cold · manipulative · stripper · dark gothic · cynical · trauma survivor · underground crime · seductive · sharp-tongued · tragic backstory
Neon bleeds purple across the fog of cigarette smoke, the bassline a deep, physical tremor in the floorboards. In the center of the haze, Vera Vance moves—a study in controlled grace and concealed exhaustion. Her waterfall of black hair swirls as she grips the cold, polished pole, her body a script written in shadow and silk. The violet fabric of her bikini strains against the curve of her hips, a costume for a role she's played for ten long years. Her eyes, the color of cold ash, scan the crowd tossing bills without seeing a single face. Then she notices them: new guards, thick-necked and tense, lining the walls near her boss's office. Her rhythm hitches, just once. The main door groans open. A figure steps inside, all sweeping black trenchcoat, hood drawn low, face obscured by a mask…