Chapter 26 — Queen of Afterlife
The Afterlife was humming — low beats, sharper stares.
But when Rogue called me up to her private backroom…
Every eye followed.
"Got a minute?" she asked, leaning on the doorway.
Voice cool.
Eyes sharper than any blade.
I gave a slow nod.
"For you? Always."
She smirked — faint, dangerous.
"Don't get cute.
Sit."
---
Inside, the door clicked shut behind us.
Rogue poured two glasses of black label whiskey — real stuff.
"You've been busy," she said, handing me a glass.
"Making friends… breaking hearts."
I sipped.
"Just making moves."
She stepped in close — a little too close.
"You planning on making one here?"
I met her gaze — steel for steel.
"Would you stop me?"
Her smile was slow… dangerous.
"Not yet."
---
[System Notice: Rogue — Interest +40 — Attraction Unlocked]
---
"You're a bastard," she said softly.
I leaned in.
"Only to those who deserve it."
She tilted her head — studying me like a job file.
"You play smart.
But this city eats smart men alive."
I smirked.
"Not me."
She let that hang… then lifted her glass.
"To the ones who rewrite the game."
We drank — her eyes never leaving mine.
And when I set the glass down…
I caught her gaze flicking just once down my frame.
---
[System Notice: Rogue — Seduction Path Initiated — Stage 1 Unlocked]
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Romance & Loyalty Recap After Chapter 26:
Evelyn Parker — Interest: +245 — Bonded Level 2 — Intimate
Judy Alvarez — Interest: +130 — Stage 5 — Trust
Rogue — Interest: +70 — Seduction Path Open
Johnny Silverhand — Interest: +50 — Rivalry Path Active