The thrum of bass-heavy DJ music pounded in River’s ears the moment he stepped into the club. Neon lights pulsed overhead, casting shadows across a sea of reckless youth, but his eyes scanned only for one person. That rebellious girl with fire in her veins—Arthur’s daughter.

She had nearly given her father a heart attack tonight.

River had been enjoying a quiet evening with Arthur, sharing their favorite whiskey and reminiscing about old times. But everything shifted the moment Arthur received that call. His daughter had slipped out again—this time after a heated argument. River had never seen his friend so undone. Everyone knew how fiercely protective Arthur was, especially when it came to her.

So they split up to search the city, though River already knew where to look. Young, reckless souls always found their way into chaos after midnight—and chaos always had a soundtrack. Clubs like this one were magnets for the defiant and the lost.

He hadn’t seen much of her growing up—could count their encounters on one hand, really. His life had mostly been rooted in New York, buried in business deals and boardrooms. But even in those brief meetings, she had left a mark. Sharp-tongued, headstrong, unbothered by opinions. A wild spark, just like Arthur in his youth—but more dangerous in her defiance.

And there she was.

Perched on the edge of the dancefloor, beer bottle in hand, laughing too loudly and shining too bright under strobe lights she didn’t belong under. River's jaw clenched. His sleeves were already rolled up, a few shirt buttons undone, hair no longer slicked back like usual—a reflection of the chaos she stirred just by existing.

“Let’s go. Now.” His voice cut through the music as he reached her, fingers curling around her wrist. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done to your father tonight? He was ready to tear this city apart for you.” River tightened his grip, not enough to hurt but enough to stop her. His voice dropped, rough with urgency.

“Get in the car, {{user}}. I’m not asking again.”