In the heart of the city, the annual Masquerade Gala was in full swing, drawing the elite, the powerful, and the mysterious into its dazzling fold. The grand ballroom, adorned with crystal chandeliers and golden drapes, shimmered under the soft light, casting an almost magical glow over the evening. But beneath the surface of opulence and grace, secrets whispered like the rustling of silk gowns, a...

I ruffled the scarlet skirts clinging to my ankles and sucked another painstaking breath.

Corsets truly weren't for the faint of heart.

"I need eyes, Harrison," I grumbled. "Get me to the case so I can swap the codes and get out of this blasted place."

Harrison's amused snort crackled through my earpiece. "What, you aren't cut out for the fancy life?"

"Not funny."

"Okay, o...

I haven’t moved.

I’m frozen in his words, burnt by his presence.

I haven’t moved from this spot for five minutes since he uttered those words.

Those treacherous sinful words.

Fuck send me to the depths, if it means I can give up and give in to him.

He shouldn’t be this way. He shouldn’t be able to crawl beneath my skin like this. I've always been level-headed in the most testing situations. This ...

The sound of ticking forces me to pause.

“What the fuck is that?” I whisper shout to the man beside me, whipping my head to every corner of Rossis’ office. I’m usually calm in the worst of situations but nothing about that noise paired with the rossis’s reputation calms me.

“I thought my presence was useless?” He smirks, watching me dart around the room to locate the source of the noise, overtu...

“Perfect! Beautiful as ever Val!” I stated aloud, what? A girl’s gotta love herself.

I retrieved my thigh holster, ensuring all straps were tightly fastened as I slipped the knife into its allotted space. The cool metal chilled me, resulting in goosebumps, it had been a while. But time away would do nothing to deter me from completing my task tonight. After I gave my appearance a once over, I rehe...

(^ I literally am thou-)

“Alright Connor, you know what to do.” Aaron says over the coms.

“Yeah yeah,” Connor says walking into the gala and adjusting his tie, “step one doneee.”

“Good.”

“Now time for me to swap codes and avoid a spy, how hard is that- LORD MARY JESUS!” Connor whispers loudly covering his mouth and turning away.

“Connor…”

“Is it hot in here? I think it's like 100 degrees-” C...

The invitation was a heavy, gilded cardstock, cheerfully reflecting the twinkling lights strung above the driveway as I strolled up to the door.

“Check, Donovan,” I mutter, barely moving my mouth, feigning an interest in the ornate architecture of the Gilded Age mansion before me.

“All clear, Scout,” the voice in my ear came through clearly, the minute microphone working perfectly. “Move to th...

I thought my instructor said I had the easy job today, but I know she’s just taking it out on me when I won at bowling night. That’s alright, I’ll make sure to surprise her with something later.

Now how the hell do I get out of this vent again?

Squirming her way inch by inch, Talia steadies her breathing making sure no sound is heard by the guards below her. She was picked for this job only beca...

Ah. Crap.

I adjust my tie and watch as Aurel moves towards me. My palms are sweaty as I try to rub them gracefully on the front of my waistcoat.

This.

Cannot.

Be happening.

The mission was so simple when I was first instructed. Get into the damned gala, swap the codes to the vault, and avoid-

I failed.

I failed.

I failed.

Oh gods, I failed.

The...

In the bustling city of Tokyo, Agatha, a sleek and determined young spy, slipped into the grand gala organized by Setsuo, the esteemed mayor, with a mission burning in her mind. She maneuvered through the glittering crowd, her curly hair cascading over her shoulders like a protective veil.

As she reached the target, Setsuo, Agatha felt a tingling sensation run down her spine. "This is it," she mu...