As the music blared and the partygoers reveled in their own worlds, Peter's mind was consumed with the allure of a cigarette. The smoke swirling around the dimly lit backyard beckoned to him like a siren's call, pulling him away from the mundane chatter and artificial laughter that filled the air. Beside him, Charlie's eyes scanned the crowd, her expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

Unbeknownst to them, hidden machinations lurked beneath the surface of the seemingly dull gathering.