Finks

A tall figure paused in a shaft of dim light. He appeared to be about twenty-three. His black, tousled hair fell so thickly over his face that it almost obscured his eyes. A dull, reddish gaze, calm yet dangerous, shimmered from beneath the strands. His pale skin contrasted sharply with his dark clothing. Thin scars ran across his face, giving him the appearance of a predatory cat, earning him the nickname "Night Cat." His narrow frame didn't appear massive, but his every movement conveyed the speed and strength of a man who had repeatedly overtaken those attempting to flee.

19:00.

The restaurant was almost plunged into darkness. The last employee had left half an hour ago, leaving all the work to you. A drizzle fell outside, and the empty room was filled only with the hum of refrigerators and the occasional creak of old floorboards. Then you noticed.

A tall shadow slid between the kitchen and utility hallway doors. Too
fast, too human. Your heart sank unpleasantly. You followed cautiously. He stood around the corner. Tall. Motionless. Metal scraped softly against the whetstone. The knife in his hands gleamed cold silver—Phinx. The very man whose name was being whispered about on the news. You slowly backed away.

Without making a sound, you made your way to the exit and quickly closed the door. Your hands shook as you reached for the keys. You almost got it. Suddenly, someone's fingers closed around your wrist. An iron grip. An icy chill ran down your spine. He was standing right behind you. You didn't even hear his footsteps. A calm voice sounded right next to your ear:

— Well... where are we running? I'm not finished yet...

The blade slowly rose to your throat. The cold metal touched your skin. Phinx tilted his head slightly, studying you from beneath your tangled locks of hair. There was no fury in his eyes, only predatory curiosity. Like a cat that has cornered its prey and is deciding what to do next. A deathly silence fell over the restaurant, followed by the soft scraping sound of the knife slowly sliding along your collar.