Boom boom boom!
Music thumped in the background, while lights of various colors illuminated the dark room of the establishment. A large crowd danced atop a white-tiled platform in the center of the room.
At the counter, some patrons ordered drinks—wine, cocktails, and hard liquor—while others sipped their beverages right there or carried them away. The bartender moved swiftly, attending to each customer.
Opposite the main dance floor were booths—private rooms reserved for VIP guests seeking a more exclusive experience. In one such booth sat John, Iode, Nivea, and Reggie.
They lounged on a comfy couch. Reggie took a sip from one of the drinks served to them.
"Wow, John, you really know how to enjoy life. I'm definitely coming here more often—there are so many men I could hook up with," Nivea said with a grin.
"Exactly! Life's all about enjoyment. I wouldn't trade this for anything," Reggie added, gulping down an entire bottle of soda.
Just then, a female attendant entered their booth.
"Good evening. Would you like any additional services?" she asked politely.
"I'd like to see your boss. Tell him John is here," John said.
"Alright," the attendant replied and left.
"You don't come here regularly? That attendant didn't seem to recognize you," Nivea noted.
"Yeah, I seldom visit. Between being a member of the Vampire Council, a university lecturer, and CEO of Water Pharmaceuticals, I've got more to handle than clubbing," John replied.
Soon, a tan woman dressed in black leather with flowing black hair entered and locked the door behind her.
"John, John, John... am I glad to see you! When was the last time I saw that nerdy face?" the woman said with a smirk.
"Nakotah, good to see you. How's business?" John responded.
"Hehe. Good evening to you three humble guests," Nakotah greeted, nodding to the demon twins and Iode.
"But... why do I smell the repugnant stench of demons?" she added, eyes narrowing.
"Repugnant?! Blasphemous! Your kind is the repugnant one—reeking of blood, you wretched creature!" Reggie jumped to his feet, enraged.
"...I didn't even point fingers," Nakotah said, unfazed.
"Yet you used such insulting words. I don't like you," Reggie muttered, green aura flickering in his eyes.
"Likewise. The feeling is mutual," Nakotah replied coldly, locking eyes with him.
Sip.
"That escalated pretty fast," Nivea said, sipping her soda while observing the tension.
"You two, just stop, okay? You just met and you're already at each other's throats," John said calmly—but his voice carried an intimidating aura that made even Iode and Nivea, who weren't involved in the argument, feel a chill.
"She started it with her offensive words," Reggie said, folding his arms.
"He yelled at me," Nakotah countered.
"Enough! Why are you both acting like children?" John snapped, his tone serious.
"And you, Nakotah. What's gotten into you? You're usually calm and cool-headed—why are you acting like this?"
"Pardon my unprofessional behavior," Nakotah said, bowing slightly. "I promise to make it up to you."
A brief silence followed.
Then John said somberly, "Don't let your grudge cloud your judgment, Nakotah. Alright?"
"Right," she replied quietly.
"Whatever happened to her serves—OUCH!" Reggie started to say, but was cut off as Nivea hurled a bottle of soda straight at his mouth, making him groan.
"What was that for?!" Reggie shouted, rubbing his lip.
"Just shut your mouth for a minute," Nivea snapped.
"Tch." Reggie curled his lip and looked away.
Iode sat quietly, watching the drama unfold.
'She's a vampire, but she hates demons... enough that she didn't even try to hide it. What's her story?' Iode thought, staring at Nakotah...