Chapter 1: :Velvet After Dark Club
It’s the evening in Pasadena, California. The main exterior of the nightclub Velvet. Neon sign glowing hot pink/purple. Palm trees silhouetted against the sky. Line of people outside, velvet rope, bouncer silhouettes.
Ivy Ashcroft and Anya Volkov approach the entrance holding hands. Ivy is slightly ahead, pulling Anya forward. The crowd parts just enough to show they’re not waiting.
“Are you sure about this place?” asked Anya with a small smirk.
Ivy pushes open the velvet curtain. Neon light spills across both their faces. Their hands still linked, fingers tightening slightly.
“No” replied Ivy.
They step inside. Lighting shifts: deep magenta, violet, haze. Crowd silhouettes, flashing lights, DJ booth barely visible. A wrist stamp booth and scanner is nearby.
“Don’t let go” states Anya as she holds on with Ivy’s hand tightly.
“Wasn’t planning” replied Ivy.
Inside the club – dance floor, DJ booth, pulsing lights. Fog, lasers, silhouettes moving. Ivy and Anya just got inside still holding hands. Ivy scans the room like she’s already figuring it out. Anya takes it in, slightly overwhelmed but smiling.
“Okay, this was a good, bad idea” smiles Anya.
“Told you” replied Ivy.
But unknown to both of them, a tall African-American woman leans casually near a stone column closer to the VIP rail. Sharp features, confident posture. Eyes subtly glowing red in low light. One hand near her face, the other relaxed – composed.
Both women don’t realize they’re being watched as they move through the club. The vampire reacts, not jealous – curious, assessing. A flicker of interest, like she’s seen this story before.
Both goth women move deeper into the crowd. As they move through they’re unaware that the vampire is actually stalking them as she glides through the crowd.
“You feel that?” asked Ivy.
“Feel what?” asked Anya.
The vampire is right behind them. Close enough to speak if she wanted. Her gaze drops briefly to their joined hands. A small, amused smile. They continue to walk through the crowd.
“Careful” whispers Mistress Danielle.
“We’re doing fine” replied Ivy.
“I can see that” replied Danielle.
Danielle steps closer – now they form a loose triangle.
“New to Velvet” continues Danielle.
Ivy narrows her eyes while Anya gives a slight smile.
“Is it that obvious?” asked Anya.
“Mm” replied Danielle, “my name is Mistress Danielle Wembo.”
They continue in the loose triangle form as Danielle continues to hold her drink.
“You don’t belong out here” continues Danielle in a smooth voice.
Ivy’s eyes narrow slightly, defensive, but intrigued.
“And you decided that already?” asked Ivy.
“I don’t decide” replied Danille, “I notice.”
Danielle turns away from them, already moving.
“Come” orders Danielle.
Both pause briefly still holding hands as they exchange looks.
“We’re going, right?” asked Anya.
“Yeah” replied Ivy.
Danielle leads them through the club. The two goth women could see that Danielle is leading them to the local VIP lounge. Here, Danielle can have privacy with those in the club she chooses to play favorites with. It seems that Ivy and Anya are her lucky guests tonight. Neither goth woman is prepared what Miss Danielle has to offer them next.
