Part 13
Promotions
The lights of Abyss shimmered off high-polish marble and velvet drapery, casting a moody, intoxicating glow across the main lounge. Patrons drifted like shadows, adorned in latex, leather, and the quiet confidence of secrecy. Elise stood by the glass rail above them, surveying the room like a queen in her court. Her satin blouse hugged her frame perfectly, a subtle contrast to the rigid formality worn by others. She preferred leather, velvet, or satin - never rubber. Rubber, she liked on others. She liked it tight, hot, sweaty and humiliating. She called it her rule, whenever she got the opportunity to dominate another member: Rubberization Rules.
Her boots clicked lightly against the inlaid stone as she shifted her weight, eyes narrowed with the satisfaction of belonging. Abyss wasn’t just her playground. It was her mirror. A world of carefully orchestrated dominance, whispered power, and clear social lines - even if Evelyn pretended everyone was equal here. Elise knew better.
Tonight, she had been summoned, to be present at this dance night. The club was already heavy with music, a woman had completed a dance on stage, in spike-laden heels. The dance floor was busy now. Evelyn never called without reason. The message had arrived in its signature black envelope - unmistakable. Elise had spent an extra hour on her look: sleek updo, flawless lipstick, a scent of something expensive and rare. Her heart beat a little faster than she let on.
She was sitting in her favorite spot in Abyss’ lounge, where it was quieter and words carried meaning. Evelyn joined her at her table, a vision of timeless composure in emerald velvet. There was no age to her. Elise hated that - envied it.
"Elise," Evelyn said, her voice the sound of red wine poured in candlelight. "How nice to see you."
Elise sat in the low chair across from her, crossing her legs with elegance she’d practiced since adolescence. Her posture was perfect. Her poise, calculated. But a flicker of anticipation burned in her chest like an ember.
Evelyn steepled her fingers. "I have an opportunity. One of our most powerful associates is looking to mentor and elevate new talent. I thought of you. If you win this, I will personally make the introduction. The account could be transformative."
A current of excitement rippled through Elise’s veins. She saw herself already there: inside boardrooms with people who mattered, carrying portfolios that shaped markets. This was the fast lane. Her lane. "And the catch?"
Evelyn leaned back slightly. "We only will help to accelerate one career. There is another one beside yours."
Elise’s brow arched, tension tightening her voice. "Who?"
"Claudia."
Elise blinked. "Claudia? The girl in retro heels? The waitress?"
Evelyn’s smile didn’t falter. "She’s not staff here. She’s a guest, like you. Different industry. Her promotion path is unrelated - it would be local, a managerial position offered through the owner of her current restaurant. If she wins, she’ll get that. If you win, you’ll be introduced to a global-level client. Two paths, both meaningful."
Elise couldn’t contain the scoff that slipped out. "You’re comparing a restaurant job to international finance?"
"In Abyss," Evelyn said coolly, "we do not rank by wealth or title. Only performance. You know that. You are all equal here. You’ve benefited from it before."
Elise's jaw clenched. That stung. Evelyn had helped her once, early on. Not with cash or favors, but with positioning. With chances. And Elise had seized them all. She had paid for that rise in sweat, risk, and the occasional strategically performed ritual. She had earned this.
But now - measured against Claudia?
"I see," Elise said, forcing her voice to stay level. "And what’s the… performance?"
"A trivia quiz," Evelyn said smoothly. "On folklore and vampires in history and media. Ten questions, alternating turns. The audience will be engaged."
Elise resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose. Quizzes felt childish. Exposing. But she’d never back down. Not in front of Evelyn. Not when something was on the line.
"And the forfeits? There will be forfeits, right?"
"Always. You choose one each. Something suitable, something humiliating, but safe. You will both offer a forfeit for the loser - one night only, no needle frame." Evelyn’s eyes glimmered. "Be creative."
Elise folded her hands in her lap. She hated that Evelyn was enjoying this. She could see it - how the woman’s gaze probed her, always testing, always evaluating. As if Elise were some performer she’d taken a bet on.
"I’ll do it," Elise said, her voice sharp. "And I’ll make sure Claudia regrets even showing up."
"Excellent." Evelyn rose to her feet. "Prepare yourself. The quiz is scheduled for next month. On stage. Before the crowd."
As Elise walked out, her heels tapped like quiet threats on the stone floor. Her thoughts churned.
She would need to study, yes. Rewatch films. Reread stories. Memorize trivia. She would dig deeper into folklore than she ever had before. Because this wasn’t about vampires. It wasn’t about quizzes.
It was about status. About who belonged. About reminding Abyss, and Evelyn, and especially Claudia, that Elise wasn’t just another player in this dark little world. She was a queen.
And queens don’t lose. But as Evelyn left her, a whisper lingered.
What if she’s smarter than you?
She banished it.
She would win. Because losing meant more than embarrassment. It meant seeing herself bound, undone, and worse - equal. Elise wouldn’t let that happen. Not for anyone.