Every story about an encounter with the shadow guy occurred while the sun was down, except for mine. And I couldn't ignore that incessant voice in the back of my head, telling me that my encounter was different. Sure, I'd realized before that I was the only one who'd been saved by this guy during day hours, but up until now, I hadn't really considered the significance of it. There were a million stories of people being rescued, and not a single other story was during the daytime. I mean, it wasn't that sunny the day he saved me. I remembered every detail as if the entire day were a video on repeat imprinted on the inside of my eyelids.

It was a rainy day. One that seemed as if the water droplets falling from the clouds were tears; that the sky was crying. The mood of the entire city matched the look of it: gloomy and wet. Whenever the sun was out, it only served the purpose of highlighting the edges of anything wet–which was everything–and burning your eyes from the rare and sudden appearance of light. So it wasn't very bright out to begin with. Add an alley to that and a big angry rain cloud lounging in front of the sun, and it was pretty dark. Dark enough that I could see close to nothing of my shadow saviour.

So I assumed that was probably why he came out during the day for me when he seemed to prefer night hours. Which was why I also assumed he'd come out under the exact same conditions three years later. Today.

Memories from junior high school resurfaced as I made my way down the same path I used to walk on to get home from school every day. As soon as the alleyway came into view I saw him. Those eyes. The most intriguing eyes I'd ever seen.

Blue. Indigo around the edges and lighter around the pupil, with veins of untamed electricity running rampant across his iris.

When I turned down the alleyway, I found myself hoping Alpha and his gang of European buddies would be there.

I did my best imitation of a lost tourist as I walked further into the alley: glancing around nervously; tripping over my own feet; clutching my arms close to my sides. I'd seen people like this enough to know how they looked to others: vulnerable and defenceless. Which was exactly what I needed. Not a trace of fear ran through me when the men looked up from their game of poker. It wasn't Alpha and his gang, but they still stood as I drew nearer. I debated whether or not to approach them and ask for directions like an idiot or just walk faster. I quickened my pace and deliberately looked away.

Their laughter echoed after me.

"Lost, girlie?" One cooed.

My god, do all guys call every girl they see 'girlie'? I made a show of stumbling over my feet, making them snicker.

"Where ya goin?"

I exhaled deeply, keeping my cool.

"Why don't ya stay awhile?"

I put my hands in my hoodie pockets so they wouldn't notice how they're balled into tight fists.

One of them stepped right in front of me, his sour breath overpowering the stench of the dumpsters. "Hey there."

I tried to bolt past him but he moved into my path. "Not so fast there girlie, we just wanna get to know ya." He twirled finger around a strand of my red hair, then yanked it upward, jerking my head to look up at him. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't mask the fury on my face.

He slid his tongue across his lips, almost as if he were hungry. "You're a feisty one, aren't ya?"

I bit back a more-than-feisty retort. He grinned devilishly and jerked his chin at something behind me. I didn't have time to glance back before they yanked my hands from my pockets and searched me. I desperately looked around, searching for any signs of him.

The guy standing in front of me narrowed his eyes. "What're ya doin?" He demanded.

It took every ounce of my willpower to remain calm and not lash out. Not yet.

The alleyway seemed about as dark as last time. So why isn't he here?

I bit my lip and strained a bit against the men's grip. Not a very tight hold, I noted. Good. They aren't concerned about me escaping.

They found nothing in my pockets. I'd had enough sense to slip my phone into my shoe before leaving the apartment this morning. I managed to hide my triumphant smile.

"She don't got nothin," one of the men complained.

Dumpster breath in front of me snarled and bent down in front of my face. "Where ya hidin everythin?" He spat.

I flinched away from the probably toxic saliva that flew from his angry mouth. He grabbed a fistful of my hair and wrenched it violently.

"That's some purdy hair ya got," he mused, slipping something from his pocket and holding it up. He flicked it and a sharp blade popped up. "How's it look short?" He teased the knife's edge against the length of hair he held.

My eyes darted around hopefully. Now would be a good time to drop in.

"Hey." Another yank on my hair. "I asked you a question."

Save for the men's breathing, the alley was silent. Nothing moved. Nothing. My heart deflated. He's not coming.

I didn't know how I knew, but I knew.

I sighed. At least I know how to get myself out of this.

I yanked my hands from the men's poor grips and kicked my foot in between Dumpster Breath's legs. He yelped and released his hold on my hair, doubling over. The knife clattered to the pavement. I kicked it away before one of the others could grab it. They yelled in surprise and tried to grab at me but I evaded their hands, shoving a few to the ground as I ran. They called after me, using not very nice names. I didn't stop running. Not until I put a few busy streets between me and that alley.

Once back to a calm, walking pace, I smoothed my clothes and hair. I rubbed my scalp. It hurt, but at least I still had my hair. But I still didn't get to see him.

He didn't come. He didn't save me.

AN: I am the worst at naming chapters I'm so sorry lol

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