The Cartier jewels reflected the light, creating miniature rainbows over the penthouse partitions. Amelia Winters cocked her head, studying her reflection in the floor-length reflector. The black Valentino gown fitted her contours impeccably, maybe too precisely. She tugged on the neckline, resisting the sensation of being suffocated by rich materials.

"another adjustment may not make it feel any more cozy, pricey."

Amelia's shoulders relaxed as she heard her grandmother's voice. Evelyn Winters stood in the doorway, looking as elegant as ever in her pearl-gray attire, her silver hair pulled into an impeccable chignon. Their gazes collided within the mirror's reflected picture.

"I just want the whole lot to be ideal for tonight's gala, Gran." 

"best." Evelyn slid forward, her heels silent on the soft carpet. "this type of annoying word." Her arms stroked the antique locket resting against Amelia's collarbone. "now and again i ponder if you're absolutely satisfied with all this, dear."

At her grandmother's touch, Amelia's chest felt familiarly warm. Evelyn never fully explained the origins of the locket, which she received for her 16th birthday. 

"Of course I am, Gran." "That is who I am." The practiced smile seemed hollow, but Amelia wore it like any other piece of jewelry. Movement within the doorway drew her attention.

Lily Hart stood there, a silver tray balanced in her fingers and her outfit spotless. But her eyes held something deeper than jealousy. Something made Amelia's skin tingle.

"Your evening refreshment, leave out Winters." Lily's voice dripped honey, yet her gaze never left Amelia's mirrored image. "And Mr. Nathaniel called." He will meet you immediately at the gala."

"thanks, Lily." Amelia grabbed for the crystal glass, seeing Lily's hands tightening on the tray. Their arms touched, Lily rough from painting and Amelia smooth from luxury. 

The champagne tasted peculiar tonight. Sharper. Amelia laid it aside, watched Lily linger in her vanity, straightening devices that need no adjusting.

"Will that be all?" Lily's question carried an implication, as if she had been the one dismissing Amelia rather than the other way around.

"in reality..." Evelyn interrupted with a harsh tone. "Please make sure omit Winters' automobile is prepared in twenty mins."

Lily's lips narrowed. "Of route, Mrs. Winters." She subsidized away, but not before Amelia whispered the sentence "For now."

The door closed with a gentle click. Amelia grew to get close to her grandmother, who stood scrutinizing old photos on the wall of the Winters' family through decades, each face displaying the same determined set to their jaw, the same proud tilt to their chin.

"That lady." Evelyn shook her head, hesitating before a particular image. "there is some thing about her that reminds me of—" She paused abruptly, turning aside to change an already-ideal flower arrangement.

"Reminds you of what, Gran?"

"Not anything, my dear. old memories gambling suggestions." Evelyn's fingers trembled slightly when she touched a white rose. "Now, about tonight's gala. Your father mentioned Victor Ashford's possible attendance."

Amelia's stomach contracted. "Is Nathaniel's uncle? "I assumed he was still in Europe."

"enterprise brings him back, reputedly." Evelyn's mirror counterpart kept a close eye on Amelia. "Your father appears... pretty interested by his go back."

Regardless of how warm the room was, a cold crept up Amelia's backbone. She'd never met Victor Ashford, but Nathaniel rarely mentioned his uncle, and when he did, his normally warm temperature turned to ice.

"The ultimate time I asked Nathaniel about him, he changed the issue immediately." Amelia took up her smartphone and began browsing through her texts. "said a few matters are higher left inside the beyond."

"The past has a way of refusing to live in which we placed it." Evelyn stepped to the window and looked out at the New York skyline. "mainly in households like ours."

"should I be involved?"

"worried?" Evelyn laughed, but it didn't reach her eyes. "You're a Winters, darling." We don't worry; we put it together."

The grandfather clock chimed, sending a profound echo through the apartment. Amelia reached for her grip, but paused as something caught her attention. The evening paper lay abandoned on her arrogance, its headline formidable: "WINTERS EMPIRE FACES OPPOSED TAKEOVER STRIVE."

"Gran—"

"no longer this night, dear." Evelyn's tone left no space for discussion. "This night, you smile, attract, and dance. tomorrow..." She trailed off and touched the locket again. "the next day brings its own burdens."

A crash from the hallway sent them both skyrocketing. Amelia dashed to the door, pushing it open to find papers thrown across the floor. Lily knelt amid them and quickly collected what appeared to be vintage files.

"i am so sorry, leave out Winters." Lily's voice wavered. "i used to be simply delivering those for your father's take a look at—"

"From wherein?" Evelyn's question sounded like a whip.

Lily became icy. Mrs. Winters, this is from the archives. Mr. Winters wanted them specifically."

Amelia tried to help, but Evelyn's hand on her arm stopped her. As Lily rushed to get the papers, a yellowed envelope slid from the stack. Amelia scribbled a glimpse of handwriting - stylish, familiar by trick or crook - and a date: December twenty first, the night of her birth.

Lily grabbed the papers, pressing them to her chest. Her gaze shifted between Amelia and Evelyn, something like triumph flaring in the depths.

"I'll take those," Evelyn said smoothly, offering her hand.

"Mr. Winters became very specific about their transport—"

"And I am quite particular about my granddaughter's schedule. We are jogging past our due date."

An unpleasant second passed before Lily surrendered the stack. As she did, a little snapshot fell to the floor. Amelia noticed the same cribs before Lily's foot landed on them.

"My apologies once more." Lily sponsored away, her demeanor slipping slightly. "Experience your night, pass over Winters. "I am sure it will be... illuminating."

As they moved toward the elevator, Amelia felt Lily's gaze follow them. The copy contemplated her position in Amelia's room, guarding something that glinted in the dimming light - was that a key?

The elevator doors closed with Lily's happy smile.

In the lobby, Evelyn grabbed Amelia's arm. "something happens tonight, don't forget who you are."

"I identify myself, Gran. "I am Winters."

"Are you?" Evelyn whispered gently, and Amelia nearly missed it. Before she could speak, their driver opened the car door.

As they drove to the gala, the town lights blurred in the background. Amelia caressed her necklace, a dependency developed over years of uncertainty. It felt hotter than usual, almost alive against her flesh. And for a little minute, she could swear she heard it tick, like if it were a countdown to something inevitable.

She reached for her smartphone, seeking diversion. Nathaniel made three overlooked calls. The phrase reads, "We need to speak. Before you notice him.

Before she could respond, another message appeared - an unknown wide variety. Four phrases caused her blood to freeze:

"Ask approximately twin moons."

The locket pulsed once and then disappeared.

Evelyn clutched her sleep bag tightly in the seat next her, her knuckles white as they approached the clasp. Amelia recognized the papers Lily had dropped. Papers that would contain answers to queries she had not even considered asking.

The automobile came up to the festival's front. Amelia observed Nathaniel pacing through the tinted windows, his usual confident demeanor replaced with fearful power. And beside him, an older man turned toward their car, his abilities bright in the evening light, a wolfish smile playing on his lips.

"Victor Ashford," Evelyn whispered. "He hasn't elderly a day."

The door opened. The man extended his hand.

"pass over Winte

rs," hissing, "i have waited twenty-three years to meet you."

The locket scorched in contrast to her flesh.