Renee stood in front of the sleek bar and gazed at the collection of glass bottles filled with colorful liquids. The girl had just finished her past life regression with Aaron and needed a place to clear her mind. She wandered around until ended up in the hotel's rooftop bar.
"Should I recommend something?" Isolde stood beside Renee and stared at the large shelf in front of them for a moment before turning to her. "Or would you like me to show you how to order a drink here?"
Renee nodded and gestured for Isolde to go first. "I'm looking for something that can unblock my mind and open it up."
Isolde's order sounded strange, but the bartender behind the counter smiled warmly, "Creativity Spark is perfect for what you're looking for," she said.
Curious, Renee asked, "What exactly is it?"
The bartender enthusiastically described the effects of Creativity Spark, claiming that every sip could fill the person with fresh ideas and new perspectives. According to her, it could also trigger inspiration and a creative flow.
"Its color is a dazzling blend of sparkling purple with swirling silver accents," The bartender explained. "And the flavor is a tantalizing combination of exotic berries and delicate mint leaves."
Isolde nodded in agreement with the girl's recommendation. "Okay, Sable. I'll try one."
Rene was fascinated by the unusual way people ordered drinks in this place. However, when she really thought about it, being in such an environment was already against common sense. After all, Leon's transactions were driven by human desires, so experiences like this should be considered normal.
"I would like to ask for a drink that will help me sleep well."
However, before the bartender could answer Renee's question, the girl next to her had raised a hand, telling Sable not to speak first.
"Do you think we're in an elementary school cafeteria?" Isolde asked, her tone dripping with disbelief. "I can make you a hot chocolate drink myself instead of having to ask Sable for it."
Renee furrowed her brows as she looked at Isolde, sensing that the girl had many new ideas spinning in her head even before the drink arrived. "So, what do you suggest instead?"
The girl cleared her throat a few times, then she dropped her hand and turned to Sable. "Can you make her a Confidence Brew?"
Sable's hands moved quickly as she started making two separate drinks for the girls. The vampires completed their task in a flash, including Isolde and Renee's drink, which Sable had already finished without her noticing. It seemed that Renee would have to adjust to the lightning-fast speed of these vampires in all aspects.
"Go ahead and try it."
Isolde suggested, gesturing towards the girl's drink. Renee looked down at her crystal glass, filled with a dark and rich liquid. Its flavor carried hints of smoky spices and strong coffee.
"Take a sip, I promise you'll love it."
Isolde lifted her glass and sipped slowly, waiting for Renee to do the same. The girl tasted the unfamiliar liquid and wondered what effects it might have. Based on its name, it seemed like it was meant to give courage.
Maybe that was exactly what Renee needed right now, the bravery to confront a past that couldn't be altered and a future full of unknowns. Without hesitation, she downed her drink in one gulp, much to Isolde and Sable's surprise.
"Hey, take it easy," Isolde exclaimed with worried eyes when she watched Renee finish her glass in record time.
But it was too late. The once full glass now sat empty on the table as Renee leaned back in her chair.
Impressed, Isolde applauded and gazed at Renee with awe. "You truly are incredible."
Isolde and Sable kept a close eye on the girl, anticipating any instant changes in Renee's demeanor due to the drink. Suddenly, their attention was interrupted by Wayne's distinct voice as he cheerfully greeted the three girls present. Isolde turned to find a young man with thick glasses wearing a plaid shirt, buttoned up in a unique butterfly shape that anyone could easily label as a geek.
"Excuse me for interrupting," Wayne began politely. "One of our guests has just arrived and needs someone to look after, can I leave him in your care?"
Isolde took another glance at the man from top to bottom before concluding that there was nothing particularly intriguing about him. "Which server will be responsible for attending to him?"
Wayne's smile remained unchanged and answered, "Venus." The man checking his watch and continued speaking. "She'll be here soon. However, since I have other guests to attend to, would you mind keeping him company?"
When she heard the name, Isolde knew what this young man was asking for in exchange for his soul with Leon. After some hesitation, Isolde agreed and allowed the geek to sit beside her. The girl even assisted in ordering a drink, mimicking Venus' usual choice of Velvet Desire.
"What's your name?" Isolde asked, taking a sip of her beverage and observing the man who had also started to drink his own.
"Nicolas," he replied. Despite his closed-off appearance with helmet styled hair and questionable fashion sense, his voice was deep and rough.
"How old are you?" Isolde inquired.
Isolde couldn't help but feel drawn to Venus's guest, simply by the sound of his voice. Despite knowing that he was not someone ordinary who sought out women or carnal desires like most people. Because there was something darker and ominous about Nicolas, especially if it had to be handled by Venus herself.
"Twenty-five."
He said with such confidence. Then, Isolde instantly knew there was more to this man than met the eye.
"What do you do?" Isolde only had a sip of her drink, but seemed to already be feeling the effects. The girl's mind was buzzing with wild ideas as she asked.
"Photographer," he replied calmly.
"What are you taking pictures of?" Isolde cut to the chase and asked.
The man hesitated for a moment before responding, "A woman."
Isolde furrowed her eyebrows, sensing something odd but choosing not to comment. She noticed that Nicolas' face appeared tranquil when he sipped his drink, but the man eyes held a multitude of hidden secrets. Could Nicolas be a predator?
"You want to photograph me?"
Renee's voice rang out, breaking through Isolde's thoughts. The girl's question caught her attention and she turned to face Renee with the same wide-eyed expression as before. Isolde had managed to restrain Sable from responding earlier, but this time she couldn't stop Nicolas.
He gave a response with a sinister smirk on his lips, staring intently at Renee. "I don't photograph just anyone," Nicolas said curtly. "The subject must meet my standards for me to fully unleash my creativity."
The man gestured towards the girl with his left hand, making Nicolas point clear. "But luckily, you fit my criteria." He paused for a moment, "Since you requested it, I'll gladly take your photo."
Isolde, sitting between the two, couldn't help but observe them with concern. This situation must not continue, Nicolas is too dangerous for Renee. If Leon were to find out, she wouldn't be forgiven.
"I want to do it now," Renee stated boldly, without any hint of fear.
This was exactly what Isolde had feared, that the drink would lead to trouble when Renee encountered the wrong person.
"Then let's go."
***
Isolde felt powerless in the face of Nicolas' demands. As a guest, the man held all the power to choose any server he wanted and dictate what kind of service he desired. New guests were always treated with the utmost priority and care by the staff until they signed an agreement with Leon.
This usually happened the day after their arrival, once both parties reached an understanding and sealed it with a handshake. At that moment, the human soul received a blue ghost orchid stamp in its bud form. The flower would fully bloom when the person's wish was granted and their soul would be taken by the vampires.
In accordance with the room that had been prepared for Nicolas, marked with the label 'household of three' which meant the man was looking for a shared activity. The hotel rooms were customized to fit the style, function and desires of each guest. For Nicolas, as a photographer, his spacious room is equipped with a small studio and various photography equipment. It also had amenities similar to what people usually wear during BDSM activities with their partners.
Isolde cursed under her breath. She couldn't believe she was the one responsible for Renee's current state. While the girl seemed completely at ease, Isolde felt like a writhing worm caught in the middle of two people, trying to prevent something from happening. All she could do now was hope that Sable would quickly relay the information to Leon before it was too late.
"Where would you like me to sit?" Renee asked while looked around the room, admiring the dominant red decor and uniquely styled windows, with the carpet was covered in luxurious velvet, reminiscent of an old kingdom.
Nicolas was pleased with the hotel room, as it met all his expectations and had everything he needed. "You can lay down on the s-shape sofa over there." The man replied, gesturing towards the spot in front of his camera, which make him could capture a portrait of whoever sat on it.
"Just a heads up, Renee. I don't take photographs of women wearing clothes," Nicolas said as he approached his camera that was on a tripod. After that, he suddenly took off his shirt, revealing the athletic and perfectly toned body.
Isolde, who had been trying to come up with a plan to get herself and Renee out of there as soon as possible, found herself momentarily distracted by the man's physical beauty. The girl couldn't help but notice that Nicolas seemed to purposely hide his real body behind clothing, only showing what he wanted others to see. His attitude towards people outside was merely a façade.
Another quality of this man named Nicolas, that Isolde can feel is his manipulative nature. He is a person who uses his innocent appearance to charm the target, allowing the true monster within him to emerge when he succeeded.
Isolde assumed that Nicolas would only remove his shirt to reveal the upper body, but the man surprised her by removing his pants as well. The girl observed Nicolas' confident expression and pride in his physique, she couldn't deny the sexual magnetism he exuded. Despite the man's unattractive glasses and hair, his overall appearance was impressive from neck to buttocks.
"Now it's your turn, Ladies," Nicolas enticed them.
Before Isolde could even react, Renee had already taken off her shirt and pants, leaving only her dark-colored bra and panties still clinging to her body. A triumphant smile appeared on Nicolas' face, but he was not completely satisfied. The man's expression shifted abruptly, as if a thought had just struck him.
"Instead of waiting for you to remove your last piece, would you prefer if I extracted it from your body?" Nicolas asked, with a hint of menace in his voice.
In that moment, Renee's bravery seemed mismatched and out of context. Isolde believed she had chosen the wrong person to confide in.
"Then I will trouble you to do that." She stated in a monotone voice. "To expose me fully."
***