Chapter 102: Nightfall's Euphoria
As Lyra and Elias excused themselves from the poker table, the ethereal music filling the bar seemed to swell, wrapping them in its haunting melody. The smoky haze parted as they made their way to the dance floor, the other patrons fading into the background.
Elias took Lyra's hand, pulling her close. "May I have this dance?" he murmured, his eyes locking with hers.
Lyra felt a shiver run down her spine, memories of the masquerade ball flooding back. The interrupted dance, the stolen moments before chaos erupted. She nodded, allowing Elias to lead her in a slow, swaying rhythm.
As they moved together, the rest of the world fell away. For a moment, they were just two people, lost in the music and in each other. Lyra rested her head on Elias's shoulder, breathing in his scent, the Masquerade's Veil elixir mingling with his own unique essence.
But the spell was broken as Luciano's associate finally entered the bar, making his way to a shadowy booth in the back. Lyra and Elias exchanged a glance, steeling themselves for what was to come.
They approached the booth, sliding into the seats opposite the man. He was a wiry figure, with darting eyes and a nervous energy that set Lyra's teeth on edge.
"So," the man said, his voice a rasping whisper. "Luciano says you're interested in our little tonic. We call it Euphoria."
Elias leaned forward, his expression serious. "We are. But we need to know more. What's in it? How does it work?"
The man chuckled, a dry, humorless sound. "Now, now. You know I can't reveal all our secrets. But I can give you a sample, let you see for yourself."
He reached into his coat, pulling out a small vial filled with a shimmering, iridescent liquid. Lyra's essence technique flared, warning her of the danger that lurked within.
"But first," the man said, his eyes glinting. "A little proof of your intentions. Drink it."
Elias hesitated, his gaze flicking to Lyra. She could see the fear in his eyes, the knowledge of what "Euphoria" could do to a human. But she also saw the determination, the unwavering resolve to see their mission through.
With a steadying breath, Elias reached out, taking the vial from the man's hand. He uncorked it, the sickly sweet scent wafting through the air.
"Elias," Lyra whispered, her heart in her throat. "You don't have to do this."
But Elias just shook his head, a sad smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Yes, I do," he said softly. "For you. For your parents. For everyone the Nightfall Mafia has hurt."
And with that, he raised the vial to his lips and drank.
At first, nothing happened. But then Elias's face contorted, a strangled gasp escaping his throat. He doubled over, his hands clutching at his stomach, his breathing ragged and labored.
Lyra was at his side in an instant, her essence technique scanning his body, searching for a way to counteract the Euphoria's effects. She could feel the wrongness of it, the way it twisted and warped Elias's essence, tearing him apart from the inside.
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