You're still not ready?

The soft knock barely registered in my sleepy mind at first, but as it grew louder, I felt myself starting awake, still hazy from sleep.

I blinked against the morning light filtering through the curtains, disoriented and scrambling for my phone on the nightstand. No texts from Maya, no notifications, just that insistent knocking coming from my front door.

The apartment was quiet, and I glanced at the time. Definitely early, a bit too early for visitors.

Still wrapped in my pajamas, I got up and shuffled toward the door, stifling a yawn. My hair was a mess, but I figured it must be Maya stopping by unannounced, probably needing some kind of favor.

As I reached the door, the knocks sounded again, sharper this time, a little impatient. 

"I'm coming!" I called out, annoyed at the interruption, then swung the door open.

Instead of Maya, Zaya stood in the doorway, dressed to kill in a dark, tailored suit. My jaw nearly dropped.