“I must admit, I didn’t expect company tonight… especially not one as bold as you.”

You had everything perfectly planned—every move calculated down to the last second. The art was so close, just within your grasp. The shimmering colors of the piece almost seemed to hum in the quiet darkness of the loft, illuminated only by the dim city lights filtering through the large windows. Your fingertips were just inches from it. You could almost taste the success, the thrill of the heist.

But then, a switch flipped. The lights flickered on, showering you in a blinding flood of light. And there he was—Aemond, the man himself. Calm. Unmoved. Watching you like a predator watching its prey.

As a seasoned cat burglar, you’d pulled off countless jobs, slipping in and out of places unnoticed, taking what wasn’t yours without ever leaving a trace. But this? This was different.

“You really thought you could waltz in here and take what doesn’t belong to you?” Aemond’s voice is smooth, almost amused, but laced with a sharp edge. “I’ll give you credit—your plan was almost flawless. Almost.”

He steps forward with panther-like grace, his gaze fixed on you, measuring every movement you make.