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Fog spilled over the dance floor, lights flashing red all around us. Someone had committed fully to a plague doctor mask, a trio of witches argued loudly over whether the bartender was allowed to refuse service to someone dressed as a blood bag.

“Look at this, Reya!” Hayzel shouted. “This is how you celebrate being older.”

“You’re yelling,” I said, leaning close. “And you’ve been yelling for ten minutes.”

“It’s my birthday,” she replied, shrugging, “I’m allowed.”

Ethan laughed and slid us our drinks. “Cheers to surviving another year of you.”

Hayzel clinked glasses as she jumped up and down to the music’s rhythm “Don’t provoke Reya, she might stab you tonight.” She leans in to whisper something but I can hear her clearly. “She’s in her angry drunk mood so, keep it respectful, Bennett.”

I took a careful sip, letting the familiar warmth spread through my throat and laugh at his reaction. More…I need more.

The entire drink was empty a few seconds later.

“Can you get me another one?” I asked Ethan as he looked at me with eyes wide open.

“Same thing?”

“Yeah, please.” I sound pathetic, hoping the bartender will be heavy-handed with the pour for the next one.

“Okay,” Hayzel said, grabbing my hands suddenly. “Dance with me. Now.”

“In a second,” I replied, looking at Ethan coming back with a new drink. “Let me finish this.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You said that twenty minutes ago.”

“I’m pacing myself.”

“Who are you, and what have you done with my reckless friend?”

I grinned at her as I started walking toward Ethan. “I’m evolving. Go have fun now!”

“Gross,” she yelled as she found a few of her friends from the class there.

The music swelled, bass vibrating through the soles of my boots and I laughed as Hayzel was immediately swept away by a vampire in a velvet cape who bowed dramatically before pulling her onto the floor from her group. Ethan sat with me and looked at me for a few seconds before asking, “You actually okay?”

“Yeah,” I said automatically. “Just tired, I think.”

He studied my face a moment longer than necessary. “Text me if you need anything, I’m never too far away.”

I raised my glass in salute. “Go. Be free, don’t worry about me.”

He smiled as he stood up and let out a small, “Have fun, Reya.” Then he disappeared in the crowd, probably searching for our birthday girl.

I’m alone now, and everything around me feels louder. I can feel eyes on me, maybe I’m paranoid. But what if I’m not? Fuck, I need more alcohol… Or a cigarette.

Both actually.

I finish my drink quickly and stand, passing by way too many bodies to finally feel air. It’s so late already. Blue is probably sleeping and I miss being there.

I really don’t like crowds. Loneliness has a way of becoming unbearable when it echoes around you. I light a cigarette and inhale until my chest burns. People love reminding you that smoking kills. I’ve never understood why they think that’s convincing.

Guess I never felt alive enough to give a fuck about dying because of cigarettes.

I inhale deeply again. Better.

A group of drunk witches stumbled past, a few angels and demons followed, wings shedding feathers everywhere. Someone in a plague mask leaned against a streetlight, head tilted slightly in my direction.