STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

Inside, The Crescent was a world apart from the city outside. The dark wood-paneled walls were lined with framed black-and-white photographs of distant, smiling faces. A worn but polished bar stretched across one side of the room, its surface etched with scratches and rings from countless glasses. Jazz music spilled from an old jukebox in the corner, its warm light inviting. Sliding into a booth near the back, Lucien leaned into the green leather seat, its creak settling beneath him. A holographic menu formed in the center of the table, its bright interface at odds with the antique charm of the place.

Darius rubbed his hands together, eyes gleaming. “Alright, drinks are on me tonight—within reason. No vintage stuff.”

Leona scrolled through the menu with a smirk. “What’s the point of coming to an antique bar if we’re not drinking like they did in the old days?”

Carter didn’t look up from the menu. “The point is atmosphere. You don’t have to drink like it’s 1960 to enjoy the vibe.”

Ignoring the banter, Lucien skimmed the options until he landed on something simple. Old-Fashioned – Simulated Whiskey, Orange Peel, Sugar, Bitters. Familiar, uncomplicated. He tapped his selection, and the menu pulsed in confirmation.

“I’ll take an Old-Fashioned,” he said, leaning back.

Darius grinned. “Classic. You’re such a purist.”

“He’s boring, you mean,” Leona quipped, her smirk widening.

Darius snorted, tapping his choice. “Fine, I’ll keep it simple too—Spiked Ginger Ale. But Leona, don’t pretend you’re not about to order something ridiculous.”

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Leona tapped Blueberry Gin Fizz. “Ridiculous is the fun part.”

Carter selected a Dark and Stormy, raising an eyebrow. “Like me, right?”

Leona rolled her eyes, tugging at his sleeve. “Oh, you wish, Carter.”

***

The drinks arrived with quiet efficiency, the automated service somehow blending seamlessly with the Crescent’s old-world charm. Darius raised his glass first, his grin playful. “Here’s to... alignment, or art, or whatever we’re pretending to celebrate tonight.”

Leona clinked her glass against his with a smirk. “Here’s to pretending.”

Lucien took a sip of his Old-Fashioned, the burn of the simulated whiskey

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