Chapter 1 The Warning signs

The evening air hung heavy with the promise of rain as Kiera stepped out onto the dimly lit streets of Metropolis. Havenwood Avenue bustled with the usual activity, but tonight, an unease settled in her chest, a premonition of something sinister lurking in the shadows.Kiera quickened her pace, her senses on high alert as she made her way towards Elmwood Street, where her friend Chance resided.

It had been days since she last heard from him, and a gnawing sense of worry had begun to take root in her mind.As she reached the entrance of Elmwood Heights, Kiera's heart sank at the sight of police cars parked outside. Blue and red lights flashed ominously against the brick facade, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding buildings.Drawing in a steadying breath, Kiera approached the entrance, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the night. She pushed open the heavy door and stepped into the lobby, where a cluster of officers stood huddled together, their expressions grim."Excuse me," Kiera called out, her voice wavering slightly. "What's going on here?"One of the officers turned towards her, his features drawn and weary. "Are you Kiera?" he asked, his voice soft yet solemn.Kiera nodded, her throat tightening with apprehension. "Yes, I am. What's happened?"The officer hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I'm afraid there's been an incident," he said, his words heavy with sorrow. "Your friend, Chance, has been found dead in his apartment."A cold shiver ran down Kiera's spine as the officer's words sank in. Chance, her dear friend, gone? It couldn't be true. She had just seen him a week ago, laughing and joking as they shared a meal together."What happened?" Kiera asked, her voice barely above a whisper."We're still investigating," the officer replied, his expression grave. "But it appears to be a homicide."A wave of nausea washed over Kiera as she struggled to process the information. Chance, the kind-hearted soul who had always been there for her, taken from this world in such a senseless manner. It was unfathomable."Can I see him?" Kiera asked, her voice trembling with emotion.The officer nodded solemnly and motioned for her to follow him. Together, they climbed the stairs to Chance's apartment, each step heavier than the last.

As they reached the door, Kiera's heart pounded in her chest, her hands clammy with fear. With a shaky breath, she pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit room.And there, lying motionless on the floor, was Chance. His normally vibrant eyes were closed, his face pale and lifeless. It was a sight Kiera would never forget, etched into her memory like a cruel reminder of the fragility of life.Tears welled in Kiera's eyes as she knelt beside her fallen friend, her heart breaking with grief. How could this have happened? And more importantly, who could have done this to him?As the reality of Chance's death sank in, Kiera knew that she had to find answers. She owed it to him, to uncover the truth behind his untimely demise and bring his killer to justice.

With a steely resolve, Kiera rose to her feet, her mind already racing with possibilities. The hunt for the truth had begun, and nothing would stand in her way.