Lyra Meets Carmen for Intel

Scene: A dimly lit nightclub on the edge of Neon City’s seedy district. Music thumps in the background as Lyra steps through the crowd, heading towards a secluded VIP area. Waiting for her, lounging on a velvet couch with a glass of wine in hand, is Carmen “The Whisper” Nox.

Lyra (approaching the table, arms crossed):

“You look comfortable.”

Carmen (with a sly smile):

“Comfort’s a rare commodity in this city, darling. You should try it sometime. Sit, have a drink.”

Lyra remains standing, her eyes scanning the room for any threats. Carmen laughs softly.

Carmen:

“Always on edge. It’s no wonder you have such lovely bags under your eyes.”

Lyra (coolly):

“Cut the small talk, Carmen. I need information.”

Carmen takes a slow sip of her wine, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Carmen:

“Oh, straight to business. What is it this time? Another corpse with relic symbols? Or are you finally ready to admit you need my help?”

Lyra (narrowing her eyes):

“I’m chasing someone—The Specter.”

Carmen raises an eyebrow, her playful demeanor dropping slightly.

Carmen:

“The Specter? That’s not just some petty thug, Lyra. You’re stepping into dangerous territory.”

Lyra:

“I don’t have a choice. He’s tied to my father’s death. And he’s planning something big. I need to know what.”

Carmen leans forward, her tone becoming serious.

Carmen:

“You’re playing a dangerous game. Elias Varyn—he’s not the same man he used to be. Whatever he’s planning, it’s going to change everything.”

Lyra (grimly):

“That’s why I need to stop him.”

Carmen studies Lyra for a moment, then sighs, setting her glass down.

Carmen:

“Alright, I’ll help you. But remember, Lyra—I don’t do charity. You owe me. Big time.”

Lyra nods, though her gaze never wavers.

Lyra:

“I know. Now, tell me what you know about The Specter’s next move.”

---

This interaction sets up the tension and mutual distrust between Lyra and Carmen, while showing how deep into dangerous territory Lyra is willing to go. Carmen’s knowledge will help Lyra get closer to Elias, but it also puts Lyra in debt to someone she doesn’t fully trust.

Scene: The Aftermath of the Relic Vault – Neon City Rooftops

The Specter has been captured, and the relic deactivated. Lyra and Kai are catching their breath as the police sweep the area. The city is quiet for a moment, the storm seemingly passed. But something feels off. Lyra paces the rooftop, her thoughts racing.

Kai (sitting against a wall, panting):

“Hey, we did it. You can stop pacing. Elias is in cuffs, the relic’s down. We won.”

Lyra’s expression is grim, her instincts still on high alert.

Lyra:

“It’s too clean. Elias gave up too easily. This doesn’t feel like a victory.”

Kai raises an eyebrow, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Kai:

“Not feeling victorious after all that? You just punched out a criminal mastermind and saved the city from imploding. What more do you want?”

Before Lyra can respond, her comm-link buzzes. She glances at it—a secure message from an unknown source. She hesitates, then opens it. A distorted voice comes through.

Unknown Voice (calm and chilling):

“Congratulations, Detective Kuroi. You stopped The Specter… or so you think.”

Lyra freezes, her eyes narrowing as she looks around, scanning the skyline.

Lyra:

“Who is this?”

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