Page 26 of Before Dawn

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

The building itself was impressive—clean lines, neutral tones, a sleek modern aesthetic that felt polished without being cold.

“Aurora said you wanted something simple,” Emilia noted as we walked down the hallway.

I nodded. “One-bedroom, spacious but not excessive, with plenty of closet space.”

“We’ve seen a few duds,” she admitted with a small smirk. “But I have a good feeling about this one.”

So did I. Eight apartments in, and all of them had been underwhelming. Too dark, too cramped, too outdated. One was practically a shoebox with a kitchen that barely fit a microwave. Another overlooked an alleyway that reeked of garbage. I was starting to think I’d have to settle.

When we reached the last door on today’s list, Emilia shot me a knowing look before pushing it open.

“Okay,” she said, stepping aside. “Tell me what you think.”

I walked in and stilled. Sunlight spilled through floor-to-ceiling windows, washing over the open-concept living space. Light gray walls and warm hardwood floors stretched out before me, the furniture modern yet cozy. The kitchen had sleek countertops, new appliances, and—thank God—actual storage. The bedroom was spacious, the bathroom spotless, and the closet? Massive.

My shoulders sagged, the tension in my chest loosening.

“This is exactly what I was looking for,” I murmured, running my fingers over the cool kitchen counter.

Emilia beamed. “And the best part? It’s fully furnished, so you can move in immediately.”

I exhaled, already picturing it. A soft throw draped over the sofa, candles flickering in the dim light,Beauty and the Beastplaying in the background while I curled up with a bag of barbecue Lay’s.

“This feels like home,” I admitted, surprising even myself.

She grinned. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say. The rent is thirty-six hundred a month, but since you’re a student, I pulled some strings—you’ll get a twenty-five percent discount for the first three months.”

I hesitated. “What’s the catch?”

“No catch,” she said, then paused. “Well… you drive, right?”

I frowned. “Yeah. Why?”

She gave me a knowing look. “Parking in this city is a nightmare. Having a car is both a blessing and a curse.”

I shrugged. “Not a dealbreaker. What else?”

Emilia leaned against the counter, glancing toward the window. “You’re in a prime location. Restaurants, parks, nightlife, and shopping all within walking distance.”

I nodded slowly. “And the noise levels?”

She hesitated, just long enough to make my stomach tighten.

“A bit during the day,” Emilia admitted. “It’s close to Central Park, so you’ll hear traffic.”

Something I could live with. “Safety?”

“Very secure,” she emphasized, leaning in. “ID at the front desk, swipe card access, and each floor has a personalized door code.”

I nodded. “Good. My parents would freak out otherwise.”

She chuckled. “Aurora made that clear.” Then, with an encouraging smile, she added, “This place is a steal. Rent only goes up around here.”

“Perfect.”

She handed me a folder—brochure, property rules, fee breakdown. “Review this. To lock it in, you’ll need the first month’s rent as a deposit. That covers admin, security, and taxes. Cleaning’s optional for an extra fee.”

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