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Alice wore a mixture of everything. A black top with mesh sleeves with cut-outs for her thumbs. Fishnet stockings under a blackleather skirt. Thick soled, low-cut shoes for dancing. She had left her hat and tailcoat at home as she planned to dance the night away unencumbered, letting her inhibitions run wild.

“Join me on the stage,” Alice pleaded. “Please.”

“That’s your thing. I’ll stand by the bar and watch.”

“I thought party animal Hugo was coming out to play tonight.” Alice made a pouty face.

He bowed his head to hide his smile. “Get enough drinks in me, and I’ll consider it.”

“Deal.”

“Speaking of which, the usual?”

“Yep, but first, I dance.” She was spellbound by the mixture of synthwave, industrial, and electronic beats enticing her as she danced her way to the stage.

Alice sprinted up the stage steps to join the other revelers. Her body exuded confidence and grace as she gyrated to the pulsating, electronic beats. A pinkish, red glow bathed her every move. Her presence and aura captivated the onlookers as they mimicked her movements.

She lost herself in the music, channeling her energy into a dazzling display of fluid movement. Her arms snaked and glided through the air like she was using unseen patterns to conjure forth a spell. A spell which enthralled anyone who beheld her movements. Each gesture more dynamic and daring than the last. Her body was an instrument for her soul to express pure joy.

Alice swayed her hips to the sensual beats. Each step purposeful, repositioning herself for the next improvised dance move. Her feet glided across the stage as she twisted, swirled, and stomped. Elegant and impeccable with every step. Her vibrant purple hair wildly swayed as it struggled to keep up with her movements.

She danced with a few people before breaking back out on her own. Song after song played. Her mind, body, and soul fused to become one. Time lost all meaning. There was only the moment.Everyone was connected by the universal language of music and dance.

Alice lost track of how long she’d been on the stage. She searched for Hugo in the crowd. Her mind raced with thoughts of enticing him to join her on the stage. Alice’s eyes adjusted to the darkness against the bright lights of the stage. Even in the darkness, she could find him. He was standing at the corner of the bar talking to a man. She could only make out his outline, but she recognized him from dinner earlier. Sebastian. Alice stopped dancing and strutted off the stage to meet them.

“I’m so glad you could make it,” Sebastian said. “I see you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Very much so, thank you,” Alice replied.

Hugo took a sip from his old fashioned as he handed Alice her vodka cranberry. “I was telling Sebastian I used to pass by this place when I was in college. I remember when it was a pool hall.”

“I’d love for you to meet my wife, Sylvia. She’s standing at the balcony railing right now,” Sebastian said, pointing up and waving.

The silhouette of a woman against the backlight stood at the railing. One hand on the railing, another holding what appeared to be a wine goblet.

“She likes to hold court up there with the VIPs, but I think I can get you an audience with her highness.” He chuckled.

Hugo and Alice waved up. The woman retreated from the railing.

“That’d be great,” Alice said as she took a sip. “I’d love to meet her.”

“Come along,” Sebastian said as he led them toward a set of stairs.

Alice followed, but Hugo tapped her arm to stop her.

“Look.” Hugo pointed to the bar and raised an eyebrow at Alice.

Bottles of Red-Hearted Queen stood amongst the other bottles of alcohol behind the bar.

“Don’t see too many wines at a bar.”

“Well, besides mine,” Alice said.

“I guess if you’re selling alcohol, you might as well sell yours too,” Hugo said as they caught up to Sebastian.

He led them to a set of U-shaped stairs. A massive man blocked the stairs from unwelcome visitors.

“Evening, Mr. Savino.” The man stepped aside.