𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄

𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS MATURE SCENES.

Reader discretion is advised. This episode may include content that is intended for mature audiences, and contains themes and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers.

Content could include strong language, violence, adult situations, and other mature themes. If you are sensitive to such content or under the age of consent, I recommend choosing a different story to read.

PLEASE read at your own discretion, and be mindful of the content’s appropriateness for your age and personal preferences.

—

𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐎𝐔𝐒

Sebastian had caught sight of my entrance. His gaze lingered, a mixture of amusement and curiosity in his eyes. He approached me with a charismatic smile, his presence blend of elegance and allure.

“Ah, Teagan,” He greeted, his voice a velvety murmur. “It seems fate has led you to our hidden realm.”

My brows furrowed in mild surprise, my attention drawn to Sebastian’s enigmatic words. I offered a polite smile, the sense of being an outsider in this sophisticated world gnawing at me.

Sebastian gestured with a flourish. “Allow me to escort you to where the evening’s intrigue unfolds.”

With a nod, I followed Sebastian through the labyrinthe paths of the club. As we reached the entrance to the VIP room, the subtle hum of voices and laughter reached my ears, accompanied by the clinking of glasses and the shuffle of cards.

Sebastian pushed open the door, revealing the enclave where Dacre and his friends engaged in a spirited card game. My gaze swept over the scene, my eyes locking onto Dacre’s figure seated at the table.

The surprise in his expression mirrored my own, hidden beneath a veneer of composure. Dacre’s friends maintained an air of nonchalance, but the subtle tension in the room hinted at their surprise as well.

As I stood there, my eyes met those of an unfamiliar man seated among Dacre’s friends. His gaze raked over me from head to toe, a flicker of disapproval evident in his expression.

He shook his head almost imperceptibly before taking a sip of his drink, seemingly uninterested in my presence.

Dacre rose from his seat, his movement’s graceful yet calculated.

“Teagan,” He greeted. “Your presence is quite the surprise.”

—

My head felt light, and the edges of my surroundings seemed to blur as I pushed myself to my feet, my steps unsteady.

The liquor I had consumed in the room had cast a warm, hazy glow over my senses, numbing my awareness, and igniting a daring curiosity.

I navigated my way out of the VIP room, where an auction was underway. Illuminated by the soft glow of overhead lights, the auctioneer’s voice carried the cadence of power and intrigue as he announced the bid for Stardust Elixir.

My eyes scanned the room, taking in the faces of the bidders and the palpable tension that hung in the air. As if guided by an invisible string, my gaze locked onto a pair of eyes that held a magnetic allure — the eyes of the man in the royal blue mask.