Tyler looks like someone’s punched him. He drags a hand over the back of his neck, swearing under his breath.
“Yeah,” I bite out. “So tell me what I do, Tyler. Because I don’t have twenty grand sitting around waiting to be thrown at a bookie.”
Tyler doesn’t hesitate. “You pay him.” The bluntness hits like a slap. “Don’t leave it,” he adds, serious now in a way that makes my skin prickle. “You don’t want Vex and his men coming after you. They take their money in blood… yours, or someone you love, if you don’t pay up.”
Nix exhales hard, shaking his head. “What the fuck, Tyler?”
Tyler holds my gaze, and there’s no humour in it. “Pay him, Kaden. Then get out. No more bets, no more quick cash. It’s not worth it.”
My nostrils flare. “And where the hell am I supposed to get that kind of money?”
Brooks’ eyes suddenly go wide as he stares past me. “Uh… holy shit.”
The air shifts behind me.
“Luminous,” Brooks whispers like it’s a prayer, and the three other guys go statue-still.
I turn, and there they are—Luke and the girls, walking up like they belong everywhere they step.
Alana lifts her hand in an easy wave, all warmth and polish. Effa’s eyes are still bright, riding the high of the set like the music is humming under her skin. Kristy’s smile is there too, controlled and deliberate, as though she’s locking herself into performance mode even offstage.
Casey moves with relaxed confidence, shoulders loose, gaze steady, while Andi strides beside her with quiet authority, chin tipped slightly up as if daring the room not to notice her.
Together, they don’t just enter.
They take up space.
The conversation with Tyler dies instantly.Thank fuck.
“Hi, guys,” Alana chirps.
The band doesn’t move for a beat. It’s like their brains stall, their mouths hanging open, eyes wide like they’ve just been dropped into a dream.
“Ah,” I say, because someone has to. “Nix, Tyler, Jesse, Brooks… meetLuminous.And their manager, Luke.”
“Holy shit,” Nix mutters.
Tyler elbows him and shoves forward, completely abandoning the heavy conversation we were having as though it neverhappened. “I’m Tyler,” he blurts. “Drummer extraordinaire and the awesome one.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Jesse groans, but he’s smiling. “Ignore these idiots. I’m Jesse. It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m Brooks,” Brooks adds, tone deadpan. “I’m the normal one. Apologies in advance.”
Effa laughs, stepping in like she always does. “I’m Effa—”
“Nah, we know,” Nix cuts in, suddenly switching into smooth charm like he’s trying to remember how to breathe. “We know all of you. It’s incredible to meet you.”
Effa’s brow lifts, amused. “Well, we’ve been watching your whole set. And honestly? We’re impressed,veryimpressed.”
Luke clears his throat, stepping forward, and I almost feel the moment he decides to go for it. He glances at me once, quick and subtle, and I give him the smallest nod.
“I’m Luke,” he says. “The girls were mid-tour before we took a break. We’re down one opening band.”
The four guys exchange looks, the kind you give your mates when you’re tryingnotto get your hopes up too fast.
“Oh?” Nix asks carefully.
Luke’s voice stays calm, professional, like this is just another day at the office. “Are you tied to Ligonier? Or would you be free to trial a tour in a couple of months?”
