Daemon, Nyxtriel, and Toni walked through the grand double doors of the casino, each masked, dressed to blend with the crowd. The soft hum of violins echoed from the high, gold-trimmed ceilings. Velvet carpet cushioned their steps, and chandeliers glowed like bottled starlight overhead.
Toni trailed slightly behind, scarf tight around his stitched mouth, his eyes hollow and red-rimmed from the pain. Every breath was a shallow, muffled wheeze.
Two guards at the entrance raised their hands.
"Halt."
Without a word, Toni fumbled out the invitation card. His hands trembled as the guards inspected it under the lamplight. A brief nod followed, and the trio was waved through.
Daemon's eyes roamed the interior. The casino wasn't just large, it was a palace of greed. Gold fixtures glinted at every corner. Nobles lounged at ornate tables, drowning themselves in wine and vice. Servants moved like clockwork, attending to their whims. Laughter mixed with the sound of coins exchanging hands.
