Malia's heart raced as she ducked into a narrow alley, her breath coming in short gasps. She had acted on instinct, unable to stand by and watch an innocent man die. But using her dark powers so openly was dangerous. She closed her eyes, willing her pulse to slow as she listened for any signs of pursuit. Silence. After a few tense moments, Malia cautiously peered around the corner. The street was empty, with no trace of the violent scene that had unfolded minutes ago. The man she'd saved was gone too. Good. The less he remembered of her, the better.

As Malia turned to disappear into the night, a hand gripped her shoulder. She whirled, dark energy crackling at her fingertips, ready to defend herself.

"Wait!" The man from before stood before her, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "I mean you no harm. I just want to thank you." Malia's eyes narrowed, taking in his appearance properly for the first time. He was undeniably handsome, with piercing blue eyes and tousled dark hair. But it was the silver insignia on his coat that made her blood run cold. 

A magical enforcer.

"You're welcome," Malia said tersely, backing away. "Now forget you ever saw me."

The enforcer's brow furrowed. "I can't do that. What you did back there... it was dark magic, wasn't it?" Malia tensed, ready to flee or fight. "And if it was?" she challenged. To her surprise, a small smile played at the corners of his mouth. "Then I'd say you just saved my life with an ability that, by all accounts, should only be capable of destruction." He took a step closer, his voice lowering. "I'm Eli." Malia hesitated, every instinct screaming at her to run. But something in Eli's eyes - a mixture of curiosity and, strangely, hope - made her pause.

"I'm Malia," she said finally.