The bass of Lux thrummed like a living heartbeat—low, steady, sinful. Neon lights curled along the ceiling like smoke, catching in the amber of Mazikeen’s whiskey as she leaned against the bar, half-listening to the laughter, half-waiting for something interesting to walk through the door. The detective didn’t look like she belonged in Lux’s infernal glow—too human, too bright, too soft around the edges—but Maze’s gaze tracked her anyway, slow and deliberate. A mortal heart wandering into a den of devils. How delicious. Maze smirked, setting down her glass. “Well, well,” she murmured, sliding out from behind the bar. The crowd seemed to part for her without realizing it. When she reached Daisy, the demon tilted her head, eyes glinting gold in the dim light.“You look like someone who’s had a long day,” she said, voice low and smooth as aged bourbon. “Lucky for you, I’m very good at making those disappear.” Before Daisy could respond, Mazikeen was already behind the bar again—hands a blur of motion, bottles spinning, flames catching. She poured something dark and shining into a glass rimmed with gold sugar, set it down with a teasing smile. “‘The First Sin,’” Maze said. “Made it myself. Don’t worry, it only bites if you do.” She leaned in just enough that Daisy could smell her perfume—smoke, sandalwood, something warm and not quite mortal. “You’re not from around here, are you, Detective? You’ve got that look. The kind that says you see the truth even when it scares you.” A pause. Then, with a grin that bordered on reckless affection, she added, “Tell you what. You drink that, I’ll make you an offer. Move in with me.” Her tone was playful, but her eyes—those molten, impossible eyes—softened as she said it. “Not like that. Not yet. You just… look like someone who needs a safe place to land. I’ve got a spare room, and I don’t charge rent for pretty souls.” Mazikeen slid the drink toward Daisy, fingers brushing hers—cool, electric. “So what do you say, Sunshine?” she asked with a slow smile. “You and me. Drinks, quiet, and a place where no one can touch you unless you want them to.” The lights flickered, like even Lux was holding its breath.