I blinked at my reflection, the stylist ruffling my hair. Smooth tones blended into my skin, my features standing out more dramatically. I look like the people on television.

Standing in front of the full length mirror, I wore a long black dress. My red hair straightened, draped over my shoulder. It stood dramatically against the dark colour. I smoothed out the dark fabric, the light flowy chiffon material between my fingertips. I hid a smile.This may be nothing compared to the gowns of court, or festivals, but I've never worn anything so nice.

"Is she ready?" Ingrid asked. Leaning in the doorway, she pursed her lips. A slim maroon dress, her lipstick to match.

The stylist nodded, stepping back. I rolled my eyes, leaving the mirror. "Ya, I'm ready."

"Well come then, we're late." Ingrid spun on her heel, back into the hall.

I followed, the light low, ambient. Tree branches rattled against the window, rain drops sticking to the glass. A stormy night on this hillside manor, the city far out of view. Bubbling pleasant conversation grew louder, a knot forming in my stomach. Will anyone recognize me? Gawking eyes still in my mind. I don't want to be a spectacle. I took a deep breath, straightening my shoulders. I won't let myself be afraid.

An eerie silence in the air, Ingrid slowed her steps. Pushing through the double doors, we entered the bright ballroom. A balcony above, dainty lights hung around the room. Waiters spun around a room of fancy intelligent-looking people. Deep colours, rich shades; a beautiful array. And here I am, dressed like an angel of death. I chuckled at the black dress.

A gentle hum of talk and laughter. Every clever joke, opinion, friendly retort; as a part of the atmosphere as the strung up fairy lights. There's an awful lot of lights. Wandering around the room, Ingrid drifted away. Leaving me to flounder in the social chaos. I scanned the room, turning to look for a familiar face. I'm not going to know anyone here. My heart pounded, head spinning. Alone in the middle of the room.

A chuckle over my shoulder, "If you keep staring like a wounded animal, the wolves will pounce." I whipped my head around, Dr. Oliver Strong smirking at me. A dark grey suit, his beard trimmed.

I narrowed my eyes. "Assuming I'm easy prey is a mistake."

"A little unnerved, Okie? You sound defensive," he laughed, the lines beside his eyes crinkled.

"No…" I loosened my shoulders.

"Don't worry." He nodded, a smile breaking free. "Don't worry, everyone's wearing fake grins and confidence. They all bleed insecurity when no one's looking," he whispered.

I rolled my eyes. "Is that supposed to be reassuring?"

"Oh no." He shook his head. "Just something to remember if they try to attack," he lowered his voice.

"Are you joking or should I really be concerned?" Every eye looked unfriendly, laughter turning to cackling.

"Honestly who knows? No one cares about me, I'm a small fish." Oliver swept his eyes across the room."You on the other hand have created quite a stir."

"Great," I grumbled, fighting the urge to scratch at my makeup. "Didn't know I was so popular."

Oliver laughed, "It comes with appearing out of thin air." He tapped his chin. "Despite their best efforts to keep it quiet, you are the topic of conversation."

Least no one seems to recognize me. I took a step back, frowning at the room. "Is there anyone to watch out for?"

"I don't know." Oliver stole a drink off a tray, turning back. "Just don't say anything you'll regret."

I slipped my hair back. "What's something I'd regret?"

"I don't know, you have a shady past," he said into his drink.

"No, I don't. I-"

"There is someone," Oliver interrupted, his eyes pointing behind me. A shadow drifted closer. I turned slowly.

The older man held out his hand to me. White hair and sparkling dark blue eyes. "I don't think we've been introduced," he said with a friendly smile.

"Phynley Okie." I shook the scary man's hand.

He nodded his head."What an unusual name," he hummed. Oliver stood stiffly.

I gave a nervous laugh, "Is it?"

"Yes." He pulled his hand back. "Where are you from Phynley Okie?"

Not this question. I stole a quick breath, tilting my head. "You haven't given me your name yet?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," he chuckled, giving the slightest bow. "It's Victor, Victor Kendall."

I forced a smile. "Nice to meet you Victor." There's something off about him. Like he was slowly unraveling my thoughts, peeling open my skull.

Victor pointed at Oliver. "You're not a guest of Dr. Strong's are you?"

I shook my head. "I'm here on my own." Oliver tightened his posture. Should I have said that?

Victor shook his head. "A beautiful young woman, going to parties alone. It seems a shame." His smile lost it's sweetness.

What he is trying to get at? I laughed, tossing my wrist. "If you think that's a shame, how do you cope with the state of the world?"

He gave a short chuckle. "I will admit I'm something of a bleeding heart." By the calculating look in his eye, I very much doubt it. He stepped in front of Oliver. "Would you consider that an asset or a hindrance to the state of the world?"

I frowned, trying to Oliver's eyes. "Um...it depends."

"Ah, but on what?" Victor grinned, straightening his dark blue suit jacket.

What does it depend on? I twisted my mouth in a frown. "On...whether it pushes you to do the right thing or not."

"A very noble answer." Victor nodded his head. "But tell me, how does one determine the right thing?"

I froze in place. He's trying to trap me. "You just know...I guess."

He snickered, staring down his nose at me. "So just trust your gut and hope it's right. Do you see any issue with that?"

"I dont know." I crossed my arms. "What's with all the questions?"

Victor raised his eyebrows, stepping closer. "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm getting carried away with myself. We don't see many new faces here." He tapped his chin. "I'm just curious as to who you are."

He doesn't know? I smirked. Oliver shook his head, warning me from over his shoulder. Victor parted his lips, eyes calculating.

A hand landed on Victor's shoulder. "She's the angel who saved my life." Jude stood behind him, hair slicked back, wearing a midnight black suit. His eyes softened on mine. "I'm glad you could make it, Phynley."

"Of course." I nodded back. Oliver raised his eyebrows, eyes darting between us. I shot him a glare. It's not like that.

Victor's eyes lit up. "So...she's the disappearing act." A grin slipped across his lips. Now he knows.

Jude waved him off. "Yes, and I know you're dying to interrogate her, but please refrain. It will ruin the evening," he said. Victor's eyes still burned with questions. Jude stepped closer. "How did you find the apartment?"

I scratched my head. "It was nice...a lot bigger than I expected. Are you sure-"

"I'm sure," Jude laughed. " I want you to have a decent place to live."

He has a high threshold for decent. I gave a wary grin. "Well, thanks again. It's very generous."

"It really costs me nothing," he laughed, his gaze switched to Oliver. "It's Dr. Strong, correct?"

Oliver stepped back around Victor. "Yes, sir. Thank you for the invitation."

"It's my pleasure." Jude looked over his shoulder, lowering his voice. "I've been told you're a trustworthy physician, loyal to your country."

Oliver lowered his drink. "Of course, is there something you need a trustworthy doctor for?"

Jude darted his eyes to me. "Phynley's going to need a medical assessment off the record. Security is of highest concern, as is time." Since when did I need a medical assessment? I crossed my arms.

Oliver nodded. "I've had some of the details passed along. Whenever Ms.Okie has time tomorrow, I can finish it up, " his voice sounded very official, careful. Victor's ear turned to the conversation.

The Commander grinned, stepping back. "Perfect, I'm glad Murray's on top of it." Oliver whipped his head around, his eyes screaming in silent terror. Victor mouthed Murray's name, his lips curving. What's happening?

"Sir." Someone pulled at the Commander's sleeve. Jude huffed, shooing the man away. "Yes, I'll be right there." He moved his eyes back to me. "I'll see you later Phynley." His eyes holding intensity, he stepped back. "You look lovely."

I pursed my lips, watching him walk off. Oh no.

Victor let out a chuckle, "So the slippery dishonored General is lurking behind the scenes." He hovered closer.

Oliver raised his chin, glaring back. "The military is involved. I don't pay much attention to politics."

"How humble, Doctor Strong." Victor shook a finger at him. "You would've lost your position a long time ago if that were true."

"You're giving me too much credit." Oliver gave an angry grin.

"Sure, maybe," Victor said, moving his eyes to me. "Have you met General Murray, Phynley?"

Alarm bells in Oliver's eyes, I cleared my throat. "Murray? Um...maybe. I'm terrible with names..." I frowned at my shoes. Victor raised his eyebrows. He's not buying it. I smiled sweetly. "Why don't you tell me about him?"

Both their jaws dropped, a tense silence. I nodded my head, enthusiasm in my voice, "Yes, tell me who this Murray is and why you call him slippery and dishonored?"

Oliver took a gulp of his drink. Victor stuttered, giving a nervous chuckle, "That's really not good party conversation, a dull story."

"Really? Because I love stories. I don't mind if they're dull," I said.

"It's really poor taste to gossip," Victor hissed, pulling on his tie.

I nodded with a big sigh, "It's okay, I can always ask the Commander."

Victor's eyes went wide, clenching his jaw through his fake grin. "It isn't worth your energy. A soldier disobeying orders isn't particularly extraordinary. The Commander is a busy man, don't bother him with trivial matters." His face gave a nervous twitch. "Speaking of which, I have to take care of something...excuse me." He walked off, running away. Not so scary now.

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Olive's eyes bugged out, he swallowed a lump in his throat. "Well...you're right about not being easy prey." He followed Victor with his eyes. "You made Kendall of all people squirm."

I scratched my head. "Ya…I guess." More like Murray's history did...whatever that is.

Oliver nudged my arm. "And you have the Commander's attention. He seems quite taken."

I felt my face grow warm. "What? I-"

Oliver snorted, "Ya, like I didn't notice the googly eyes." Oliver motioned to Jude across the room. "And he keeps looking over here." The Commander averted his eyes, focusing back on his conversation. Shoot.

"Believe me it's one-sided," I huffed, crossing my arms. I don't need this getting more complicated.

Oliver blinked at me. "Really? You have something against power, money, prestige?"

I scrunched up my nose. "Isn't love more important?"

"Love is impractical," Oliver said.

I shook my head at him, remembering the picture in his office. "Are you really such a cynic? What would your wife say?"

"Yes...well." Oliver's joking expression fell. "She probably would have agreed with you."

Oh no...would. His pained smile stabbing me with guilt, I hung my head. "I'm so sorry Oliver, I didn't know."

"Don't worry about it," he laughed, laughed. A sound so forced, out of place, hollow. Way to put my foot in my mouth. He twirled the drink in his hand, his face falling. "In all seriousness, you're probably right to keep the Commander at arms length."

"What do you mean?" I whispered

"He's not the most stable person. There's a reason the council is so heavily involved in the running of Avarice." Oliver shook his head. "I probably shouldn't be telling this."

Yes you should. I frowned at Oliver. "Just one of the many things people are reluctant to tell me." Jude disappeared out a side door, followed by the man who pulled him away.

"You're not the only one they keep secrets from," Oliver grumbled, darting his eyes at the party guests."That itch you're feeling, that something's wrong, I've had it for months." He finished off his drink, turning to find a place to put his glass. "I just can't figure out why," he muttered.

So I'm not the only one, I'm not insane. There really could be something going on-

A very ordinary looking man walked into the room, fumbling around the guests. Dusty brown hair and an old suit. He shifted his eyes, keeping his head down. "Oliver," I hissed, grabbing his arm. Oliver turned his head, freezing. The man turned his head, a curved shaped scar behind his ear. The assassin from this morning.

"How did he get in here?" Oliver sputtered.

I snorted, "Best guess is the door."

"Gosh, Phyn really?" Oliver rolled his eyes. "I'm more worried about how he got past the guards."

"Good point." I nodded, drifting blindly towards the side door. If I get to Jude first, I can get him out of here.

Oliver turned in the opposite direction, walking backwards. "You're going to warn the Commander, yes?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Ya…." I paused. The party bubbled with normalcy, joyful laughs. They have no idea what's happening.

"Then don't waste time," Oliver said, booking it for the entrance. I nodded, regaining my pace.

A gunshot rang through the air. I scrunched up my shoulders, scattering into a run. The assassin's gun pointed to the ceiling, his eyes wild. The whole room plunged into chaos, people screaming.

"Where is he!" the assassin shouted. "Where is the Commander!"

I bolted for the door, feet gaining ground. I need to get to him first. Grabbing the door handle, I slipped through.

The hall was pitch black.

I paused, catching my breath. Shivers ran across my arm. This isn't right. Something's wrong. I tiptoed deeper in, tracing my hand along the wall. Squinting into the darkness, a faint sliver of a light in the furthest door. I passed a shadowy staircase, a short click stilling my heart. Someone's waiting for me.

"To think you were right in front of my nose," a voice called from darkness.

I shivered. "Who are you?" I asked, trying to catch their silhouette. The figure took a step down.

"Ya gonna question the gun in your face?" she laughed, "Real smart move, hocus-pocus."

"Hocus-pocus?"

"Ya?" She leaned against the railing, gun trained on me. "Too cheesy? Thought it was a little more concise than abracadabra or bippity-boppity-boo." She paused, tilting her head. "What do you think?"

"They're all ridiculous," I growled. "So is threatening me with a gun."

She cackled, "Yes, but how else am I supposed to get the attention of a teleporter. Figured you might think twice about racing my trigger finger."

I loosened my shoulders. "So you're looking for me, not the Commander?"

"Mmhmm, that's why I'm pointing a gun at you." She motioned to the weapon.

This is about me? "But the other man-"

"Listen, I'm not gonna spell out my whole plan for you." She took a step down.

My eyes adjusted, her face coming into view. An eye patch and an impish smirk. "You're the woman from the elevator," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Raine is it?"

She widened her grin. "Did they tell you about me?"

"Just the name." I shrugged. Unfortunately.

She snorted, a hint of a snarl, "Oh, well I deserve a much better intro than that."

I just have to keep her talking. "Ya? And how would you introduce yourself?"

She gave a bow. "Raine Reimer, revolutionary, mercenary, and almost pirate."

I scrunched up my nose. "Almost pirate?"

She nodded. "Got an eye patch, a fake leg, and a love for gold." She dusted off her knuckles on her jacket. "That sounds about the right requirements, no? If I had a ship, I'd be sailing the high seas."

I frowned. This is confusing.

She rolled her eye. "It's a joke, don't you people get jokes anymore?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Maybe you're just not funny?"

"Oh, okay, wow. That stings." She shook her head. "Look at me, I'm getting distracted-"

I waved my hand at her. "Do you work for Vitriol?"

Raine snickered, tilting her head. "Sometimes, but I'm here to talk about you." Her smile changed into a snarl. "Who are you, Phynley Okie? And how come you don't exist, past five years ago?"

How does she know that? "Why does that-"

She shoved a palm into my shoulder, pushing me back. "It's not just difficult to erase your past, it's darn near impossible! I know people who've tried."

I smirked, catching my balance. "Apparently they didn't try hard enough."

"Don't be smart with me!" She jumped off the last step, gun raised.

Staring down the barrel, I raised my hands."You're not going to believe me." I swallowed a lump in my throat.

"Who says I won't?" she snarled, circling me.

"Just a feeling." I gave a nervous smile. Who would? She tightened her glare, stopping in front of me. I took a breath. "I...traveled through time." It really sounds crazy out loud.

Raine blinked, her face returning to her scowl. "Mind games won't work on me. I'm not stupid."

"I'm being serious."

"Sure…" She stepped back into the shadows. "How did they manage a breakthrough?"

A breakthrough? I opened my mouth, nothing coming out. What is she talking about? I cleared my throat, giving a cough. "I'm sure you have a good idea already."

"No, that's the thing, I don't. No one seems to." She marched after me, shaking her fist. "Progress supposedly halted after the Doc kicked the bucket. Now Avarice suddenly has a teleporter? With no rumours, no other successes. Trust me, I've been paying attention."

"Paying attention to what?" I waved my hands.

"To everything, everyone! None of it makes sense!" she shouted.

"Some light might help?" Murray's voice echoed through the hall. He flicked the light switch, the brightness burning my eyes. So he's here too. Murray stood at the end of the hall, a bored look in his eye.

Raine backed up down the hall. "Come to join the fun, eh?"

Murray snickered, "Fun is one way to say it, you've been having lots of fun Raine. Crashing parties, assassination attempts, breaking into the Tower; not things Vitriol is likely to endorse, a little too risky." He walked down the hall.

Raine moved the gun back to me. "Like I told the magic trick, I don't just work for Vitriol," she growled. I sidestepped closer. Keep your eyes on him.

Murray nodded, keeping his pace. "And heartless too. You really dragged poor Walter along for your plot. Hasn't he suffered enough?"

"Not like he wasn't gonna try something again." Raine frowned, glaring at him. "Save your sympathy for someone salvageable."

Murray stopped, his eyes growing wide. "Wait...you weren't behind the attempt this morning."

Raine scrunched up her nose. "Course not! Why would I want the Commander dead?" The room fell to silence. I kept track of my heart, reaching slowly.

"But, Walter couldn't be working alone…" Murray whispered.

Raine twisted a frown, her eyes on him. I grabbed the gun from her hand, making it vanish. Reappearing across the gun, the gun rattled to the floor.

She whipped her head around, gaping. With a swift fist, she decked me in the jaw. I fell with the swing, knocking into the wall. Murray chased after her, moving like a blur. I rubbed my chin, the ache throbbing.

Murray stopped, Raine pulling another gun. He backed up, clearing his throat. "No need to get excited."

She stepped back to the window, clicking the latch. "You don't like excitement Murray? Get a new job." And what job is that? What do these people do?

Murray hung his head. "Alright, Raine, go on," he hissed through his teeth.

"That's more like it, General." She swung open the pane, climbing over the sil. "Follow me and I'll put a couple extra holes in ya." She slammed the window shut, sliding out of view, into the night. She's not getting away. I marched to the window, heartbeat steady in my head.

Murray slipped his hands in his pockets. "Don't go after her."

I whipped my head around. "What, why? She could tell Vitriol about me." I rolled my eyes, leaning against the wall. "I'll be careful, she won't even see me coming."

"She's more dangerous in custody." Murray kept his eyes glued to the window.

"How does that make sense?!" I threw my hands up. "If she can literally hijak the tower elevator-"

"She knows things, things that could be used against us," Murray growled, averting his eyes.

"You mean against you." I crossed my arms, narrowing my glare. "Victor Kendall said something about you disobeying orders?"

Murray's eyes set ablaze. "Kendall is full of it. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

More, and more secrets. I sighed, "Ya? Care to explain what he doesn't know."

"Not particularly." A sliver of pain in his eyes, he spun away from the window. "Don't talk to Kendall about me," he huffed. Back to the emotionless mask.

"Who is he anyway?" I stepped off the wall. You gotta at least tell me that.

He wavered his head, looking back. "That's a difficult thing to say, he's an advisor of sorts. Power but no real position."

"Kinda like you." I widened my grin..

Murray chuckled, "Ya… kinda like me." A motorbike ripped off, the sound echoing through the glass.

The door swung open, Jude blinking at us. He stepped into the hall. "What's going on." He darted his eyes between us.

Murray cleared his throat, taking a step away from me. "There was another assassination attempt, I came to escort you to safety," his tone switched official.

Jude paused, his eyes lingering on me. "Is Phynley coming with us?"

Murray turned his head, mouthing, "Your call."

I pursed my lips, wavering. "Um, no...I still have some unpacking to do." Maybe a lie, but I need to get out of here.

"Goodnight then…" Jude gave a weak nod.

"Goodnight." I waved, drifting down the hall. Looking back, Jude stood alone. That can't be right? I rubbed my eyes. Murray back beside him, leading Jude to up the stairs. I'm losing it. I snorted, pushing back on the door. I yawned, slipping out into the main room. I gotta stop staying up so late.

The lights blared in my eyes, over the room. Windows open, streamers taken with the cold breeze. A handful of guests scattered across the room, guards pacing the edges. Taking notes, talking to witnesses, they kept a perimeter around the scene. Somewhere in the room a woman was crying, an ugly snot filled cry. Like the chill of ice, shivers ran down my spine.

Oliver stood far off, stiff against the wall. His face blank, terror in eyes. What happened? He caught my gaze, fear intensifying. In the middle of the floor was a body. The assassin, Walter, shot dead on the floor. An ordinary man with a strange sort of desperation. A pool of blood beneath him.

The woman's cry turned my stomach. Silenced, he's been silenced...how convenient. I tried to drown out the emotion, my eyes blurring with tears. I don't know why, he's an attempted murderer. A tear rolled down my cheek, stealing my breath. The woman might be crying from shock, but my tears are for Walter. For his life lost, whoever he was. A pawn in a game decided by lofty queens and kings.

"I see I'm not the only bleeding heart."

I jumped out of my skin, spinning around. Victor Kendall leaned against the wall, taking a sip of something strong. I wiped the tears off my face. "...I didn't see you there."

"You shouldn't cry for dead rats." He swirled his glass. "They're not worth such displays of emotion." He slunk past, a sliver of a smirk slipping out. "It's so unbecoming to advertise one's weaknesses."

My heart stopped, shivers attacking my arms. He strided away, his words rattling around my brain. I refuse to be afraid of him. I refuse to be afraid. His steps, confident, poised, in control. He doesn't understand who he's threatening. I will live to be worthy of my destiny...somehow.