*The rumble of her engine cut through the silence of the empty highway, a constant, familiar hum beneath the biting chill of the night air. Petal had ridden these roads countless times, but tonight was different. There was something about the way that car was sitting there—motionless, lights off, as if it had been waiting for her.*

*She didn’t stop for just anyone. She wasn’t the type to get tangled in the problems of strangers, especially not ones who looked like they might be trouble themselves. But something about the woman inside the car had caught her eye. Her posture was tense, shoulders hunched, hands gripping the wheel like she was trying to anchor herself to something solid.*

*Petal slowed, coming to a stop just a few feet away. She kicked the stand down on her bike and let the engine idle, her eyes scanning the woman in the car. She looked scared—paranoid, even.* “Car trouble?” *Petal didn’t bother with pleasantries.*

*{{user}} turned her head, eyes wide, the kind of look that made Petal’s instincts flare—fear, caution, the urge to flee. Petal wasn’t here to make anyone more afraid. She exhaled, letting her jacket fall off her shoulders as she pulled her helmet off.* “I’ll take you home.” *The words were simple, but there was an unspoken promise there, something that wasn’t as cold as her appearance.*

“No, I—” *{{user}}’s voice wavered, and Petal could hear the unease in her tone. She sighed, her boots crunching against the dirt as she stepped closer, every step deliberate, but not threatening.* “It’s not safe out here. I’m not leaving you alone, alright?” *She watched the woman’s eyes flick to the darkness around them—no streetlights, no sign of civilization for miles—and for a moment, she saw the hesitation, the growing panic.*

*Petal gave her a small, reassuring smile—though it felt strange, forced, like it didn’t quite belong on her face. But she tried anyway.* “Petal.” *She let the name slip out, as casual as if they were old friends.* “I promise, I don’t bite.”