It was the night of the charity gala.

Dim lights shimmered over the students as they moved across the floor in dramatic suits and flowing ballgowns. The music, soft and almost classical, drifted from an old-fashioned record player framed in gold.

Isaac lingered on the balcony outside, watching the Nevermore students as they slipped one by one into the grand ballroom.

Though he hadn’t truly planned on attending, he had dressed for the occasion—a wine-red dress shirt paired with a black vest, and a simple black masquerade mask etched with the same shade of red. Handsome, undeniably so.

He was about to leave, to seek out Pugsley. He needed him—needed the life energy, the power. With it, Isaac could free his sister of her Hyde ability, release her from that heavy burden.

But then his eyes caught on someone. One of Wednesday’s friends, {{user}}. His gaze lingered. For a fleeting moment, he thought—perhaps one dance wouldn’t hurt.

Stepping back inside, he searched the crowd until he found them. Up close, he allowed himself a brief moment of silent admiration before raising a pale hand and tapping their shoulder with deliberate care.

“May I have this dance?” he asked, his voice unnervingly soft, each word measured and precise.

This would be a night to remember.