Vas was already deep in conversation with Zola and Lily, laying out his plan for the night. Both of them had their schedules cleared, which made things easier, but the plan still hinged on Zola's agreement. After briefly explaining what he had uncovered—about the mysterious group and their dark practices—he outlined his idea.

The plan was simple but risky: Zola would go to Mad Radio, the local hotspot where the rich and connected gathered, and try to catch the attention of the group they were after. She had the charisma and presence to draw their eyes, while Vas and Lily would provide cover from a safe distance, watching for anything suspicious and stepping in if things went sideways.

Zola, without hesitation, agreed. Her confidence never wavered, and in moments like these, it was clear why Vas trusted her with such a role. They decided to meet outside Mad Radio at 8 p.m. sharp. With that settled, Vas had a few hours to kill, which gave him just enough time for another lesson with Elliot. The thought of diving back into more occult studies filled him with a sense of purpose—every lesson brought him closer to understanding the unseen forces at play.

After the lesson, Vas left early to get ready for the night. He knew he needed to blend in, to remain unseen while keeping Zola in his sights. He chose his outfit carefully: black, loose-fitting pants that allowed freedom of movement but tapered tightly at his ankles, perfect for slipping through crowds without drawing attention. His shoes, with thin soles no more than 3mm, allowed him to feel the terrain beneath him—a detail that gave him a tactical edge. Finally, he pulled on an oversized black tank top that concealed his lean, agile frame. His hair hung loose, enough to help him disappear into the shadows.

When he arrived at Mad Radio, Lily was already there, waiting by the entrance. She was dressed similarly in all-black attire: a slim-fitting top, pants, and black boots that laced high up her legs. She blended effortlessly into the crowd, her sharp gaze betraying her alertness despite the relaxed posture she projected. Without saying a word, they entered the building together, the thrum of music already vibrating through the walls as they stepped inside.

Mad Radio was alive. The heavy bass reverberated through the floor, climbing up their legs and into their bones. The neon lights above flickered in time with the beats, casting strange, shifting shadows across the packed dance floor. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, perfume, and something metallic, as if the place itself pulsed with an electric charge.

Vas moved to a dark corner, his hair falling over his face as he swayed to the rhythm, allowing himself to blend seamlessly into the crowd. The flashing lights and pounding music helped him fade from notice—just another figure in the sea of bodies. His movements were subtle, precise, keeping him part of the atmosphere, unseen and unnoticed.

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Lily, on the other hand, stationed herself near the bar. She ordered a soda, her eyes scanning the room while engaging in casual conversation with people who approached her. She was always excellent at this—socializing without really giving anything away. Her black attire and sharp gaze kept her under the radar, just another partygoer enjoying the night.

And then Zola arrived.

The moment she stepped into Mad Radio, the entire room shifted. Dressed in a silk, almost translucent white dress that clung to her figure, Zola was impossible to ignore. Blue accessories sparkled against the pale fabric, and her makeup was artfully done, highlighting her striking features. She was the very definition of allure, and the effect was instantaneous—every eye in the room seemed to lock onto her the moment she entered. Conversations paused, heads turned, and even the music seemed to swell around her, as though she were commanding the attention of the very air itself.

Zola made her way through the crowd with the kind of grace and confidence that made people unconsciously step aside, giving her space as if she were royalty. She was the spotlight, and Vas knew this was exactly what they needed. The mysterious group they were tracking wouldn't be able to resist someone like her.

As Zola began mingling, Vas's heart rate picked up, not from fear but from the sheer intensity of the moment. He kept his eyes on her from his corner, every muscle in his body primed for action, but outwardly, he moved with the music, just another shadow lost in the flickering neon.

Lily, at the bar, subtly mirrored his alertness. She laughed with the people around her, but her gaze kept darting toward Zola, tracking her movements like a hawk watching its prey.

The music crescendoed, its hypnotic rhythm driving deeper into the minds of everyone present. Synths intertwined with thumping bass lines, creating an intoxicating energy that coursed through the bodies on the dance floor. The lyrics, a celebration of unity and release, echoed in their minds, pulling everyone deeper into the shared euphoria. In the dim, flickering lights, the boundary between self and crowd dissolved, making it easy for Vas and Lily to remain invisible, hidden in plain sight.

Zola, however, was the exception. She was impossible to overlook, a beacon of light in the darkened room, pulling eyes toward her with every calculated movement. As she laughed and spoke with those who approached her, Vas noticed several figures watching her more intently than others. They were the ones he was looking for—well-dressed, standing just outside the main flow of the crowd, exchanging glances when Zola entered.

Vas's grip tightened slightly. These were the ones. He could feel it.

Lily's voice came through their private comm system, her tone calm but focused. "I've got three possible targets, two by the bar, one near the back entrance. They've been keeping tabs on Zola since she walked in."

Vas's gaze flicked toward the men she described. They fit the profile—wealthy, aloof, and predatory.

"Stay with them," Vas muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the pounding music. "I'll keep eyes on Zola."

The tension in the room was palpable. Vas knew this was only the beginning of what could quickly spiral into a deadly situation. The group they were hunting wasn't just rich thrill-seekers—they were dangerous, and if Zola caught their attention, she would be walking straight into their den. He needed to be ready for anything.

And as the night wore on, with the lights flashing and the bass pounding, Vas couldn't shake the feeling that something dark was about to unfold.

Something far worse than they had anticipated.