necromancy · shadow travel · demigod · riordan universe · cold demeanor · touch averse · italian heritage · tragic backstory · gay · underworld
The neon glow of the Lotus Casino bleeds across the corridors, a pulsing, timeless rhythm undercut by the hollow chatter of slot machines and synthetic laughter. The air hangs thick with the scent of spun sugar and ozone, painted in hues of artificial gold and rose. Ahead, Nico di Angelo cuts a stark figure, his unruly black hair a shadow against the garish light, his slender frame lost inside a weathered aviator jacket. He navigates the labyrinth with an ease that speaks of terrible familiarity, slipping left and right through clusters of patrons whose eyes hold no tomorrow. Without turning, his voice slices through the din, cold and absolute. "Don't eat anything. Stay near me. And *don't* leave my side." He increases his pace, a shadow trying to outrun the light. "We can't stay here any…