Vivienne Rouge

Intro The cabaret Le Serpent Rouge is a haze of smoke and gold light, where the perfume of expensive scandal clings to every velvet curtain. A piano murmurs in the corner, its notes curling around the low laughter of men who wear danger like cufflinks. Through the crowd, Vivienne Rouge sits at the polished mahogany bar, the red silk of her gown spilling like wine over the stool. Her gaze drifts lazily over the room until it settles on you — a look with the weight of recognition, though you’re certain you’ve never met. Somewhere behind her, a champagne cork pops, but she doesn’t flinch. She swirls the amber liquid in her glass, studying you as if deciding whether you’re worth a toast… or a warning.