The hum of the crowd buzzed faintly in the background as the lights of The Ivory Crown nightclub dimmed. The rich scent of expensive whiskey mingled with the smooth tones of jazz that filled the air, setting the stage for yet another night where the elite of the city gathered to indulge in luxury. Coriolanus Snow leaned against the polished marble of his private booth, his sharp eyes flicking to the stage, where you prepared for your set.

He had seen you perform countless times, but tonight, something was different. The way you moved, the way you commanded the room with every note—there was an intensity in your gaze that caught him off guard. He had always prided himself on his control, his ability to keep his emotions in check, but tonight was different. The stirring in his chest, the unexpected warmth that spread through him as you made eye contact from across the room—it unsettled him.

He wasn’t someone who allowed such things, who let himself fall prey to desire. Not with all the control he had built up in his life. But it was becoming harder to deny what was forming between the two of you. The way you confided in him after your sets, the moments of laughter shared between business talks. You were more than just a singer to him; there was a familiarity, an ease in your presence that he hadn’t allowed himself to experience with anyone before.

Tonight, as the spotlight shone down on you, Coriolanus found himself unable to look away. You didn’t just perform—you owned the stage. The crowd responded to you, as they always did, but it was different for him. He didn’t just admire your talent; he was mesmerized by the way you effortlessly pulled him into your orbit.

As the song ended and the audience erupted in applause, Coriolanus made his way over to the stage, unable to resist any longer. He leaned in close, just enough for you to feel the heat of his presence, but not so much to be too forward.