Chapter one
The city of Cardiff seemed peaceful at Roald Dahl Plass as the nightlife began inside from the bars and restaurants along the bay front of Mermaid Quay just round the corner. It was the start to a much deserved weekend to most of these people so an early night wasn't a likely option.
Not so far away, the Red Dragon Centre shoppers hurried out to avoid the bad weather forecasted for tonight; their instincts told them to get out of there because of the queues of traffic that would be forming. Everybody seemed to have the same thoughts. You wouldn't have thought just metres away people in Cardiff were actually having fun. In comparison, both these places seemed like worlds apart.
Lucia stood outside the Red Dragon Centre's entrance waiting impatiently for three quarters of an hour. It wasn't like Chrissie to keep her waiting she thought, not without calling. She pulled out her mobile and dialled Chrissie's number.
No answer.
As the slow spits of rain started as the weatherman promised, Lucia realised she had waited just over an hour and the last of her patience started to thin. There's got to be something wrong.
After thinking the worst, going round to Chrissie's apartment was the only option to get a good nights sleep. It didn't help the fact she needed a taxi to get there. Lucia looked down as she walked out of the car park, not wanting to catch anymore expressions that seemed either sorry or amused at her situation.
Walking in the direction of Roald Dahl Plass, Lucia saw the first of many lights along the bay front. It was a beautiful site to her, one of the reasons she loved living in Cardiff. The sky grew darker and darker making the lights stand out nicely.
Three middle aged men staggered passed her at the millennium centre. It was obvious they had had more than enough to drink already by the red glow of their cheeks and the slow pace they had whilst laughing and joking with no cares in the world. Just as she finished thinking the trio would carry on, one whistled to get her attention. Lucia glanced round. She was about to open her mouth but with what she saw, stopped.
In front of her now was still the trio of merry men but now; practically leaning on the water tower was a stranger covered head to toe in a hooded, dark purple gown. She didn't know what feared her more, the way he dressed so sinisterly or the way he appeared as if out of nowhere.
Lucia instinctively screamed a high pitched scream, almost sobering up the drunken men. "Alright love we get the message." The drunken men sniggered and staggered off not even noticing the new stranger. Lucia was now left by herself, glued to the spot in shock. Just turn around and run she told herself over and over again. She only managed to take a few steps backwards before the stranger pounced right at her.
