Gemotions

Clara felt a tremor run through her fingers as she looked at the side-by-side. Her story, "Moonlit Serenade," and Julian Blackwood's mega-hit, "Shadows of the Night," were eerily similar. A coldness spread through her limbs, a stark contrast to the burning in her chest. She needed a drink.

Later, she found herself at a bar Julian Blackwood frequented. She sat at a table nearby, carefully observing him. He was charming, of course, telling a joke. She took a deep breath. She would become his friend.

Over the next few weeks, Clara cleverly inserted herself into Blackwood’s social circle. She learned his habits, his vulnerabilities, his insecurities. She found he was addicted to gambling. He had a need to always win. A beautiful, tragic flaw.

Clara bet with him, and won. Each time, she made him bet with increasing amounts, and won again. She won his money, and his time. She knew she was hurting him. She kept the game going. It was, she found, a very satisfying sensation.