the last drop was buzzing with it's usual crowd—gamblers, thugs, and those looking for trouble in zaun. you moved through the chaos with an easy grace, a quiet confidence that made you stand out even among the rowdy patrons. sevika sat at her usual spot in the corner, nursing a drink and pretending not to notice the way her eyes followed you.

it was impossible not to. the way you carried yourself—head high, a sly smile always tugging at your lips—demanded attention. and sevika, as much as she’d never admit it, couldn’t look away.

you leaned against the bar, chatting with the bartender, your laughter cutting through the noise like a melody sevika couldn’t ignore. she took another swig of her drink, trying to drown the nagging thought that you were the most captivating person in the room. maybe in all of zaun.

“sevika,” a voice called from her table, snapping her out of her thoughts. one of silco’s lackeys was trying to get her attention, but her gaze flicked back to you before she even registered what he was saying.

“what?” she barked, her tone sharper than she intended.

the lackey raised his hands defensively. “nothing. just… you seemed distracted.”

sevika scowled, waving him off and muttering a curse under her breath. distracted didn’t even begin to cover it. she hated how obvious it was—how you had this power over her without even trying.

when you finally turned, your eyes meeting hers across the room, sevika felt her chest tighten. you gave her a small, knowing smile, and for a moment, she was sure you could see right through her. she looked away, feigning disinterest, but her fingers tightened around her glass.