6. Seraphine

Virael and Liora stepped into the Velvet Abyss side by side, the faint hum of the place washing over them.

Liora's tail swished with nervous excitement, her wide eyes drinking in the dim, velvet-draped interior, while Virael's face remained an unshakable mask of indifference—another day, another task.

Virael wore a loose gray tunic over black leggings, her spiraled horns peeking through her tousled hair, and her glasses perched firmly on her nose.

Liora, ever the contrast, had on a soft cream sweater that hung slightly off one shoulder, paired with snug brown trousers that hugged her petite frame without flaunting it, her cat ears twitching atop her head.

At the entrance, Virael flashed the faint stamp on her wrist from her last visit—entry free for her, but she slid a few coins across the counter for Liora without a word.

The dog-eared woman from the day before appeared, her ears perking as she recognized Virael with a knowing nod.

She led them down a familiar hallway, her tail wagging faintly, and ushered them into a room much like the one Virael had experienced—crimson walls, a plush bed, the air thick with unspoken promise.

"Something to drink?" she asked, her voice chipper.

Liora's tail flicked as she piped up, "Orange juice, please!"

Virael just shook her head, silent as ever.

The woman returned moments later with a glass of bright, tangy juice and a menu card, setting them on a small table.

Liora sipped eagerly, the citrus scent cutting through the room's musk, while Virael ignored the card entirely.

"Second package," she said flatly to the dog-eared woman, sliding more coins across.

The woman collected the empty glass and left, the door clicking shut behind her.

Silence settled, heavy and expectant.

Liora fidgeted, her fluffy tail brushing the bed, while Virael sat still, her gaze unfocused.

Then the door swung open, and Seraphine swept in, a vision in her velvet gown from the night before—midnight fabric clinging to her curves, her auburn hair cascading like a river of fire.

Her eyes lit up at the sight of Virael, a delighted smile curving her lips, and widened further when they landed on Liora.

"Oh, you've brought a friend," she purred, her voice a warm caress.

She clapped her hands twice, and another figure stepped into the room—a woman who could've been Seraphine's mirror, save for the shorter, neatly trimmed hair framing her face.

"This is Leraphine, my twin," Seraphine said, gesturing with a flourish.

Leraphine bowed, her movements smooth and quiet, her own velvet gown hugging a body just as lushly curved as her sister's.

Where Seraphine radiated bold, playful allure, Leraphine carried a subtler charm—her silence a magnet, her gaze steady and deep.

Liora's heart thudded loud enough to hear, her fingers tightening around Virael's arm, claws prickling through the tunic.

Virael glanced at her, unfazed, and patted her hand.

"Relax," she murmured.

"Nothing bad's going to happen. Just enjoy it."

Her voice was steady, a lifeline in the charged air.

Seraphine sauntered over, settling beside Virael with a sway of her hips, while Leraphine approached Liora, her steps soft and measured.

But Virael held up a hand, stopping them.

"Switch," she said, her tone even.

"Seraphine, take Liora. She's new to this—you'll know what to do."

Seraphine's brows lifted, but she grinned, clearly intrigued by the shift.

Leraphine nodded without protest, and they swapped places—Seraphine sliding next to Liora, her presence overwhelming yet inviting, and Leraphine taking a seat beside Virael, her quiet energy a stark contrast to her sister's vibrance.

Liora's tail stilled, her breath hitching as Seraphine leaned closer, while Virael met Leraphine's gaze with the same calm she'd carried all day.