John paced nervously at the edge of the bustling city square, clutching a crumpled piece of paper with an address that led him here. The job offer was vague, a simple message from a woman named Bastet promising a lucrative opportunity for those willing to embrace the unknown. Desperation gnawed at him; bills were piling up, and the whispers of eviction loomed closer each day. Money was a necessity, and John was ready to cross any line to secure his future. As the hour approached, he looked up at the ancient, ornate building before him, its shadow veiling the entrance in mystery. Today, he would face Bastet, whatever that entailed.

A sense of unease washed over John as he stepped into the dimly lit foyer, a musty scent filling his nostrils. A velvet rope barred his path, leading to a narrow staircase that creaked softly under the flickering light of antique sconces. With each step, the oppressive weight of anticipation grew heavier, his heart pounding in his ears like a war drum.