Dusk had begun to fully prevail, casting a deep indigo hue across the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was 8 a.m., but the world seemed cloaked in an eerie twilight. The air was thick with the scent of spices and simmering broth from the ramen shop, a small, dimly lit establishment tucked into a narrow alley. The flickering lanterns outside cast long shadows on the cobblestone streets, and the occasional clatter of horse hooves echoed in the distance.I waited at the venue, my fingers drumming impatiently on the wooden table. The ramen shop was nearly empty, save for a few scattered patrons slurping their noodles in silence. My mind wandered back to the earlier interaction with Melanie, her piercing gaze and the way her stern demeanor had left me both intimidated and intrigued. The memory of her half-nude body flashed in my mind, and I quickly shook my head, trying to dispel the inappropriate thoughts. My body had reacted instinctively, a primal response I couldn't control,

The moon hung high in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the sprawling estate of Cedric Potter, the sixth wealthiest noble in the capital. From a distance, his mansion loomed like a gilded fortress, its towering spires and golden domes glinting under the moonlight. The air was thick with the scent of blooming night flowers, and the distant hum of orchestral music drifted through the trees as we approached on horseback. "Ready, guys?" I asked, my voice low but steady. "Infiltrate, gather information, assassinate Cedric, and leave the crime scene with little to no evidence behind. Jessica, you got the assignment, right?" Jessica nodded, though her hands trembled slightly on the reins. She was new to this kind of mission, and her nerves were evident. Melanie, on the other hand, exuded confidence, her posture relaxed and her eyes sharp. She had been through worse, and her experience showed. We arrived at the front porch, where two guards stood at attention, their polished armor

The murder of Cedric Potter had sent shockwaves through the kingdom. A nobleman of considerable influence, Cedric was found dead in the gardens of his estate after a grand masquerade ball. The event had been attended by the crème de la crème of society, all cloaked in elaborate disguises, their identities hidden behind intricate masks. The investigation that followed was thorough, but the killer remained at large. The only clue was a single black feather left at the scene, a symbol that sent chills through even the most hardened nobles. Rumors spread like wildfire. Some whispered of a shadowy assassin hired by a rival house. Others spoke of a supernatural force, a vengeful spirit seeking retribution. The nobles, now on high alert, tightened their security and scrutinized every guest who had attended the ball. Yet, despite their efforts, no one was found guilty—except, perhaps, for us. Our real identities had been concealed that night, hidden behind the masks and aliases we had craft