The ocean stretched endlessly beneath a sky painted in shades of orange and purple. Gliding gracefully over the waves, Celestia Marry was a masterpiece of engineering and luxury a magnificent cruise ship carrying an entire world within it.
Gleaming chandeliers illuminated the elegant restaurants, where the soft clinking of crystal glasses, hushed conversations, and occasional laughter filled the air. Beyond the lavish dining halls, expansive casino floors buzzed with excitement as decks of cards were shuffled and roulette wheels spun in the rhythm of fate and risk.
In grand ballrooms adorned with gilded domes, couples twirled in a Viennese waltz, while private salons catered to the elite where secrets were whispered over glasses of aged wine. The corridors echoed with the quiet voices of guests dressed in luxurious evening attire, each of them carrying their own dreams, desires, and hidden agendas.
Dilo stood at the entrance, utterly captivated. He hadn't expected such opulence, let alone so many people. To him, this was a well-earned vacation a reward after years dedicated to his goal. He decided to head to his room first to drop off his belongings.
As he walked through the ship, he was astounded by the sights unfolding before him. Every hallway, every venue exuded an air of extravagance. He made a mental note to visit the night bar after settling in and perhaps try his luck at the casino.
Upon reaching his room, Dilo stopped in his tracks, completely taken aback.
A grand king-size bed, draped in silk sheets and adorned with plush pillows, stood at the center of the room, facing a floor-to-ceiling window that framed the vast expanse of the ocean. The rhythm of the waves cast shifting moonlit patterns across the polished mahogany floor, deepening the room's tranquil atmosphere.
Golden accents adorned finely crafted wooden furniture a vanity with an ornately framed mirror, an elegant writing desk with a leather-bound journal resting upon it, ready to capture the thoughts of its occupant. A crystal chandelier hung from above, its soft glow reflecting off the velvet-lined walls in deep hues of blue and gold.
To the side, a private relaxation area featured a low glass table surrounded by plush armchairs, perfect for late-night conversations or a moment of solitude with a glass of wine. Sliding doors led to a marble-clad bathroom, where a deep bathtub sat beneath a skylight an invitation to bathe under the stars.
A delicate fragrance of fresh lilies lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of the meticulous attention paid to every detail. Everything in this room the textures, the scents, the carefully selected décor spoke of sheer luxury.
Dilo exhaled softly. After witnessing such grandeur, he decided to rest for a while. He wanted to experience every aspect of this magnificent cruise properly.
A few hours later, feeling refreshed, he rose from the bed and made his way toward the upper deck, where the bar he had set his sights on awaited.
The moment he stepped inside, he was enveloped by the rich scents of aged whiskey, fresh citrus, and the faint trace of expensive cigars. The space exuded timeless elegance dark mahogany and deep blue velvet adorned the walls, mirroring the endless ocean beyond the panoramic windows.
At the heart of the bar stood an imposing counter a long, curved masterpiece of polished black marble. Behind it, illuminated glass shelves held an exquisite collection of the world's finest liquors, glistening like liquid gemstones.
Bartenders, dressed in immaculate white jackets, moved with effortless precision, crafting cocktails with theatrical finesse, their hands dancing between silver shakers and crystal glasses.
Everywhere, intimate seating areas were arranged plush leather armchairs gathered around low tables with gilded edges. Soft murmurs of business negotiations and secret romances intertwined with the delicate clinking of glasses. In one corner, a luxurious black piano stood, its keys caressed by a skilled jazz pianist, filling the space with smooth, seductive melodies that blended seamlessly with the rhythm of the waves.
Dilo lit a cigar and approached the bar. Taking a seat, he struck up a conversation with the bartender and swiftly ordered a whiskey.
Of course, being underage, he had to slip a generous tip to get what he wanted.
As he savored his drink, letting the smoky flavor linger on his tongue, his gaze wandered across the room, taking in the refined ambiance. However, his moment of solitude was soon interrupted.
A man approached the bar a figure Dilo instinctively categorized as a successful businessman, judging by the sheer confidence in his stride.
The man entered with the relaxed self-assurance of someone who either belonged here or had mastered the art of appearing as if he did.
Late twenties. Lean, but not overly so. Sharp features ones that looked as though they belonged on the black-and-white covers of high-end magazines. His dark hair was slicked back with just enough nonchalance to suggest effortless style, though it was undoubtedly deliberate. A silver earring caught the dim light as his gaze swept across the room, his lips curved in the faintest hint of a smirk, as if he were already drafting his next column in his head.
He wore a perfectly tailored double-breasted suit dark blue, of course, because black was too predictable paired with high-waisted trousers and Italian loafers, sockless, in that effortlessly stylish way that only someone truly well-versed in fashion could pull off. A silk scarf, loosely knotted around his neck, added a touch of European charm.
As he passed, he left behind a lingering trace of expensive cologne cedarwood and citrus the kind of scent that wasn't easily forgotten.
Reaching the bar, he took a seat beside Dilo and immediately ordered a whiskey, exchanging a few brief words with the bartender.
Dilo observed him with intrigue. There was something about him something untethered, unshackled by the mundanities of ordinary life. And that alone made Dilo want to know more.
Signaling the bartender, Dilo ordered another whiskey.
"And one more for the gentleman beside me."
The man turned slightly, acknowledging the gesture with a faint smirk before accepting the drink.
"Much appreciated."
Seizing the opportunity, Dilo spoke.
"If you don't mind, may I ask your name? Your presence intrigued me. And your outfit… well, I'd call it timeless. Ah, how rude of me I'm Dilo."
The man studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. The dim lighting of the bar cast sharp shadows over his face.
Slowly, deliberately, he swirled his glass, watching the amber liquid glide against the sides before taking a measured sip as if weighing whether the question was even worth answering.
Then, with an almost lazy smile, he finally spoke. His voice was smooth, rich, yet beneath it lingered something cold… something almost menacing.
"Timeless… an interesting choice of words. Time, after all, consumes everything. It reduces all to dust except for those who know how to defy it."
He leaned in slightly, just enough for Dilo to feel the weight of his presence.
"But names… names are a delicate thing, aren't they? A gift, or a weapon, depending on who speaks them."
He paused, savoring the silence. Then, tilting his head ever so slightly, he relented.
"Still… let's say I'm feeling generous tonight. Adam. Journalist."
He took another sip of his drink, his smirk unwavering.
"You, Dilo… strike me as someone who enjoys mysteries. So why don't we leave them just as they are?"
With that, he stood, downed the last of his whiskey, and walked away.
Dilo sat there, unmoving, as a slow chill crept up his spine.
He had no words. No response.
Only the lingering impression of a man who had just left behind more questions than answers.