AFTER checking into the hotel where they would be staying for the entire filming period, Astrid and Ellis went directly to the film set. The production had rented a set designed to look like a small old city. This not only matched the setting of their movie perfectly, but also saved money compared to renting a much larger set.

The set sprawled out before them, narrow cobblestone streets winding between weathered brick buildings, their exterior aged just enough to look decades old without appearing dilapidated. Shop windows displayed faded signs advertising goods. Every detail, from the peeling paint on doorframes to the uneven gaps between pavement stones, had been carefully crafted to feel that the set had been authentically lived in.

It was perfect.

The movie’s story took place in a rundown old city on a struggling planet. Even just viewing the set through the land vehicle’s window, Astrid could already see the exact atmosphere the director wanted to create.

He had to give credit to Director McCann. Ellis had told him how the director searched across multiple filming studio planets just to find a set that fit their story perfectly without breaking their budget. Standing here now, seeing the result firsthand, it was obvious the director had succeeded.

Ellis pulled the vehicle to a stop and parked. As soon as they stepped out, Astrid spotted Director McCann along with the rest of the cast gathered nearby.

“Go on ahead,” Ellis said. “I’ll check in with the crew first.”

Astrid gave a nod and made his way toward the director and the rest of the cast.

The director’s face brightened when he noticed Astrid approaching. Astrid greeted him first, then the rest of the group. They all returned his greeting with warm smiles and enthusiastic hellos. Since their script reading session, he’d grown more familiar with the cast. Especially Rhett, who he’d be sharing most of his scenes with.

“Alright, now that we’re all here,” Director McCann said, clapping his hands together. “I just want to say how excited I am to finally start filming. This story means a lot to me, and I know each of you will bring something special to it. We’ve got an amazing team, a perfect set, and all the talent we need to make something truly amazing. Let’s create something great together.”

The cast and crew broke into smiles and scattered applause at the director’s words. Rhett gave a firm nod, his usual hard expression softening slightly. A few of the supporting actors exchanged excited glances, while the crew members straightened up, their faces showing renewed energy. The atmosphere instantly felt lighter, charged with that first-day anticipation where anything seemed possible.

Astrid smiled and joined in the applause, quietly hoping this project would turn out well for everyone involved.

***

Detective Lewis sprinted through the pouring rain, his shoes slapping against the wet pavement as he chased the figure in the black hoodie. The streets were nearly empty, the heavy rain driving people indoors. They had just found the third victim’s body in a grimy alley, the blood still fresh, the scene barely an hour old. While examining the area, Detective Lewis had spotted someone lingering at the edge of the crime scene tape, watching. The moment their eyes met, the figure bolted.

The detective pushed forward harder, his breath sharp in his lungs, rainwater dripping into his eyes. The hoodie-clad suspect darted into a narrow alley, and Detective Lewis followed without hesitation. But when he rounded the corner, the alley was empty, just a dead end with overflowing dumpsters and no sign of where the other could have possible escaped. His fists clenched.

“Damn it,” he growled, scanning the walls for fire escapes, open doors, anything. Nothing.

Then, abruptly, the rain stopped hitting him.

Detective Lewis turned, blinking water from his eyes, and found Dr. Stevens standing beside him, holding an umbrella over them both. The doctor’s expression was unreadable. He looked perfectly put together, as if it wasn’t raining cats and dogs.

He narrowed his eyes at the doctor. “What are you doing here?”

Detective Lewis had been chasing a suspect who vanished into thin air, and now Dr. Stevens stood beside him like he’d appeared out of nowhere. The timing was way too convenient to be a coincidence.

“I was heading to the crime scene when I saw you run down this alley,” Dr. Stevens said. “Given the rain, I figured you could use an umbrella.” He turned to face the detective, a faint hint of amusement in his dark eyes. “And no, it’s not for whatever suspicious theory you’re cooking up in that head of yours.”

“How did you even–?”

Dr. Stevens simply raised an eyebrow. “I am a psychiatrist, Detective. Reading people is what I do.”

Detective Lewis let out an annoyed and embarrassed sigh. He should have thought of that before being suspicious. Of course, the suspect couldn’t be Dr. Stevens. Just look at him. The man stood perfectly composed, not a hair out of place, his clothes pristine without a single drop of rainwater. There was no way this was the same person who’d been sprinting through the storm moments ago.

Detective Lewis rubbed the back of his neck, rainwater dripping from his hair. “Look, Doctor…sorry about that. I’m soaked, pissed off about losing the suspect, and my brain’s jumping at shadows.” He gestured vaguely at the empty alley. “Didn’t mean to give you the suspicious stare. Old habit.” ThelatestchaptersarealwaysavailablefirstonMV5LEMPYR.

“It’s fine,” the doctor said, looking at the alley ahead with an unreadable expression on his face. “We should return to the crime scene.”

***

“CUT!” Director McCann yelled. “Great work, both of you! Let’s set up for the next scene!”

The artificial weather system shifted instantly, the heavy rain cutting off as the set transitioned to cloudy skies. Make-up artists hurried over to Astrid and Rhett, dabbing at their faces to fix any smudges from the rain effects.

Two weeks had passed since filming began. The cast and crew had been working non-stop, and they had already completed half the movie. At this pace, they’d likely wrap up shooting in just two more weeks.

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