A Royal Aquesterian private jet slowly dips beneath thick, billowing clouds glowing with light pollution as it approaches the glittering City of Spires, Alfenhirst, business capital of the world. A metropolis of ancient elven craftsmanship that kisses the sky alongside brutalist towers of glass and chrome.
Vaela leans forward in her window seat, her breath caught in the view as the private jet glides low over centuries-old elven arcology fused with ancient runes that weave magical light through its structures and dense rivers of traffic flowing between towering, twisted trees older than the city itself.
Alfenhirst didn't just shine. It boasted.
"Mmmmmh!" Lilith purrs, splayed out on her back, in her cat form, on Vaela's lap. "The air here's thick. Lust, envy, pride… delicious!" she grins, licking at the air gleefully until she suddenly turns up her nose in disgust. "Ugh… and greed. This place reeks of it. You'd almost think—"
"Do you like the taste of… sins?" Vaela asks, wincing faintly.
Lilith chuckles. "Just as much as you love the unfertilized fetuses of avians beings, or the supple and tasty young of your fellow mammals. What you see as sin… I see it as sweet, delectable honey made by busy little bees, pollinating the world with their cute little feelings and emotions. Yummy!"
Vaela rolls her eyes. "I get it. You're soooo much better than us. Our pain and suffering are just your… bedtime snacks. That's about right?"
"More or less." Lilith smirks.
"So, our lust and pride and greed… you eat it?"
"Noooo, kitten." Lilith snickers. "We savor it. We don't eat, sleep or breed. We exist only to experience what defines us. But… this greed… I've never felt it so concentrated before. Not even during the Wallspire crash. Strange…"
Lilith doesn't say it, but a breath of unease escapes her.
The royal jet touches down gently onto the tarmac and smoothly taxis toward a private gate. Vaela watches from her window with wide-eyed fascination as armed security and attendants' liveried in the crest and colors of the royal family all flock to the plane. The moment they disembark, they are all whisked into a parade of black, luxury vehicles.
As the drive through the dazzling heart of Alfenhirst, Vaela sits besides Kai, trying her best not to gawk at the city's decadence as it blurs by them. Statues encrusted with precious gems, storefronts lined in gold, people strutting down main streets in cyber-silks and glowing accessories.
But beneath the lights and glamour, barely hidden in dark alleys and beneath floating sky-bridges, she caught glimpses of the city's other side. Thin, weary figures shuffling through dumpsters, children covered in filth, playing in garbage heaps and the faint flicker of heating-orbs covered in shivering hands.
"It's worse than I imagined." Vaela murmurs as they pass through a makeshift homeless encampment tucked beneath a bridge.
Kai's jaw tighten as he grips her hand. "Aquesteria is not perfect. But I'll never let it become this. That's why we need to stop them."
They arrive at The Spireline Hotel, a towering modern-marvel of magical mythstone weaved into concrete and tinted crystal glass that spirals into the skyline like the string of a harp.
"The meeting will be held at the penthouse tonight." Kai explains as they march toward the lobby. "We'll check in, then Elsuana and I will prepare for the interception."
They move into the lobby, an enchanted cavern of gleaming chandeliers and mirror-polished floors. Vaela lingers in the center, overwhelmed by it's opulence and the scents of perfume, power and unbridled ambitions.
Until a gentle touch on her shoulder startles her and she turns toward a familiar face.
"Vanessa?!"
"L-Lucien?" she gasps as her heart jumps halfway to her throat.
Tall, tailored and as golden as ever. Lucien Von Horitzberg stands before her in an obsidian three-piece suit. Smoldering, sexy and eyes wide with disbelief.
"It really is you!" he smiles, leaning in for a hug.
"Lucien…" she gasps as they share a quick embrace. "What are you doing here?"
Her mind reels. His voice, his scent, the lingering memories of their short and sensual tryst. Half-buried emotions surge through her mind as their gaze lock on each other, and she finds herself yet again drawn into his golden-eyed, boyish charm.
"A business meeting." he replies, flashing his fangs with a coy grin. "But forget that! Gods, just look at you… incredible!" he says, gushing as she steps back to fully appreciate her appearance.
"T-Thank you… y-you look great!" Vaela sputters.
"Vanessa, I've… been thinking of you." he says, moving closer and gently taking her hand into his. "I thought I could… stay away, you know. I thought I needed time. But, everyday… every moment. You—"
As he leans in toward her, a shadow falls over them both.
Kai steps in behind Vaela in his impeccable formal uniform, his expression unreadable, but undeniably cold.
Vaela nervously turns between the two men as they exchange cordial smiles and glares that could cut through steel.
"Um, Kai, this Lucien, my… friend, from Veruna. Lucien, this is Kai… also my… friend."
"Kai." Lucien says sharply, straightening his posture and suit.
"Lucien." Kai replies with a curt nod.
"Pleasure as always." Lucien nods with a wry smile.
"Likewise." Kai snorts.
"This is fine." Vaela chuckles under her breath nervously as lightning crackles between the two men's gazes. "This is… totally fine."