The one retrieved from The Void

Their interaction was a stark contrast to the earlier tension with Aleara. The dance floor was alive with a variety of people, and Vas found himself slowly letting go of the weight that had been pressing on him for weeks. Zola's presence was a distraction in the best possible way, and it was refreshing to engage in something so straightforward as enjoying the night.

Meanwhile, Aleara had rejoined Amy, who was now standing by the bar, her shyness more pronounced in the crowded setting. Aleara gently placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "How's it going? I didn't mean to leave you alone for so long."

Amy looked up, her glasses slightly askew. "It's... a lot," she admitted with a hesitant smile. "But I'm managing."

"Good," Aleara said, her tone warm and reassuring. "Let's get you a drink, okay? Something to help with the nerves."

They made their way to the bar, where Aleara ordered for both of them. As the bartender prepared the drinks, Aleara glanced around, catching snippets of conversation from nearby patrons. Her gaze settled on Vas and Zola, who were immersed in their dance. Aleara couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief seeing her brother enjoying himself, even if it was with someone she'd only just met.

Back on the dance floor, Zola's laughter rang out as she challenged Vas to a playful dance-off. "Come on, don't tell me you're tiring out already!"

Vas laughed, shaking his head. "Not even close."

They continued dancing, and Zola's dynamic movements were complemented by Vas's more restrained but equally compelling style. The crowd around them seemed to recognize the growing camaraderie between the two, their appreciation for the interaction apparent.

At one point, Zola leaned closer to Vas, shouting over the music. "Hey, you know, you're not so bad. I might just let you win this round."

Vas raised an eyebrow. "Let me win? I thought you were all about the challenge."

"Depends on the challenge," Zola replied with a wink. "And right now, I'm all about seeing what you've got."

Their playful banter and competitive dancing caught the attention of others on the floor. A few patrons watched with interest, seemingly drawn to the dynamic between Vas and Zola. Their interactions were a vivid contrast to the more restrained conversations happening elsewhere in the club.

Eventually, as the night wore on, the music slowed and the energy on the dance floor shifted. Zola, slightly out of breath but still grinning, looked over at Vas. "You're surprisingly good at this. I didn't think you had it in you."

Vas laughed, taking a moment to catch his breath. "Well, you're not too bad yourself."

As they took a break, Zola led Vas back to the edge of the dance floor, where Amy and Aleara were waiting with their drinks. Aleara had a faint smile on her face, and Amy looked more at ease than she had earlier in the night.

"See? I told you he could keep up," Zola said, turning to Aleara. "What about you, Al? Feeling any better?"

Aleara's smile widened slightly. "A bit. Thanks for getting him to loosen up."

Amy nodded in agreement, her earlier shyness giving way to a small but genuine smile. "It's been nice. I haven't had this much fun in a while."

Vas, still catching his breath, looked at Aleara and Amy. "Thanks for coming out tonight. It's been good to have some distraction."

Aleara nodded, her expression softer. "I'm glad you're having a good time. It's... important to take a break from everything."

Zola raised her glass in a mock toast. "To breaks and good times, then."

As the night progressed, the group continued to enjoy the club's atmosphere, moving between the dance floor and the lounge areas. Conversations flowed more easily, and the earlier tension began to dissipate. Even amidst the backdrop of glamour and the hum of activity, there was a sense of camaraderie that grew throughout the evening.

The club, with its opulent decor and vibrant energy, provided a much-needed escape. For Vas, it was a chance to momentarily leave behind the complexities of his life and simply enjoy the company of those around him.

Shortly after, the group gathered once more, signaling the end of what had been a surprisingly enjoyable night. Everyone was smiling, though fatigue was beginning to set in. Despite the late hour, the atmosphere was light, and even Vas, who had been quiet throughout the evening, seemed to have found a sense of satisfaction in his interactions, especially during his dance with Zola, which had served as unexpected but effective practice for his anima control.

They piled into the large vehicle, with David at the wheel, ready to drop everyone off at their respective homes. The drive started smoothly, the hum of the engine and the soft background music from the car's speakers blending with the relaxed chatter of the group. However, as they drove on, Vas's demeanor abruptly shifted. The pleasant warmth that had accompanied him earlier was replaced by a cold, unnerving silence.

Vas's senses, honed through his experiences, picked up on a familiar, disquieting feeling—one he had only encountered once before, the day of his brother's birthday. It was the unmistakable presence of a Forgotten, and it was dangerously close. His body tensed, and he mentally prepared himself, his mind racing despite the calm exterior he tried to maintain.

Amy, noticing the abrupt change, glanced at him with concern. "Vas, is something wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with worry.

Vas's eyes met hers, their usual warmth now replaced by an icy detachment. The stark contrast in his expression sent a chill through Amy, making her instinctively shrink back.

Zola, who had been enjoying the music and the company, approached with her characteristic smirk. "Hey, mystery guy, what's got you all twisted up? Did something ruin your night?"

Vas's silence was like a tangible force, heavy with unspoken menace. Victor, typically more easygoing, could not hide his irritation. "Hey, cut it out! We invited you out of pity, and now you're acting like this? What's your deal?"

"Shut up," Vas responded sharply, his voice icy enough to freeze the air around him. "David, take a less frequented route and drive fast. If my grandfather hears about this, I'll deal with it."

David, startled by the sudden shift in Vas's tone, glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "What do you mean, kiddo? I don't have to listen to you."

"I wasn't asking, David," Vas replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The car's interior grew tense, the air thick with unease. Lily, sitting quietly and observing the scene, could sense the gravity of the situation. Vas's usual calm demeanor was replaced by an intensity she had rarely witnessed, not even during his previous dangerous encounters. The realization that something serious was unfolding cast a shadow over the group, and the unsettling feeling of impending danger loomed over them as the vehicle sped through the darkened streets.

As they continued down the road, Vas's senses remained on high alert. The normal sounds of the city outside seemed distant, muffled by the growing tension inside the car. Every shadow and corner felt like a potential threat, and the once-familiar surroundings now seemed charged with a sense of imminent danger.

The night was far from over, and as they drove into the unknown, the weight of uncertainty and the looming threat of the Forgotten cast a long, ominous shadow over their journey.

The car roared through the dimly lit streets, David's grip on the wheel tightening as he followed Vas's terse instructions. Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. The group's previously relaxed demeanor had evaporated, replaced by anxious glances and strained silence.

Vas's senses were on high alert. He could feel the oppressive presence of something malevolent, a feeling that was becoming more intense with each passing moment. He scanned the surroundings through the window, his focus unwavering.

Amy, who had been sitting beside Vas, was visibly uncomfortable. The sudden shift in Vas's demeanor had not gone unnoticed by her, and she could sense the change in the air. Zola, who had been enjoying the night, now found herself on edge, her usual sarcasm replaced by a wary silence. Victor, usually outspoken, was subdued, his earlier complaints silenced by the palpable tension.

Aleara, across from Vas, noticed the change in his demeanor but chose to stay silent, her curiosity piqued but her concern masked by a composed exterior. Lily, sitting next to her, also felt the shift, her expression one of worry.

"Vas, is everything okay?" Lily asked, her voice laced with concern. "You're acting strange."

Vas's gaze met hers, cold and focused. "Just stay calm and quiet. We need to make a detour."

Lily's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded, sensing that there was more to Vas's words than he was letting on. She glanced at the others, who were now fully aware that something was wrong, though they had no clue as to what.