Chapter 104
Elara
mag
The music hit me like a physical force the moment I stepped inside
FLUX. Electronic beats pounded through massive speakers, vibrations
rattling my ribcage. Strobe lights sliced through clouds of artificial
fog in electric blue and hot pink. Bodies pressed together on the
dance floor, a writhing mass of designer clothes and expensive
cologne.
I pushed through the crowd, heartbeat hammering louder than the
bass. Every second wasted was another second Raven might be-
I shoved the thought away. Focused on moving forward.
The bar stretched along the far wall, backlit bottles glowing like
jewels. A young bartender in a black vest was mixing drinks,
movements practiced and smooth. I squeezed between two men in
suits, planted my hands on the marble counter.
“Excuse me.” I pitched my voice higher. Sharper. The way Victoria
always talked to service staff–like they existed solely for her
convenience. “I’m looking for someone.”
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The bartender glanced up. Took in my face, my posture.
I lifted my chin. Channeled every ounce of Victoria’s casual
arrogance. “A girl with purple hair. Where did she go?”
“Purple hair?” He set down the cocktail shaker. His eyes narrowed
slightly, assessing. “You mean Blake? She’s upstairs. VIP–7.”
The reverence in his voice when he said “VIP” made my stomach
clench. But I kept my expression bored. Entitled.
“Third floor?”
“Yes, miss.” He hesitated, then added quickly, “Can I get you anything
while you-”
I was already walking away.
The VIP area occupied the entire third floor. The stairs opened onto at
hallway carpeted in deep burgundy, walls hung with abstract art that
probably cost more than my year’s tuition. Recessed lighting cast
everything in amber shadows.
At the end of the corridor, a door marked with a small brass “7” stood
closed. A man built like a linebacker blocked the entrance, arms
crossed over his chest.
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I didn’t slow down. Strode right up to him like I owned the place.
He held up one meaty hand. “Private room, miss.”
“I know.” I met his eyes. Let ice creep into my voice. “I’m Victoria
Vane. I need to see whoever’s inside.”
Recognition flickered across his face. But instead of stepping aside,
he straightened. “I’ll need to check with my boss first.”
My pulse spiked. But I kept my expression haughty. Bored. “Fine. Tell
him Victoria Vane is here.”
The bouncer pulled out a phone. Turned slightly away, murmured
something I couldn’t quite hear. A pause. Then he nodded, pocketed
the phone.
“He says you can go in.”
He opened the door.
Smoke hung thick in the air inside. Grey leather couches formed a U-
shape around a glass coffee table littered with empty bottles and
crystal tumblers. Track lighting above cast harsh shadows.
And there, curled into the corner of the far sofa-
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Chapter 104
Raven.
Her purple hair fell across her face in tangled strands. Eyes
unfocused, glazed. A purple silk dress I’d never seen her wear hung
loose on her shoulders. She was mumbling something I couldn’t make
out, fingers plucking weakly at the leather cushion.
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