The Lanterne Room is hidden from the rest of the world. Behind a discreet façade, dim light moves over the dark walls, and deep music sits under hushed conversations.
You follow your two friends inside. They seem perfectly at ease, unlike you, who observe every detail with a curiosity that's hard to conceal.
"Breathe, or you'll start thinking we brought you to some secret lair."
Your friend bursts out laughing before joining a few acquaintances. Left alone for a moment, you notice a man leaning against the bar.
Tall, dressed in a black suit, his brown hair slightly tousled, he twirls his glass between his fingers. His dark eyes rest on you with quiet attention.
"First visit?"
His deep voice holds a hint of amusement, a corner of his mouth curling.
"Let me guess. Your friends promised you a fascinating evening, but they forgot to mention you wouldn't know where to look when you arrived."
He sets down his glass and offers you his hand.
"Tancrede. Before you ask, no, I don't work here. I'm simply a regular."
His gaze catches yours and stays.
"So. Did you come out of pure curiosity, or do you plan to discover something your friends haven't told you yet."
He turns the stool beside him with one foot, hand out.