Roland's voice trembled with awe as the car emerged from the tunnel. Before them stretched Laspeas — a galaxy carved into the earth. Towering spires of glass reached up toward a smog-choked sky, dripping with neon. Electric blues and violent pinks reflected off puddles on the streets below. Every corner flickered with motion — screens, holograms, people. It was a city that never stopped breathing.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Roland," Leonora said, her tone as precise as the line of her uniform. "Laspeas is known for its traps — especially here in the capital. The city will charm you, then bleed you dry."
"Come on, Youri, you lived here! You probably know all the good spots, right?"
Youri grinned, eyes gleaming under the shifting lights.
"If you want to drink and gamble, I'd be happy to show you," he said. "But first, we have to take care of your sister's duties."
"Hey, D7." Leonora's voice sliced through the air — quiet, dangerous, commanding.
"If I see you near a bar, a pub, or a casino, I'll personally hand you over to your loan sharks."
Youri straightened, smirk fading. "I understand, ma'am. Sorry."
"Good." Her gaze returned to the window. Outside, the city burned in colors that felt more like wounds than light. "Since we're clear now, let's make our way to the President's Office."
IN THE CAR
"My lady, the accommodations you requested have been booked," Anna said softly from the passenger seat.
"Thank you, Anna."
"Where are we staying, sister?" Roland leaned forward, still glued to the glowing skyline.
"The Palace Hotel."
"Wow, that's such a cool name! Are we going to pass by it?"
"Shortly." Said Youri.
"Really? You've been there, Youri?"
"They've got a decent casino there," he said, his grin returning. "Have a look to your left — the Palace Hotel."
The car turned a corner, revealing a colossal tower made of mirrored glass and gold filigree. Holographic banners shimmered across its surface, advertising luxury and sin in equal measure.
"Wow, it's huge! We'll be staying here for three days! I want to try the casino too!"
"Roland," Leonora warned, her voice suddenly low, almost trembling with restrained anger, "if you step foot in that place, I swear I'll drag your ass through the galaxy and haul you home myself. Understand?"
"Yes, sister…" he mumbled, shoulders slumping.
"We've arrived at the Presidential Office," Anna said.
THE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE
The Presidential Building loomed ahead — a fortress of white stone and obsidian glass. Guards in ceremonial armor lined the entrance, their visors reflecting the storm of city lights. Inside, everything reeked of old power.
Marble floors stretched endlessly under golden chandeliers that hung like inverted suns. The air carried a sterile chill, as if emotion itself was forbidden here.
Leonora walked with quiet command, her heels echoing sharply. When she entered the President's chamber, she removed her gloves slowly, deliberately. The office was massive, lined with velvet drapes and crystal screens displaying maps of the Empire. The desk — carved from dark obsidian — was wide enough to seat a council.
"It's an honor to have you here, Lady Leonora," said the President, a tall, silver-haired man with the calm voice of someone who had long stopped being surprised by anything.
"Thank you, Mr. President," she said, inclining her head slightly. "You've prepared quite a welcome."
"We've arranged a banquet in your honor. The people of Laspeas have missed your visits."
"There was no need," Leonora said. A faint smile ghosted across her lips — one that never reached her eyes. "But thank you for your effort. I assume the Consul notified you of our arrival?"
"Yes, my lady."
"Then let's begin the procedure."
"Of course. Let's go to my office."
Inside, the air was heavy with the scent of old books and the faint hum of data screens. The President laid out several folders, his hand trembling slightly.
"These are all the files concerning your requests, Lady Leonora."
"Thank you," she said, eyes scanning the text with mechanical precision. "This may take some time, but feel free to leave — my assistant and I can handle it."
"Very well." He hesitated. "I was told you have two more guests?"
"Yes."
"Invite them in," he said warmly. "We have plenty of food and rooms. It would be a waste not to extend our hospitality."
Leonora's eyes softened for the briefest moment — then hardened again.
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. President. Anna — go fetch them. At least they can eat."
"Yes, my lady."
Minutes later, Anna returned — pale, trembling, her voice barely a whisper.
"My lady… the car and the boys are missing."
Leonora froze. The pen in her hand snapped clean in two. For a long moment, the room was silent except for the faint hum of the lights.
When she spoke again, her voice was so calm it was terrifying.
"I hope," she said, her gaze distant and cold, "they're just lost."
AT LUX CLUB
The Lux Club was chaos wrapped in velvet.
The walls pulsed with light — crimson and indigo waves that moved to the rhythm of heavy bass. The air was thick with perfume, alcohol, and static electricity. The ceiling was lost in smoke and holographic projections that flickered like ghosts. Every surface shimmered, every corner whispered secrets.
"Where are we going?" Roland asked, half shouting over the music.
"I've got a friend here," Youri said with a grin. "She owns the place. Drinks are on me — well, technically, on someone else."
They pushed through a sea of bodies — laughter, sweat, and music crashing together in a frenzy of color.
"Look who just walked in!" a voice cut through the chaos like silk and smoke. "My god… fucking Youri."
A tall, striking Black woman in her late twenties — curly black hair cascading over her shoulders, brown eyes burning with mischief and command. Her outfit — a tight, glittering gold corset paired with high-waisted black leather pants — gleamed under the shifting lights. She moved like the rhythm belonged to her, confidence dripping from every glance.
Youri turned, arms open. "Gloria! It's been ages. You've lost weight!"
She laughed — a rich, dangerous sound that turned a few heads. "That's what you're going to say after disappearing off the face of the planet?!"
"Come on, you know I missed you."
"Sure," she said, eyes narrowing. "The only thing you miss is booze and bad decisions. Who's the kid?"
"Him?" Youri nodded at Roland. "Just an acquaintance."
Gloria leaned in close, the light painting fire across her face.
"Listen, boy," she whispered, her tone suddenly grave. "Don't get too attached to this man. He's the storm that never leaves quietly."
"Come on, Gloria," Youri said, forcing a grin. "Get us a table?"
"For you? Hell no." She paused — then smiled slyly at Roland. "But since you brought this handsome young man… I'll make an exception."
"You're the best, Gloria."
"This way, you two," she said, leading them through velvet curtains into a private alcove glowing in soft red light. "Your usual spot."
Youri sank into the couch. "Oh — and bring three bottles of gin and as many snacks as you can."
"I hope you're paying for all this."
"Of course. Put it on my acquaintance's tab."
"Well, in that case," she said, laughing, "the first round's on the house."
Youri raised his glass. "You see, Roboy? That's why she's a queen in this city. Generosity." He grinned, swirling the liquor. "May God grace you with all the riches in the world, Gloria."
Gloria smirked. "Don't bring God into this place. He checked out long ago."