Riele adjusted her tie, staring at her reflection. The uniform's dark blazer and tie weren't just a disguise; they were armor. She checked her short-cropped hair, making sure there were no loose strands that might give her away. The transformation into Felix was seamless, practiced, and second nature by now.

Her mother's voice echoed in her mind: "In our world, survival is deception." Riele had been trained to embody that motto from the time she could walk. While other children had fairytale books, she'd learned how to wield a knife. By age ten, she'd memorized the rules of concealment and combat.

"Time to go, Felix," her mother's voice came through the speaker outside her door.

Riele — or rather, Felix — took one last look, steeling herself before heading down the marble staircase. Her mother, standing tall in a sleek suit, gave her a scrutinizing look. "Remember, you're there to get close to Jace. He's the key to his father's operations."

"I understand, Mother." Felix's voice was flat, her mask firmly in place.

"Good." Her mother's eyes held a gleam of approval, but Riele knew better than to take it personally. Approval in their household was as rare as affection.

The ride to the school was silent, save for the soft hum of the engine. Felix stared out the window, watching the cityscape morph into manicured lawns and towering school gates. Saint Hyacinth Academy, where the children of the wealthy and powerful gathered, was a fortress in its own right. The school was beautiful and intimidating — the perfect place for a mission cloaked in privilege.

As Felix stepped out of the sleek black car, heads turned. She felt the weight of the stares, curious glances mingled with judgment. She wasn't just the "new kid"; she was the quiet mystery dressed in a tailored uniform and unreadable expression.

Her mother's instructions echoed in her head as she made her way toward the school building. "Get close, but not too close. He's not your friend, Felix; he's a pawn. Don't lose sight of that."

Navigating the hallways, Felix found her assigned locker, blending into the swarm of students moving around her. She barely settled in when a tall figure appeared beside her, leaning casually against the locker next to hers. The boy had sandy blond hair, a mischievous smirk, and eyes that held a hint of intrigue.

"New here?" he asked, his tone friendly but carrying the confidence of someone who owned the place.

Felix gave a polite nod. "Yeah."

"Name's Jace," he introduced himself, extending a hand.

She hesitated for the briefest second before taking his hand, keeping her grip firm. "Felix," she replied, her voice steady. This was the target. The boy her mother had trained her to befriend, infiltrate, and, if necessary, manipulate. But as she looked into his warm brown eyes, she couldn't ignore the pang of discomfort tugging at her chest.

Jace's smirk softened into a smile. "You look like you're plotting something. Just… don't make any enemies on your first day. They're harder to shake off here."

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"Noted," Felix replied, keeping her tone neutral. Inside, her mind was already analyzing every word, every glance. She'd studied his file, knew his routine, his relationships, his weaknesses. And yet, face-to-face, she realized how different he seemed in person.

They exchanged a few more words before the bell rang, signaling the start of class. As Jace walked away, Felix felt an unexpected pull. There was something disarming about him, something that threatened to chip away at the walls she'd spent years building.

This was going to be harder than she thought.