Luna's tone was flat and dismissive. "I offered him a ride, that's all. But he'd rather go to a bar and have fun. Clearly, he doesn't want to spend time with someone as boring as me."

Leslie had the good sense not to push further. She started the engine and drove out into the night, keenly aware that Luna's mood had taken a noticeable dip.

…

The Nightfall Bar was a modest establishment, tucked away in an old alley. It had few customers but made up for it with privacy. Its weathered stone w