The neon lights flickered above as Faerie followed Luna through the back streets of the city. The two friends, like shadows in the night, made their way toward a bar hidden away from prying eyes—a place Luna knew all too well. Faerie hadn't been here before, but Luna had insisted she needed a break from everything going on at Hera and with Carter Riether's shadow looming over her life.
"Come on, you'll love it," Luna said with a playful smirk, her cigarette hanging loosely from her lips as she pushed open the worn wooden door. The scent of smoke and spilled whiskey hit Faerie as she entered, the dim lights casting a warm, hazy glow over the bustling room. People crowded around tables, cards in hand, drinks in the air, and chips piled high—Luna's kind of scene.
Faerie glanced around, feeling a bit out of place in her casual attire, but Luna seemed at home, guiding her through the crowd with ease. "You sure this is your idea of a 'fun night out'?" Faerie teased, eyeing the gamblers sizing up their opponents.
Luna flashed a mischievous grin, leading her to a table at the center of the action. "Relax, Faerie. This place is practically my second home. I think it's time you met some of my friends and got a little taste of my world."
With a flourish, Luna introduced Faerie to a couple of her regulars—tough guys and rough-looking women, each with a story written in the lines of their faces and the faded ink on their skin. "This is Faerie," Luna said, draping an arm over Faerie's shoulder. "She's got more brains than all of you put together, so don't even think about trying to scam her."
Faerie chuckled lightly, giving a small wave to the group, who nodded back with respect, sensing the unspoken bond between the two women. Luna grabbed a seat at the poker table, motioning for Faerie to sit beside her. "Watch and learn, kid," Luna winked, lighting another cigarette and dealing out cards with a flourish.
Faerie sat back, amused, as Luna began her performance—shuffling cards like a pro, dealing quick hands, and bluffing her way into winning more rounds than she lost. Luna's friends cheered her on, raising their glasses and throwing good-natured jabs her way. Despite the tough exterior, there was a sense of camaraderie that Faerie found oddly comforting, a world away from the backstabbing elite she had to deal with at Hera.
"You're not half bad, Faerie," one of the regulars said, raising his glass to her. "If you hang around Luna long enough, maybe she'll teach you the ropes."
Faerie gave a small, genuine smile. "I'm sure she would," she replied, glancing at Luna, who was fully in her element, her laughter ringing through the smoky air. It was a side of Luna that Faerie rarely saw—carefree, light-hearted, almost like the little girl she remembered playing with in the park years ago.
As the night went on, the drinks flowed, and Luna even managed to get Faerie to try her hand at a few rounds of blackjack. "You've got to play it cool, Faerie, like you've got the best hand in the world, even if you don't," Luna whispered with a wink as Faerie faced off against a grizzled old gambler.
Faerie couldn't help but laugh as she fumbled her way through the game, ultimately losing but enjoying the experience. She knew she didn't belong in this world of cards and bets, but for a moment, she could forget about the battles she was fighting at Hera, the weight of her father's wrongful imprisonment, and the relentless pursuit of the Riether family.
As the clock struck midnight, Luna finally cashed out her winnings, sliding the chips into her pocket with a satisfied smirk. "See, I told you we'd have a good time," she said, throwing an arm around Faerie's shoulders as they made their way out of the bar.
Faerie shook her head, smiling despite herself. "I'll admit, it's not the worst night I've had lately. Thanks, Luna."
Luna gave her a playful shove. "Anytime, Faerie. You're family, remember? You've got a place here whenever you need a break from those rich pricks you hang out with."
Faerie felt a warmth in her chest at Luna's words, knowing that in this chaotic, unpredictable world of hers, Luna was the one constant she could always count on. And as they walked out into the night, she couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, she'd found a little bit of home amidst the chaos.
As they stepped out of the bar, the cool night air greeted them, washing away the smoky haze of the room. Luna took a long drag from her cigarette, exhaling slowly before glancing at Faerie with a tired yet satisfied smile.
"Man, that was a tiring day," she said, stretching her arms out lazily. "But at least we managed to end it on a high note, right?" She said to Faerie
Faerie chuckled softly, shoving her hands into her pockets as they strolled down the dimly lit alleyway. "Yeah, I have to admit, it was... different. Thanks, Luna. I really needed that."
Luna gave her a sideways glance, eyebrow raised. "Since when do you say thank you, huh? You turning all soft on me or what?" Her voice was teasing, but there was a touch of genuine curiosity beneath her words.
Faerie stopped walking for a moment, her expression turning more serious. "No, really. I mean it. Thanks for helping me out the other day, when I had to move out of that apartment. You didn't have to go through all that trouble."
Luna shrugged, blowing out another puff of smoke. "Don't thank me, girl," she replied, waving a dismissive hand. "You know I'd do anything for you. You'd do the same for me, wouldn't you?"
Faerie smiled softly, knowing how true that was. The bond they shared went back years, rooted in a loyalty that nothing could shake. But before Faerie could respond, Luna's expression shifted, turning more serious as she stopped walking, her eyes locking onto Faerie's.
"Faerie, be careful," Luna said, her voice lower and more intense. The playful edge she'd had all night was gone now, replaced by a rare look of concern. "I don't know what you're getting yourself into with those rich boys and that school, but I've got a bad feeling about all of it. Just... keep your guard up, okay? I don't want anything happening to you."
Faerie's smile faded slightly as she met Luna's gaze, understanding the unspoken worry in her friend's words. She gave a small nod, reaching out to squeeze Luna's arm. "I will. I promise."
Luna nodded back, her expression softening just a bit. "Good. Now let's get you home before you start thinking I'm getting all emotional on you or something," she said with a smirk, though the seriousness lingered behind her eyes.
Faerie rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Luna's unwavering presence in her life. As they continued their walk through the quiet streets, the weight of Luna's warning hung in the air between them, a reminder that even in moments of laughter, the dangers they faced were never far behind.