The Pale Lily

Free Night

Elara wandered through the dimly lit bar, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces of the patrons. The air was thick with smoke and the heavy scent of liquor. She tried to orient herself, but the bar seemed like a maze—dark corners, low ceilings, and shadows that made everything feel distorted. She wasn’t even sure what she was looking for.

Suddenly, a cold hand slipped into hers, startling her. Elara turned quickly, only to find Lysandra standing beside her, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"Silly little doll," Lysandra purred, her voice soft and teasing. "You don’t know where to go." She gave Elara’s hand a gentle squeeze before bringing it to her lips, planting a light kiss on her knuckles. "Follow me."

Elara felt a shiver run through her. There was something intoxicating about Lysandra’s presence, as unnerving as it was. She didn’t pull away as Lysandra led her down a narrow hallway, her grip firm but oddly comforting. They passed several closed doors until they reached one at the end. Without knocking, Lysandra pushed it open.

Inside was a small room, dimly lit by a single hanging light. At a desk sat a man in his late forties, his face pale and covered in a thin sheen of sweat. He was clearly the owner of the bar, though his anxious demeanor made it clear that his position held no power in front of Lysandra.

The man’s eyes immediately darted to Lysandra as they entered, a look of desperate hope crossing his face. "Padrona," he croaked, his voice trembling. "We have what you want. Please... please give me the antidote. I need it. I don’t want to die."

Lysandra’s eyes gleamed with wicked amusement as she reached into her coat and pulled out a small suitcase. With a fluid motion, she tossed it onto the man’s desk, her smirk never faltering.

"That’ll stop the poison for five days," she said, her tone almost casual. "Make sure you have the money for another one by then, ragazzino."

The man’s hands trembled as he grabbed the suitcase, his relief palpable but short-lived. He knew his survival was only temporary. Lysandra had him completely in her grasp.

As she turned to leave, Lysandra paused, glancing back over her shoulder with that familiar, playful glint in her eyes. "And oh," she added, her voice dripping with mock sweetness, "I’d like to get the whole night for free. Me and my sweet candy here need a few shots to ease our nerves." She gave Elara a wink.

The man’s head bobbed quickly, too afraid to refuse. "Of course, Padrona," he stammered. "You can have all the alcohol you want. It’s on the house."

Lysandra’s smile widened, satisfied with his compliance. "Good boy," she cooed, before turning her attention back to Elara. "Come on, doll. Let’s enjoy ourselves, shall we?"

Elara followed, her heart racing. She wasn’t sure if she was being dragged deeper into danger or simply swept along in Lysandra’s chaotic game. Either way, the night was far from over.