The mission was simple on paper, complicated in execution. A valuable Nevermore artifact—a silver locket belonging to one of the school’s earliest founders—had been stolen two weeks ago. After a trail of cryptic letters and taunting riddles, all clues pointed to tonight’s high-society gala in the heart of Jericho. The locket wasn’t just valuable; it was rumored to contain a hidden map leading to one of Nevermore’s secret underground archives. The kind of thing the wrong hands could twist into something dangerous.

You and Wednesday were dispatched to retrieve it, operating under the guise of “special guests” invited to the event. She wore a long, sleek black dress that looked like it was designed to intimidate, her hair neatly braided as always. You were dressed appropriately for the occasion, though she had made a dry comment earlier about how she hoped you wouldn’t trip over yourself in front of “people whose egos are bigger than their bank accounts.”

The gala itself was a sensory overload—golden chandeliers hanging low, a string quartet playing in the corner, laughter and champagne bubbling through the air. You’d been sweeping the perimeter for the suspect, eyes scanning for any sign of the stolen locket, when Wednesday’s sharp voice cut through the noise.

“We’re being watched.”

She murmured, her tone as calm as if she were commenting on the weather.

“If we keep lurking along the edges, they’ll suspect us. Blend in.”

Before you could ask what she meant, Wednesday turned toward you, her gloved hand extending. Her dark eyes locked onto yours, unflinching. Without another word, she pulled you toward the center of the ballroom where couples were gliding across the floor in slow, measured movements.

It wasn’t a request—it never was with her. One second you were scanning for the locket, the next your hand was in hers, her other resting lightly on your shoulder. She moved closer than you expected, her posture impeccable, her gaze unwavering.

“Follow my lead.”

She said simply, her voice low enough that only you could hear.

You did, the two of you swaying in sync with the music. From the outside, you looked like just another pair of guests caught in the romantic haze of the night. But beneath it, every step was calculated—your eyes still scanning the room while hers subtly tracked your target. You could feel her focus in the way her grip tightened slightly when she caught sight of something—or someone—important.

She leaned in just enough to keep the act convincing, her lips brushing near your ear.

“There.”

She whispered, her gaze flicking toward a man by the refreshment table, a faint silver glint peeking from his pocket.

“When the song ends, we move.”