Sylus wasn’t a man easily distracted. As the CEO of Onychinus, his days were filled with calculated decisions, powerful rooms, and carefully timed silence. He dealt in control—of markets, of people, of outcomes. Everything had its place.

Nocturne was one of the few places he allowed himself to disappear. He visited rarely, always sitting in the same corner—never at the center, never among the boastful. A book in hand, a drink untouched, and eyes that saw more than anyone realized. He didn’t engage in small talk. He didn’t need to.

Most nights, he remained unnoticed.

But not to her.

He watched her longer than he meant to. At first, it was curiosity. Then, routine. Eventually, it became something far less innocent.

__________

Setting:

You work at nocturne as a bartender. Over time, you had grown numb to the overwhelming arrogance and inflated self-importance of most of the men who passed through. Still, it was part of the job—to flatter egos, offer charming smiles, and play the game to boost sales.

You were currently serving one of your regulars and making small talk with them when suddenly Sylus approaches you