“Beware the silence before the storm; for it is the sound of regret taking form.”

— Calystria Dane,

Fifth Prophet of the First Order

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The vibrant neon lights of Lux shone like a beacon in the desolate urban landscape of the West Side. I parked my car and took a moment to gather my courage, memories of my last visit to this den of indulgence flooding back. I checked my weapons at the door. The bouncers at the entrance recognized me, their stern eyes narrowing before they stepped aside.

The heavy bass of the music throbbed through my body, igniting a primal desire. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and sex, promising forbidden pleasures. Dancers writhed on stage, their bodies glistening under the dim lights as they tempted and teased the eager crowd. Lux was a hedonistic playground, every corner beckoning with carnal delights. My senses were overwhelmed by the pulsating energy and sensual atmosphere, but I remained focused on my goal as I made my way deeper into this den of sin.

Bare skin brushed against me as dancers swayed and ground, their bodies undulating in a hypnotic rhythm. Each one held an otherworldly allure—pointed ears, iridescent wings, intricate tattoos glowing under the seductive lights. Here, the Hexborn and Normies melted together, distinctions forgotten. In this place, everyone was equally lost.

Sweat dripped from their feverish movements, adding to the heady mix of scents in the air. A fae dancer caught my eye, her curves accentuated by strategically placed glitter. She danced closer, her fingers tracing down my chest as she whispered in my ear.

“Want a private dance?” Her breath was hot against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.

“I’m busy,” I replied gruffly, trying to keep my focus.

“But you’re so handsome.” She pressed her body against mine, her breasts rubbing against my chest. A surge of lust washed over me, but I pushed it aside. It was good to know I could still feel that.

“You’re a terrible liar,” I retorted coldly, pushing past her.

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She gave me an appraising look. “I’ve had worse,” she said with a shrug, reaching for my hand. I pulled back, the thought churning my stomach. Not because of her, but because of what I was.

Enjoying the view? Frank’s mocking voice echoed in my mind. Even a dead man like you must find something you like in this place.

“Shut it,” I growled back mentally, scanning the crowd. The fae dancer pouted and moved on to another customer, but her alluring aura lingered in the air as I continued through the sea of colors.

I caught glimpses of Devil Kissed and Hexborn amidst the crowd. But zombies? That was a different story. My pale, sickly skin stood out even in the dim lighting. Frank could only do so much to hide it.

You’re blending in about as well as a fart in a perfume shop, Frank quipped. Just saying.

“Keep your thoughts to yourself, Frank,” I muttered under my breath, my eyes scanning the room for my target.

Of course, he replied, feigning disinterest. Just making an observation.

I could almost see him smirking in the recesses of my mind, trying to maintain his veneer of superiority while the hypnotic magic of Lux worked its way into both of us. I shook off the lingering effects of the fae dancer’s touch. Lizzy was here somewhere, and I needed answers.

I pushed my way through the sweaty, pulsating crowd, the thump of bass and chatter of voices drowning out any semblance of personal space. The overpowering heat emanating from the packed bodies made me feel like I was swimming through a humid ocean. As I approached the roped-off VIP section, glimpses of familiar faces from my past materialized within the sea of strangers. The bouncers stationed outside exchanged nods and hand signals with each other before granting me access to the exclusive area with a sly smile. The people inside parted slightly to make room for me, their expressions ranging from surprised recognition to eager curiosity as they took in my sudden appearance among them.

Amid the grandeur of the palace, she sat on a red plush couch—queen of all she surveyed.

My HUD sprang to life, flickering as it scanned the room and tagged each figure I passed. Most profiles were blank—just static placeholders without any useful data. A few, though, triggered fragments of old files, relics from when I was still plugged into the Police Grid. My wanted list hadn’t updated since I left the game, but some of the information remained relevant.

And then there was her. The HUD flagged her instantly, her profile glowing with vivid, unforgotten details. Some things never faded, no matter how much time passed.

Lizzy’s name hovered over her silhouette, glowing faintly in red.

The system flagged her with a warning.

Threat Level: Moderate

Hexborn—Succubus Ancestry. Influence: High.

Caution: Pheromone Manipulation Detected.