CHAPTER 20

**AMY**

Dinner ends on a tranquil note, the atmosphere softened by the shared stories and the supportive words from Aaron and Elara. When I finish eating, I feel sated, but a restless sensation begins to form in my chest, a silent urgency propelling me toward the bathroom.
Aaron nods when I tell him I need to go, and I rise from the table, leaving the luxurious restaurant behind. I head towards the restrooms, seeking a moment of solitude to reflect on the night's emotional revelations. Upon entering, I am greeted by the soft chatter of women exiting the stalls.
I choose an empty stall and, after using it, head to the sink to wash my hands. I lean over the sink, letting the cool water run over my fingers as I close my eyes, lost in my thoughts. When I open my eyes and meet my reflection in the mirror, I am suddenly overcome by a chill running down my spine. Behind me, an elderly woman stands, watching me with piercing eyes that seem to probe my soul.
I abruptly turn off the faucet and turn to face her, concern etched on my face.
 "Hello, are you okay?", I ask, but the woman does not respond. Instead, she advances towards me, each step echoing ominously in the bathroom's silence.
I instinctively step back, my back pressing against the cold wall, as the woman continues to approach.
 "He will find you...", she murmurs, her voice an enigmatic whisper that sends chills through me. My eyes widen in horror as she repeats her words, louder and more insistent each time.
Driven by fear, I turn and run out of the bathroom, my breath caught in my throat as I desperately seek to escape the terrifying encounter. Outside the bathroom, I find Aaron approaching, his face immediately contorting with concern at my pale and frightened expression. 
"What happened?", he asks, his voice urgent and full of care.
Shaking slightly, I tell him about the disturbing encounter in the bathroom, my words spilling out in a torrent of fear and confusion. Aaron wraps me in a comforting embrace, his solid presence bringing a sense of security amidst the chaos that has unfolded. 
"There was a woman in the bathroom, and it was terrifying..."
After the disturbing encounter, Aaron decides to accompany me back to investigate, aiming to provide a sense of security. Together, we re-enter the deserted bathroom, but this time, there is no sign of the mysterious woman who haunted me moments earlier. The silence feels more oppressive now, and the emptiness only amplifies my fear.
I recount the incident to Aaron, feeling compelled to assure him that I'm not crazy and that it really happened. He listens intently, his expression serious but receptive. 
"I believe you, Amy.", he says, his voice firm, offering the support and validation I desperately need at that moment.
We agree to leave the restaurant as the tension in the air becomes almost palpable. Aaron pays the bill while Elara and I head back to the car, but my mind is awash with turbulent thoughts, repeatedly reliving the frightening encounter in the bathroom. I question whether it was real or just a hallucination, a product of my growing fear and anxiety.
As I wait for Aaron to return, my gaze is drawn to the necklace around my neck, the protective amulet given to me by the witch. I remember the comfort I felt wearing it and the sense of safety it provided. But despite this, the threat of the lead vampire still seems to loom over me, a sinister shadow refusing to dissipate.
My thoughts are interrupted as Aaron hurries back to the car, his expression tense and worried. He quickly gets in, his movements agile and determined. 
"We need to get back home. The city is no longer safe for you.", he says in a low, urgent voice.
Without hesitation, I fasten my seatbelt as Aaron takes the wheel, driving with renewed determination through the bustling streets of the nighttime city. The fear gripping my heart is palpable, but at the same time, I feel a wave of gratitude for having Aaron by my side, ready to protect me at all costs.
My heart skips a beat when Aaron alerts me to the black car following us. I turn around and spot the dark vehicle, confirming my worst suspicions. Fear intensifies within me, but I force myself to stay composed as Aaron promises to handle the situation. 
"It's okay, Amy. I'll take care of this.", Aaron assures me, his voice firm but calm. 
"We're being followed. But I won't let anything happen to you, I promise."
He reassures me, affirming that he won't let anything happen to us. His confidence in his abilities calms me a bit, but the fear lingers, echoing with each rapid heartbeat. 
"Do you know who's following us?", I ask, seeking answers to the threat surrounding us. 
"No idea.", Aaron replies, his expression serious as he continues to navigate through the hectic traffic.
I close my eyes for a moment, trying to contain the panic that threatens to overwhelm me. Aaron accelerates, skillfully maneuvering between cars in the traffic. 
"There's a black car following us. I'm scared, Aaron.", I inform him, my voice trembling.
He grips the steering wheel tightly, keeping his focus on the road ahead. 
"We'll lose them.", he murmurs determinedly, his mind working quickly to find a safe route to escape the pursuing car. The black car remains close, getting nearer. Elara shouts that the car is getting closer to us.
"Don't worry, Amy. I'll handle this.", Aaron assures, his voice calm but resolute. With a swift, determined decision, Aaron turns onto a less-traveled road that leads into a dense forest.
 "Where are we going?", I ask, my voice quivering with worry. 
"We're entering werewolf territory. Vampires can't follow us here.", Aaron reveals his serious expression as he continues to drive.
Werewolves? Oh my god. Now I realize that all of this is very real, and I am living in a world where vampires, witches, and werewolves exist. I feel increasingly nervous, my heart pounding faster in my chest as I think about the danger surrounding us.
Vampires cannot enter werewolf territory, so that means Aaron shouldn't be here either. I close my eyes for a few seconds, trying to control my breathing as Aaron stops the car on the empty, dark road. I feel his hand on my leg, and when I open my eyes, I turn my head to see his pupils fixed on my face, watching me intently.