After leaving Giselle and a sleeping Eloise, Alice headed to Luna's place. She rode her bike through the crowded streets in front of clubs and bars, making her way to the alley behind them.
Luna's place was a combination of a bar, club, and brothel, with Luna as its owner. It served as the nightly hub for the wealthy, as the brothel was a hidden aspect unknown to the public. The private rooms in the club were where the rich sealed deals with each other. It was too expensive for the general public because the unique offering of the establishment was that it provided live donors to vampires.
Alice walked in with her hoodie pulled up, concealing her face as she searched for Luna. Eventually, she found Luna sitting idly in her back office. Alice knocked on the door and entered without waiting for permission.
Luna was a middle-aged businesswoman. Once a model in her youth, her skin was now wrinkled, her hair had turned gray, and the stress from her past career was beginning to affect her health. Still, Luna retained an old beauty, and her smile was a welcome sight.
"Alice! Back after a long time. Have a drink with me. Faydor is busy for now, but I'll add you to the queue," Luna said, beaming at Alice's presence.
"I'll have a tequila," Alice replied as she took a seat in front of Luna.
Luna called for their drinks—tequila and scotch. "Still favoring the same old taste, huh? You haven't changed in a long time," Alice teased, fiddling with a paperweight on Luna's table.
"Says the one who hasn't moved on from tequila for years," Luna joked. Alice smiled in response, "Good point."
They finished their drinks while Luna spoke about the stress her job caused her, particularly the supply chains that were delaying alcohol shipments. Alice listened and suggested sustainable options to alleviate Luna's worries.
Soon after, Luna received a call informing her that Faydor was free. Alice made her way to Faydor's room, walking in without knocking and leaving the door open behind her. She sat down at the only available table in the room.
A man entered almost immediately after her. He was tall and muscular, with brown, curly hair and dusky eyes. His sharp facial features appeared dull, likely due to his line of work.
"So, are you busy offering blood or your services today, Faydor?" Alice asked.
"Mostly services," he laughed as Alice scrunched her nose in response. "I hope you're going to take a shower, then," Alice remarked, narrowing her eyes. However, Faydor remained unaffected, lying casually on his bed. "Let a man bask in this glory," he joked.
"And what kind of glory is it when you have to sell yourself against your will?" Alice replied, sympathy briefly showing in her eyes before she quickly concealed it.
"Aye, this time it wasn't forced, though. He was attractive, honestly. I think every muscle was on display," Faydor reminisced, propping himself up on his elbows as he looked at Alice.
"Faydor, I'm not in the mood to joke. I told you I can help you get out of here and pay off your debt. Luna doesn't earn much, even though this place makes a lot. She has to pay her employees, the alcohol supply, and rent. She can't let you go without you paying off your debt because they'll kill you if you don't. I'm offering you a chance to get out, but you won't take it. This debt isn't even yours. It was your father's, and he's dead now," Alice pointed out.
Faydor sat up on his bed. "Look, Alice, I know you can pay for it, but I can't accept your money. I haven't been to school, so this is all I have. I can manage. There's no guarantee they'll let me go once you pay, nor that I'll find another job. They'll do a background check, and they won't want a prostitute. And you know I can't tell them I'm a blood donor. Luna has been good to me, but I can't be a freeloader, so…" He trailed off.
Realizing she couldn't change his mind, Alice conceded. "As you say," she replied.
"Fine, enough small talk. I'm going to take a shower," Faydor said as he stood up and walked to his bathroom.