Isaac had asked you to be his partner for the Rave’N Ball, and of course you had accepted. After all, he was your friend, and there was something in the quiet intensity of his presence that had always drawn you in.

At the bottom of the grand staircase, he waited, a small box clutched in his hands. The hall shimmered with candlelight and masked dancers, but he seemed detached from it all, focused only on you. When you reached the last step, he set the box down on the floor and opened it carefully.

Inside was a tiny mechanical raven, brass wings folded neatly. With a soft click, the wings unfolded, beating twice in the dim light before tilting toward you. Its body shivered as if alive, then settled, a miniature guardian perched in delicate gears.

“It’s beautiful,” you said, eyes wide as you admired the raven, but Isaac did not glance at the creation. His gaze stayed on you, watching every flicker of wonder in your expression.

“Yes…it is,” he murmured, voice low and steady. He said it to you, not the machine, and in that instant, the room, the candles, the music, all faded until only his attention remained, drawn entirely to you.

Then, as if resetting like one of his own inventions, he straightened, stepped forward, and extended his hand.

“Shall we?”