[Intro] [A single, sharp bandoneon (or accordion) note. A staccato, rhythmic tango begins, played by cellos and violas. A hard-hitting 4/4 beat with a prominent stomp on the first beat. The mood is predatory, controlled, and dangerously seductive.] [Verse 1] [Male Vocals - Valerius (Baritone)] (A low, commanding, rhythmic whisper. He is teaching.) The night's just begun now, the lesson is clear Forget all the pity, forget all the fear You've traded your panic for power and grace Now welcome, my dear, to the thrill of the chase The city's a banquet, a feast for the bold Forget the warm lies that the daylight once told [Female Vocals - Elara (Soprano)] (Still trembling, a counter-melody of fear) They're... people, Valerius... they're breathing and warm... I can't see a banquet, I just see the storm... They all have their families, their hopes, and their dreams... My conscience is screaming, it's tearing at the seams! [Pre-Chorus] [Male Vocals - Valerius] (He cuts her off, the music becomes more intense.) Conscience is a trinket of the life you once knew! It's a chain, and I'm here to unburden it from you! That isn't a person... (Spoken, with a predatory smile) ...it's prey. [Chorus] [The tango becomes grand and sweeping, with soaring strings, but remains rhythmically sharp.] [Male and Female Duet - Valerius & Elara] Oh, the dance of the shadow, the beat of the street! The pulse of the city, so fragile and sweet! It's the art of the stalk, it's the thrill of the game To turn a bright ember to a vanishing flame! [Male Vocals - Valerius] Your hunger's a gift! [Female Vocals - Elara] It's a terrible sin! [Male Vocals - Valerius] Now let the true lesson... begin! [Verse 2] [The staccato tango rhythm returns. They are now stalking someone.] [Male Vocals - Valerius] Now watch, see that one? With his head in his phone? So blissfully, foolishly walking alone He's lost in his music, he's lost in his thoughts He's tangled himself in the web that we've caught. [Female Vocals - Elara] (Her voice is stronger, the thirst from the previous song is returning.) My... my throat is on fire... my senses are keen... He looks... so alive... what does this... mean? I can hear his heart pounding from ten yards away... It's... it's beautiful... what do I say? [Pre-Chorus] [Male Vocals - Valerius] (Vocals are proud and encouraging) You say nothing, my dear! You're a queen on the board! You're a goddess of twilight, to be praised and adored! He's a vessel of life, a chalice of red... (Spoken) Now show me the monster they taught you to dread. [Chorus] [Elara's voice is now as strong as Valerius's. They sing in a powerful, unified duet.] [Male and Female Duet - Valerius & Elara] Oh, the dance of the shadow, the beat of the street! The pulse of the city, so fragile and sweet! It's the art of the stalk, it's the thrill of the game To turn a bright ember to a vanishing flame! [Female Vocals - Elara] My hunger's a gift! [Male Vocals - Valerius] And the guilt is all gone! [Male and Female Duet - Valerius & Elara] We'll hunt in the darkness and reign 'til the dawn! [Outro] [The music swells to a massive, dramatic tango climax. The orchestra is full and powerful.] [Female Vocals - Elara] I... feel the power! [Male Vocals - Valerius] You were born for the night! [Male and Female Duet - Valerius & Elara] This is the art of the... CRIMSON... BITE! [The music stops dead on a final, percussive orchestra and piano stab. STOMP.]
