Run: 2026-02-17-01KHMMG33DXQ7Y4M594DZ108SC

Detective Harlow Quinn stepped off the last rung of the rusted ladder and into the dimly lit expanse of the abandoned Tube station beneath Camden. Her boots echoed against the cracked tiles, the sound swallowed by the oppressive silence of the underground. She adjusted the worn leather watch on her left wrist, a habit she had developed over the years, and scanned the area with sharp, brown eyes. The Veil Market was a place she had only heard whispers about, a hidden supernatural black market that moved locations every full moon. Tonight, it was the scene of a crime, and she had been called in to investigate. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and something else—something metallic and acrid that set her teeth on edge. "Quinn, over here," called a voice from the shadows. Detective Eva Kowalski emerged, her curly red hair a stark contrast to the gloom. She adjusted her round glasses and tucked a stray lock behind her left ear, a nervous habit Harlow had come to recognize. "Eva," Harlow acknowledged, her tone clipped. "What have we got?" Eva gestured to a makeshift stall, its wooden planks splintered and covered in a fine layer of dust. "The victim's over there. Name's Marcus Hale, a known trader in enchanted goods. Found him about an hour ago." Harlow approached the stall, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Marcus Hale lay sprawled on the ground, his eyes wide open and unseeing. A pool of dark, viscous liquid had formed around his head, and his hands were clutching a small brass compass with a patina of verdigris. "Veil Compass," Eva said, noticing Harlow's gaze. "Points toward the nearest supernatural rift or portal. Useful for navigating places like this." Harlow crouched beside the body, her sharp jawline set in concentration. "Cause of death?" "Initial assessment suggests poisoning," Eva replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But there's something off about it. No signs of struggle, no visible wounds. Just... dead." Harlow's eyes flicked to the compass, its face etched with protective sigils. "And this? Was it his?" Eva shook her head. "No, it was found clutched in his hand, but according to witnesses, he never dealt in tools. Strictly enchanted goods and alchemical substances." Harlow's mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information. "Who found him?" "A vendor named Lila. She runs a stall selling rare herbs and potions. Said she saw him collapse and called for help." Harlow stood, her bearing military precise. "Where is she now?" Eva pointed to a cluster of stalls in the distance. "Over there, talking to some of the other vendors. She's pretty shaken up." Harlow nodded and made her way toward the group, her eyes scanning the faces for any sign of deceit. Lila was easy to spot, her eyes red-rimmed and her hands trembling as she spoke in hushed tones to a fellow vendor. "Lila," Harlow said, her voice firm but not unkind. "I need to ask you a few questions." Lila looked up, her eyes wide with fear. "I already told the other detective everything I know." "I understand," Harlow replied, her tone softening slightly. "But I need to hear it from you directly. Can you walk me through what happened?" Lila took a shaky breath and nodded. "I was setting up my stall when I saw Marcus collapse. At first, I thought he had just tripped, but then I saw the blood. I ran over to help, but it was too late. He was already gone." Harlow's eyes narrowed. "Blood? There was no mention of blood in the initial report." Lila's face paled. "I-I must have been mistaken. It was dark, and I was scared. Maybe it was just the light playing tricks on me." Harlow's instincts told her otherwise. "Did you see anyone else near Marcus before he collapsed?" Lila shook her head. "No, he was alone. But there was something strange... a shadow, moving in the corner of my eye. When I turned to look, it was gone." Harlow's mind raced. A shadow could mean many things in a place like the Veil Market, where supernatural forces were at play. She needed more information. "Thank you, Lila," Harlow said, her tone dismissive. "Stay close. I may have more questions later." As Lila walked away, Harlow turned to Eva. "Something's not right. Lila mentioned blood, but there's no sign of it at the scene. And the shadow... it could be significant." Eva frowned. "You think it was a supernatural attack?" Harlow's eyes hardened. "It's a possibility we can't ignore. We need to find out more about this compass. If it wasn't Marcus's, then someone planted it on him. And that someone might still be here." Eva nodded, her freckled complexion pale in the dim light. "I'll start asking around, see if anyone knows where the compass came from." Harlow watched as Eva moved off, her mind already working through the possibilities. The Veil Market was a place of secrets, and she was determined to uncover them all. She returned to the body, her eyes scanning the area for any overlooked clues. The compass was the key, she was sure of it. But why would someone plant it on Marcus? And what did it point to? Harlow reached for the compass, her fingers brushing against the verdigris-covered casing. The needle quivered, then swung to the left, pointing toward a darkened tunnel at the edge of the market. Her heart pounded in her chest as she followed the needle's direction, her steps cautious and deliberate. The tunnel was narrow and damp, the air thick with the scent of decay. She could hear the faint sound of water dripping in the distance, each drop echoing like a heartbeat. As she ventured deeper into the tunnel, the compass's needle began to spin wildly, as if caught in a magnetic field. Harlow's eyes narrowed, her senses on high alert. Something was here, something powerful. She reached a small chamber, its walls covered in strange, glowing symbols. In the center of the room stood a figure, cloaked in shadows. Harlow's hand went to her sidearm, her fingers brushing the cool metal of the grip. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice echoing in the chamber. The figure stepped forward, revealing a face shrouded in darkness. "I am the one who seeks balance," the figure replied, their voice a whisper that seemed to come from all directions at once. Harlow's eyes narrowed. "Did you kill Marcus Hale?" The figure shook their head. "No, but I know who did. The compass you hold is a key, a tool to find the truth. But be warned, Detective Quinn, the path you tread is fraught with danger." Harlow's grip tightened on the compass. "Tell me what you know." The figure's eyes glowed with an otherworldly light. "Marcus Hale was a pawn in a larger game, a game that involves forces beyond your understanding. The compass will lead you to the answers you seek, but you must be prepared to face the darkness that lies ahead." Harlow's jaw set in determination. "I will find the truth, no matter the cost." The figure nodded, their form beginning to fade into the shadows. "Then follow the compass, and may your resolve be your guide." As the figure disappeared, Harlow felt a chill run down her spine. She looked at the compass, its needle now pointing back the way she had come. She knew that the path ahead would be difficult, but she was ready. She had to be. With a final glance at the glowing symbols on the walls, Harlow turned and made her way back to the market. She had a mystery to solve, and she wouldn't rest until she had uncovered the truth.