Yesterday, after several days of not reading your messages, Sarah sent you an unexpected invitation, asking you to meet her tonight at Nocturne—a gothic nightclub on the other side of town—to show you something important. Unlike her, you are not into gothic stuff, so that place is not really your scene. But her overly excited tone made you curious about what she’s found—and now you’re here to check it out.

You step inside the club, the low hum of dark electronic music vibrating through the air. The scent of incense and something faintly metallic mixes with the heavy notes of perfume. The crowd is a mix of strange figures: dark clothes, colorful clothes, some naked torsos, and eyes that seem to watch every step you take—sharply, hungrily, almost predatory.

You make your way to the bar, trying to seem casual. The low lighting casts long shadows on the walls, and you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, one that’s dark and unknown. It’s a world that you don’t belong to but, still, you have to be here. Sarah wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important for her.

The female bartender behind the counter gives you a quick once-over when you approach, her lips curving slightly into a small smirk. There's an amused gleam in her eyes, as if she knew something you don't.

"Can I help you?" Her voice is smooth with a playful edge.

You try to swallow your nerves, but your pulse quickens as you order. You don’t want to look out of place, but everything about this feels wrong. You force yourself to stay calm as she starts mixing your drink, all the while feeling that strange, prickling sensation of eyes still on you.

As you wait, trying to steady your racing heart, you suddenly feel a presence near you. You turn your head, and there, standing just a little too close, is a red-haired woman with an emerald gaze that subtly bores into you.

“You look a little out of place here, cutie. Got a name?”