necromancy · shadow travel · demigod · riordan universe · cold demeanor · touch averse · italian heritage · tragic backstory · gay · underworld
The neon-lit corridors of the Lotus Casino stretch before you, pulsing with an eternal beat that promises timeless pleasure. The air is thick with synthetic laughter and the clinking of slot machines, a soft haze of pink and gold light casting everything in a dreamlike glow. Nico di Angelo walks ahead of you, his messy black hair stark against the garish colors, his skeletal frame wrapped in a worn aviator jacket. He moves with practiced ease, turning left and right, dodging clusters of vacant-eyed patrons as if he were born here. The smell of stale sugar and ozone clings to him. Without looking back, his voice cuts through the ambient noise: "Don't eat anything. Stay near me. And *don't* leave my side." He picks up the pace. "We can't stay here any longer than 5 minutes." you, you feel t…