vibrating the floor beneath me as the air feels thick with static. I brace myself, unsure of what just happened.

"Dr. Kline," Ivan says sharply, his voice betraying the first sign of surprise. "What's going on? The readings—"

"I know," Dr. Kline interrupts him, her voice now a mix of annoyance and curiosity. She steps forward, tapping furiously at her tablet, her green hair falling messily in front of her face as she analyzes the malfunctioning data. "It's... not making sense. Something's interfering with the readings."

The machine lets out one final, erratic beep before the screen flashes an incomprehensible string of symbols. A voice, garbled and broken, echoes from the speakers.

"Test result... Unknown anomaly detected... Subject... anomaly... impossible..."

The room falls silent for a moment. The malfunctioned test result lingers in the air, like a bad omen.

I glance over at Claire, who, for the first time since I've met her, looks less composed than usual. She raises an eyebrow but says nothing, watching me with that calculating look I'm starting to recognize all too well.

Dr. Kline stares at the malfunctioning machine with a small sigh. She taps a few more keys, but the data remains unreadable, like the machine is trying to say something it doesn't have the words for.

"Fascinating," Dr. Kline mutters, but her tone has changed. There's a certain edge to it now, like she's both intrigued and slightly... unsettled. "I wasn't expecting that."

I want to shrink into myself. "Uh, did I break it?"

Ivan looks between Dr. Kline and Claire, his expression growing more intense by the second. "What does this mean?"

"Does it matter?" Claire finally speaks, her voice a little too calm. She steps forward, brushing past Dr. Kline with a subtle air of authority. "We don't need the exact data right now. The results were clear enough. We'll do a deeper dive later."

Everyone else in the room seems to hold their breath. The tension is palpable.

I shift uncomfortably, feeling the weight of my wings and tail, half wishing I could retract them immediately. "Well, that wasn't... fun."

Dr. Kline glances up from her tablet, her face a mask of indifference, but her eyes are gleaming with something sharper now, something that wasn't there before. "No, not fun," she agrees, finally letting out a small, disinterested shrug. "But I suppose it'll do for now. We'll need to figure out what this 'anomaly' really is. And maybe find a way to keep your powers under control next time."

I raise an eyebrow. "Next time?"

"Of course," she says, with that bored, lazy tone again, though there's an unmistakable glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Testing your limits is only the beginning, Erilith. We've only scratched the surface. Consider yourself a... work in progress."

I'm left speechless, standing there with my wings, tail, and horn still out, unsure of what the hell just happened. The machine's malfunction is unsettling, but the vague test result has thrown everyone off—except for Claire, who seems like she already knows far more than she's letting on.

After the whole spectacle with the malfunctioning machine, Claire and Ivan have a brief but clearly important conversation, throwing me a couple of sideways glances like I was the last cookie in the jar they weren't sure if they should eat.

Claire looked more interested in whatever Ivan was saying than in what had just happened, so I took the opportunity to stare at my shoes for a second. You know, just to keep up the appearance of "normalcy."

Not that I'm normal to begin with.

"Well, we're off to a meeting," Claire finally said, as casual as if she'd just told me they were heading to get coffee. "Don't worry, we'll brief you on everything soon enough." Her eyes glinted with something I couldn't quite place. "In the meantime, someone will show you to your room."

A staff member—I'm guessing one of the grunts they use to do all the 'unsung' chores around here—appeared like magic. He gestured for me to follow, and without much of a choice, I did. I mean, I could've made a run for it, but that would've been pretty hard considering the weird, unshakable feeling of being tracked that seemed to stick to me like a bad cologne.

When we got to my room, I was kind of floored. I expected something like a small, sterile box with just enough space for a bed and maybe an outlet to charge my phone. But no.

This room was fancy. The kind of fancy where if you spilled a drink, you'd probably have to move to a new continent just to avoid the shame. It had ambient lighting, plush carpets, a bed so big it looked like it could fit a family of five and their pet llama.

And then, as I stepped further in, I saw it.

Everything. Was. Here.

All my stuff. My clothes, my books, my random assortment of cheap tchotchkes that I had carefully curated over the years. They were all placed perfectly. As if some highly trained military personnel had come in and organized my life like they were on a mission.

I blinked. I mean, really blinked. Did they send a team to my old place and sneak all my things here? It felt like some sort of nightmare, only it wasn't scary. It was... creepy.

My favorite hoodie was folded neatly on the chair. My old sneakers were lined up by the bed like they were waiting to take a number for an appointment. Even the little dusty ceramic frog I got from that one vacation in the mountains was sitting on the shelf like it had been groomed for display. Everything was so efficient. Like someone had already planned my life out for me.

I stared at the room for a good thirty seconds, hoping for some sort of logical explanation. "Okay, maybe I'm just in some super fancy, state-of-the-art hotel," I muttered to myself, trying to convince myself this wasn't all getting way too weird. "Like the kind where they give you fresh towels and then leave the country before you even realize it."

But no. This was way too perfect. Everything was in the right place—like they'd been keeping a very close eye on me.

It was then that the horrible truth settled in.

This wasn't just efficiency. This was Claire.

A cold shiver ran down my spine. Oh, I knew she was thorough. The woman practically had a file on everyone in the room within five minutes of meeting them. But this? This was like something out of a futuristic thriller where the main character is being watched 24/7. Except I wasn't the main character. I was the test subject.

I stepped further into the room, nervously tugging at the sleeve of my jacket. "No way," I muttered, running my hand along the bedspread. It was so perfectly fluffed, I had to wonder if they just had someone assigned to fluff things.

But it wasn't just the room. It wasn't just how my stuff was arranged. It was the way everything felt too organized. Like someone had a very strict plan on how my life should go, and this room was just step one of the execution.

"Claire is scary," I said out loud, flopping onto the bed dramatically, as though I could escape the weight of my realization by making a spectacle of myself.

And as the realization settled in like a brick in my stomach, I couldn't help but laugh. I mean, if I were in a less nerve-wracking situation, I'd probably think this was all some sort of prank. Like maybe they were filming a reality show where I was the unwitting star.

But deep down, I knew this was no joke.

I was in way over my head.

And Claire? Well, Claire was the director. She was orchestrating all of this with a terrifying precision. I could just picture her sitting somewhere behind a desk, watching a screen that showed my every move.

As I lay back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, I had a choice: I could be freaked out, or I could just... roll with it.

But as I chuckled nervously, I realized one thing.

Maybe being watched by Claire Everstone wasn't as exciting as it first sounded.

"No, this is definitely terrifying," I muttered, closing my eyes, hoping that somehow, I'd wake up from this strange, surreal nightmare. Like I may be a demon now, but that doesn't mean I can feel anything.

But knowing Claire, I wasn't going to get that lucky. Anyway, after a whole day of productivity, I needed a bath, food, and rest.

I'll think about those other things next time.