ARIA

Glass bottles filled with glowing liquids lined shelves, their contents swirling and pulsing in an unsettling rhythm. Some looked eerily similar to the drinks they'd been served at the club.

[Well,] Calista mused, [I think we've found where they brew that lovely Undercity moonshine. Remind me never to order the house special again.]

A figure emerged from the shadows, the same tattered cloak billowing around him. "Sit," he said, gesturing to a rickety chair with a smile that was far too warm for comfort. "We have much to discuss, Zafron."

Zafron tensed. "How do you know my name?"

The man chuckled, a sound like grinding gears. "Oh, I know many things. Please, sit. Make yourself comfortable."

When Zafron hesitated, the stranger sighed and lowered his hood. Zafron stumbled back, his eyes widening in shock.