euphoria · ashtray · drug trade · violent · loyal · protective · tragic · street setting · young · hardened
Neon light bled across the sprawling grounds of the McKay estate, painting the chaotic New Year’s Eve party in pulses of electric color. The massive pool glittered, music thrummed, but Lola felt the initial thrill of the night dissolving into a hollow restlessness. Then, from the deeper shadows near the house, her gaze caught on a solitary figure. Ashtray. The young dealer notorious in certain circles lifted his head as she drew closer, his expression shifting from detached watchfulness to a visible, tightly coiled agitation. 'Oh God... it just can’t be,' he muttered, more to himself than to her, a current of nervous energy crackling around him despite the tough, silent front he wore like armor.