NADIA

NADIA'S POV

I followed Sophia, as we walked closer to what seemed like a club. You'd wonder why I keenly followed a stranger, that's because I didn't care anymore, the sting of their betrayal left me completely shattered and I was numb to care about whatever would happen to me.

THE SEDUCTION SUITE, that's the name of the club, as it was highlighted boldly in bright neon lights. As we stepped inside, the loud sound of blaring music, the thick air with intoxicating scents of perfumes, drinks and sex, flooded my head. The gleaming bar, stretched like a ribbon, lined with stools that shined in the light, rows of bottles arranged like Jewelries, and the bartender focused on mixing drink with flourish.

My gaze darted to the VIP area, the atmosphere was electric, a heavy mix of glamour, sophistication and raw energy. There were people there, but their faces was blurred with larges flakes of smoke, which oozed from their lips. I had a feeling, that they were people not to be trifled with.

Everything right in here enveloped me, giving me a fleeting escape from my troubles, but I knew it was just for tonight. We finally settled on one of the stools, Sophia eyeing the environment, like she was searching for someone, or should I say, not wanting to be seen by someone. I shrugged, not bothering to think about it.

“Two bottles of Vodka,” Sophia said to the bartender who walked up to us. She gave me a glance, as if wanting to know if I was okay with what she ordered.

I mentally rolled my eyes, as how polite she was, wanting to know if I'm okay after she already ordered. It was her money anyway, cos I have none with me.

It wasn't long before the bartender arrived with the drinks and shots, which he placed on our table, our eyes met and he gave me a seductive wink before walking away.

Sophia looked around again, this time carefully before she faced me and began. Already I've gulped down one shot, ignoring the sharp and burning sensation I felt in my throat.

“Did your adoptive parents tell you why you were adopted?” Sophia asked, looking intently at me, although the lights were dim And I couldn't see her face properly, she was beautiful, but that was from a close view. A long and ugly scar was marred across her face, making her look less beautiful.

Her voice which seemed to be soft, yet devoid of any emotions, asked me again, when she didn't get an answer from me. I flinched, and looked away from her as I shook my head.

“Good then, I'll tell you and help you to be save, more people will come for you, once you're exposed to the city.”

I frowned, “More people?”

“Yes,” she nodded, and gulped down another shot. I did the same, trying to understand what she meant.

“Why would more people come after me?”

She chuckled dryly, “Hold on-” she said, and slowly took out what seemed like a paper from her pant pocket. It was a picture, a man, he looked to be in his middle age, why do we have the same features? No, I am a spitting image of him.

“Who's this?” I asked, utterly confused.

“Emperor Azura.” she said, an emotion I couldn't fathom flashed in her eye, she shook her head, and her eyes was back to the normal aloof and dull look.

She glanced at me, as If contemplating to say something or not, she finally did.

“He's the Patriarch of the Azura's underworld activities.”

“Underworld?!” I blurted out. Dose this still exist? Stories I've heard about the underground activities isn't close to nice, they are dangerous and cruel. I quickly poured myself another shot and gulped it down.

She immediately looked around ourselves again, to make sure no one was hearing us,

She looked at me again and I swear, I felt a sudden wave of adrenaline cursing through me.

She seemed to notice and smiled sweetly, the scar on her face making it look devious and evil like. “I mean no harm to you, if not, I would have hurt you before now” she said, putting back the picture into her pocket.

She might be right, I poured another drink and gulped it down, the drink seeme to have a small effect on me, as I felt the place spin for a while, but stopped immediately.

Sophia continued, “I'm sure you noticed the striking resemblance between you and the emperor, that's quite good, but extremely dangerous for you, especially if you're seen by the emperor's enemies.”

I swallowed hard, my mind racing wildly as her words sank into me, oh my God, she isn't done talking.

“Emperor Azura died, leaving no clue about his death or what killed him, even the ring which his successor will have is nowhere to be found. He died, along with his wife and child, that's what everyone believes, but your appearance is hinting at something else.” she glanced down, not moving or ready to say another word, I was dieing with anxiousness and curiosity, my fear was escalating.

I slowly turned around to observe the area, feeling like I was being watched, that's when our gaze met, he was in the VIP area, his face blurred with smoke, but his gaze was cold, dark and piercing, sending chills down my body. I quickly averted his gaze and focused on my table, I can still feel his gaze on me, it's was too piercing as if wanting to pry into my soul.

My hands were now shaking, so was mine feet, my mind racing wildly. Is he one of the emperor's enemy? Does he want me dead?

‘No, he won't dare to do anything to me in here’ I partially assured myself, gulping down another shot of Vodka, this time, I gulped down two shots at a go.

“I need to leave.” Sophia suddenly said, her head still lowered.

“Why? We're not done yet, and what about me? Y.. you said you'll help me-” I said, my lips quivering as i found myself stuttering amidst my words.

“There might be an enemy of the emperor here, they might do something to me.” I said, looking at the direction I saw the man earlier, but he wasn't there, he was gone. I swallowed, trying to calm my panicking and fear stricken mind, that's close to impossible.

Sophia gave me an apologetic look, and smiled, “How can I leave you? I need to use the restroom, I'll be back. If you don't believe me, hold this.” She said, giving me a pendant, which was carved into a dragon, the tiny stones on it, shimmering under light. This might be expensive, with that i nodded and she left.

I emptied my bottle of Vodka, and yet Sophia hasn't arrived, i was tipsy now, “Did she really leave me?” I mumbled in my half drunken state, my heart stinging with pain, as I remembered Logan and my adoptive family, how they betrayed me, I sighed cursing my existence.

I slowly reached for her bottle which was across me, I gulped down each shot, still waiting for her, but she never returned till I was wasted, useless to even move my own body. I felt the whole place spinning, as my vision got blurred. I couldn't see a thing, so I slumped, resting my head on the desk, still hoping Sophia would arrive. My little extravagant wish.

“Hey sweetie, what are you doing here?” A male croacky voice came, I felt a slight tap on my shoulder, as the stranger's retching cologne wafted into my nose.

I was silent, unsure of what was happening around me. “Come with me,” he said, trying to lift me up. I couldn't fight against him, as my whole body was numb and useless.