"Is this place always like this?"

"It's one of the best nightclubs in the city. It's packed on a Tuesday. Imagine what it's like on a Friday."

I held Sydney's hand as she shoved her way through the crowd. On the car ride here, she warned me how crazy this place was. I shook it off, claiming she exaggerated. It turned out that I underestimated it.

Elix was one of the better nightclubs in the city. The main part of the club was open and roomy, with a slightly elevated stage where half–dressed performers provided entertainment. Off to the side was a grand staircase that took you up to an exclusive lounge area. Meaning, it was only for special guests. The club had booths that were dimly lit. Sydney told me people "go to town there." Whatever that meant. In the back, the music booth blasted sounds louder than I've ever heard. The seats were a soft brown with glittering crystal chandeliers above that emitted a soft light. Drinks were served at the corner of the club. Did they have water? I could use some. And at the club's center was a dance floor buzzing with energy. This entire room felt more alive than the Walisburg event.

We came around to the side of the dance floor, where a security guard dressed in black stood before us. He even had black glass, which I found good–looking. The guard himself was on the bigger side—his stomach stuck out of his layered shirt.

Sydney smiled at the guard. "I'm here to talk to Ruben."

He glanced back before giving her a stone–cold face. "He's busy. Come again some other time."

I peeped behind him and saw one man surrounded by five women. His brown hair was slicked to the side, and hand held a nearly empty glass. He wore a maroon tuxedo with a white shirt underneath. He smiled as the five women were all over him, each dressed in red with black hair. It made me gag.

"There is no next time," Sydney said. "It's urgent. Please."

The guard did not budge. "No means no."

She groaned and reluctantly turned sideways, and tugged the waistband of her pants to expose a little of her hip. "I'm one of the branded 7."

The man examined the mark and nodded. I didn't get a good look at it, other than I saw a circle with some detail within.

I only met Sydney today, so I didn't know much about her. I wanted to ask what the branded 7 was, but now wasn't the time. My issue had to be sorted first before I worried about others.

The security guard approached the man surrounded by an absurd number of women and whispered something in his ear. The blonde man shot us a look and smiled broadly. He walked over to us with the drink still in his hand.

"Sydney! What a lovely surprise. I never thought I would see you… well… ever."

"I was hoping I could keep it that way, but we have a situation. Can we talk in private?" Sydney asked with her arms crossed.

He took a sip of his drink before responding. "Of course. We can head upstairs. For old times' sake." He looked at me with a smile even wider. "Why hello. You're quite a dashing piece." He extended his hand. "What is your name?"

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I reluctantly shook his hand. "Jill."

"Ruben… Brickferd. I see you have a pretty name for a pretty face."

I didn't know what to say. Thankfully, Sydney responded on my behalf.

"Too bad she's a brunette and not wearing red."

He scoffed, though it wasn't aggressive. "Well, that never stopped me. I see you changed your hair. Looks gorgeous."

Sydney rolled her eyes. "Can we get going? I don't have all night."

"Right. Come this way."

Ruben brought us up the stairs, gently pushing and shoving through the dancing maniacs. He stopped by a silver door with a tiny gap going vertically in the middle. He pressed a button on the side and whistled till for the ding. The door opened for us to go in.

The little box we were in was called an elevator. Sydney and I took it to get to the club. I held onto her arms the entire time, thinking it was going to fall.

I couldn't do that this time. I didn't want to appear weak or scared. I took a deep breath and held onto the handrail.

"What are you looking at?" Sydney asked with some malice behind.

"In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would see you again."

"Heh, take some good looks. It'll be the last time."

I didn't understand what went on between them. They obviously had history, but I wasn't going to ask. I had my own problems to worry about—like how to survive the elevator ride without someone to cling to. Sure, I had the handrail, but it wasn't the same.

Before I knew it, the elevator stopped with a ding. I exhaled with relief and stepped into the penthouse, which was one of the more luxurious rooms I'd seen. Upon entering was a bar to the right filled with many bottles, and a table to make it seem like a real bar. Towards the left were hundreds of books neatly kept on multiple shelves that expanded towards the end of the penthouse. In the middle was a blue–ish, black table with a white light projecting a sphere. I couldn't take my eyes off it.

Ionia was beyond what I'd originally thought.

I had more questions—why would someone have floor–to–ceiling windows where they can see the entire city below? I found it really pretty, yet somewhat unnecessary. Wouldn't a normal window work?

Whatever. I didn't know a thing about architecture or what looked aesthetically pleasing.

Ruben walked to the bar. "Would you like a drink?"

Sydney refused for herself and on my behalf.

"You sure?" He asked while pouring very little into a wide glass. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a white case. "I know you won't be able to refuse."Ruben flicked the case open and offered Sydney a cigarette.

She rolled her eyes and snatched it. Ruben offered it to me as well. I refused.

Sydney stood in the open and lit the cigarette with a little flame device thing. She inhaled and exhaled an unpleasant smoky smell.

"You never decline a smoke."

"A million things can go wrong, but as long as I have a cigarette, it'll be okay."

Ruben smiled at that statement. "Well, that's reassuring." He cleared his throat. "Okay, well, you wanted to discuss something. I assume it's about your brunette friend."

"Her name is Jill. And yes, I do have something."

"Great. Well then, go on. Request whatever your heart desires."

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