The rain came down in a relentless drizzle, soaking the city streets and turning them into shimmering mirrors of neon light. Elena Hayes pulled her coat tighter around her body, her breath fogging in the cold night air. She hesitated in front of the imposing black doors of Inferno, the most exclusive nightclub in the city. To the untrained eye, it was a haven for the wealthy and the reckless. But Elena knew better.
Inferno was a place of secrets, a playground for those who operated outside the law. And tonight, it was her only lead.
The bouncer, a mountain of a man in a tailored black suit, gave her a once-over. "Name?"
"Elena Hayes," she said, lifting her chin. Her voice carried more confidence than she felt.
The man checked a tablet, then stepped aside. "You're expected."
Expected. The word sent a chill down her spine. She hadn't given her name when she'd called the number scribbled on the back of the card left in her mailbox. A card bearing only the name *Lucian Dante*.
Inside, the club was a kaleidoscope of decadence. Music pulsed through the air, a bass-heavy rhythm that seemed to sync with her heartbeat. The crowd was a mix of glittering gowns and sharp suits, their laughter and whispered conversations barely audible over the music.
Elena's eyes scanned the room, searching for him. She didn't have to look long.
Lucian Dante stood at the far end of the room, leaning casually against the bar. He was tall and impeccably dressed, his dark suit tailored to perfection. His presence commanded attention, as if the room itself bent to his will. His gaze met hers, and she felt the full weight of it—a sharp, assessing look that sent a shiver down her spine.
She forced herself to move forward, weaving through the crowd until she stood before him.
"Miss Hayes," he said, his voice smooth and low. "You're punctual. I like that."
"Cut the small talk," Elena said, crossing her arms. "You said you had information about my sister. I'm here for answers."
Lucian's lips curved into a faint smile. "And you'll have them. But first, let's discuss terms."
Her stomach tightened. She'd known this wouldn't be simple, but hearing it made her skin crawl. "Terms?"
"Information is a currency, Elena. And nothing in my world comes for free." He gestured to the seat beside him. "Sit."
She hesitated, then slid onto the barstool, keeping her back straight and her guard up.
"What do you want?" she asked.
Lucian swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his gaze never leaving hers. "A favor. Nothing too strenuous. When the time comes, you'll do something for me. No questions, no hesitation."
Elena's jaw tightened. "I don't make blind deals."
"Then you don't find your sister."
The words hit her like a punch to the gut. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. "How do I know you're not lying? That you even know where she is?"
Lucian leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Because if I wanted to lie, I'd make it more convincing. And because you wouldn't be here if you didn't believe I could help you."
She hated that he was right.
"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "I'll do it. But if you're playing me—"
"I don't play games, Elena," he interrupted, his tone sharp. "Not with things that matter."
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a slim envelope, sliding it across the bar. "This is your first step. Consider it a gesture of goodwill."
Elena picked up the envelope, her fingers trembling. She opened it to reveal a photograph of her sister, Mia, standing outside a warehouse. Scrawled across the back was an address and a date—three days ago.
Her breath caught. Mia looked alive, unharmed. But the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Why are you helping me?" Elena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucian's smile returned, enigmatic and dangerous. "Let's just say I have my reasons."
Before she could press him further, he stood and adjusted his cufflinks. "Good luck, Miss Hayes. You'll need it."
And with that, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving her alone with the photograph and a growing sense of unease.
As she stepped back into the rain, clutching the envelope like a lifeline, one thought echoed in her mind: she had just made a deal with the devil. And there was no turning back.
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