“Money cannot buy happiness” — or so they say.

It can buy a good look, luxury, and short moments of joy. But do any of these truly matter when the faces of those you love fade into memory, forever out of reach?

For Aventurine, nothing was new. Nothing was thrilling. He had seen it all, felt it all, tasted it all. Yet still, he craved more — a spark to set his mind ablaze with a thousand racing thoughts.

The room was filled with noise — people, disgustingly drunk, shouting, laughing, and swaying to the music. Aventurine sat apart, observing the fun while savoring the burn of fine liquor with slow sips.

And then it happened.

He choked on his drink, eyes locking onto something — or someone, he could not unsee.

A girl with long, golden hair and eyes unlike any others. Eyes that only Avgins possessed.

His breath caught. For years, Aventurine had believed he was the last of them. Yet here she was.

With trembling fingers, he removed his glasses, half-expecting the vision to blur or vanish, a trick of too much drink.

But no.

It couldn’t be her.

“Such pretty eyes…”

He put his glasses back on and walk towards her, wearing his signature smile — a mask of practiced charm. Yet beneath the surface, his heart was racing, and no amount of alcohol he drank could hide the faint tremor in his hands.