Lena's pov
The music and laughter swirled around me as Ethan moved back into the crowd, his easy smile still lingering from our dance. I forced a smile in return but my mind was already racing ahead — the mission wasn't over, and the real work was just beginning.
I scanned the room, eyes sharp beneath the soft glow of the fairy lights. Somewhere among the crowd were the people I needed to find — the ones carrying the information that could change everything.
"Hey," I called out to Ethan, voice casual. "I'm going to grab some drinks. Want anything?"
He shook his head, grinning. "No, I'm good. Be careful, fake girlfriend."
I laughed softly, the nickname both grounding and bittersweet.
With that, I slipped away, weaving through groups of dancing students, pretending to be just another partygoer.
Every step brought me closer to the people I needed to find, but also deeper into the risk.
My heart hammered in my chest as I scanned faces, looking for any sign — a whispered conversation, a secretive glance, the weight of something hidden beneath casual smiles.
The dorm's layout wasn't unfamiliar, but tonight it felt like a maze. I moved with purpose, listening closely to snippets of conversation, catching names and code words that matched the dossier.
Time was running out.
I knew I had to find them — and the data — before the exchange was made.
But as I rounded a corner toward the common kitchen area, a sudden flash of movement caught my eye.
Two figures huddled in a quiet corner, speaking in hushed tones.
This had to be it.
I took a steadying breath, reminding myself why I was here.
It was just a mission.
Nothing more.