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ISSA

The Osirian whispered of luxury.

The gilded oasis nestled within the towering walls of Sable HQ pulsed with restrained opulence.

The murmur of conversation merged with the notes from a live-strings ensemble near the establishment’s grand marble arch entry.

Issa stepped inside, letting the dim golden lighting kiss the luminescent fabric of her dress.

Twas a sleek, liquid-metal creation that skimmed her curves before cascading to her knees in soft, shimmering folds.

The color hovered between champagne and star fire, shifting as she moved. It hugged her as if fate had created it.

For twas all sin.

Her jewelry was minimal but calculated.

Delicate diamond cuffs stacked on her wrists.

On her earlobes, her jar-shaped celestial earrings caught the light, peeking from the thick tumble of curls that framed her face and spilled over her shoulders.

Her heels were sky-high, black, satin, strappy, and lethal, elevating her petite figure.

She’d dressed for the occasion, needing to be on her A-Game.

A bejeweled behemoth stepped into her path, his obsidian skin gleaming under the Osirian’s golden glow, his forehead ridges, cheeks, lobes, and solid fingers adorned with diamonds and rings set with rare Dunian sapphires.

His broad scapulae filled out a tailored charcoal suit, and he radiated the presence that made lesser men step aside without thinking.

‘Miss Elaris,’ he greeted, his deep voice smooth as rich honey. ‘My name is Mo. Commander Sable is waiting for you. This way, please.’

Her brows lifted.

A welcome party?

How chivalrous.

She shot him a smile. ‘Lead the way, Mo.’

The Osirian’s interior was a testament to pleasure and power, an establishment designed to seduce the senses and ensnare the mind.

The indulgent parquet flooring contrasted with the tessellated tiles that framed the grand bar. Soft metallic detailing glowed like constellations, weaving along the walls and ceilings, giving the space an otherworldly warmth.

Padded velvet booths and banquettes sat tucked into private alcoves, bathed in adjustable amber lighting that made everyone appear much more desirable.

The scent of aged spirits, uncommon spices, and a hint of floral blossoms lingered in the ambiance.

The murmur of voices and the quiet clink of glasses only added to the venue’s elegant atmosphere.

Mo led her past the sprawling onyx bar, its rare mineral benchtops shimmering under the overhead glow.

A mirrored splash back reflected the dozen bartenders moving with fluid ease behind it.

Bottles of exceptional liquor hovered in mid-air, their labels and contents glowing in wild hues as mixologists crafted drinks in an almost balletic performance.

Flames flickering, vessels tossed with effortless grace, iridescent liquid cascading from one vessel to the next.

Mo slowed as they reached a private booth, his massive frame shifting aside to unveil the god-like man waiting for her.