Page 152

The ground shifted subtly underfoot—gravel giving way to smoother pavement.

Then polished stone. Then something even more refined.

I adjusted instinctively, reading the changes through pressure and sound.

Voices grew closer.

Laughter layered over music.

Ramiro paused briefly ahead of me.

I heard his tone change—controlled, carrying authority I hadn’t heard him use earlier.

“She’s with me,” he said, his voice directed toward the guards at the entrance.

A brief pause followed.

Then—

A sound like a heavy door being opened.

The moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere hit me like a physical force.

Thick scent.

Noise multiplied in layers rather than volume alone.

I stepped carefully, my hand still lightly on Ramiro’s arm.

The floor beneath me changed again.

I swallowed, adjusting my posture slightly as I walked.

I could feel eyes even if I couldn’t see them.

Or maybe I was imagining it.

That was always the danger in places like this.

“Can you take me to a seat near the bar?” I asked, raising my voice just enough to carry over the music.

“What did you say?” Ramiro leaned closer, speaking louder so I could hear him clearly through the noise.

“Take me to a seat by the bar,” I repeated, steadier this time, each word deliberate and clear.

A beat.

Then—

“Got it.”

He guided me forward again.

As we moved, the sound shifted once more.

The bass became slightly clearer, the crowd noise more concentrated.

I could tell we were approaching the central area now—the heart of the lounge.