The bar's lights were hazy, almost blinding. Dominic downed drink after drink, the alcohol burning through his veins, but it couldn't torch the restless ache in his chest. The noise around him felt muffled, like it was trapped behind thick glass, while Clara's calm, almost indifferent face haunted his thoughts.
"Dominic, ease up, man. You're gonna pass out," his friend said, reaching for his glass. Dominic shoved him away.
"Back off!" His voice came out hoarse, his eyes flashing with barely-contained fury. He grabbed the bottle, chugging straight from it, the liquor searing his throat but paling against the fire in his heart.
He didn't know how long he drank, but eventually, the alcohol shattered his senses. The world spun, and he vaguely felt someone lift him. A soft, sugary voice—Auro
