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“And now finding out you’reGhostDaddy? I literally watch your content every day.”

I know. I’ve seen every reaction, every like, every comment. Hell, the amount of times I’ve seen her touch her pretty little pussy and come to my videos… but hearing her admit it and seeing her excitement in person—it’s better than any surveillance feed.

“Where’s your friend?” I gesture casually around us.

Kiraglances over her shoulder, scanning the crowd. “Oh,Jenna? Think she went to the bathroom.” She shrugs, still clutching the poster I gave her.

The timing couldn’t be better. I’ve waited for this moment, planning every detail.

“Let me buy you a drink. To celebrate meeting a fan.” I rest my hand on her back, steering her toward the convention bar. The touch sends sparks through my fingers, and I notice her slight shiver.

“That would be amazing, actually. All this excitement has me thirsty.” She beams up at me, trusting me. Innocent.

We reach the bar, and I position myself between her and the bartender. “Rum and coke?” I already know it’s her favorite.

“How did you—” She pauses. “Right, I probably mentioned it in the comments.”

I order our drinks, keeping her distracted with questions about her costume while the bartender prepares them. The moment they’re set down, I shift to block her view, slipping the powder into her glass with practiced precision. The movement takes less than a second—one I’ve rehearsed countless times.

A convention security guard in a yellow vest bumps into me, jostling my arm as I handKiraher drink. Some of it splashes onto my wrist.

“Sorry about that,” the guard says, eyeing my costume appreciatively. “Great Ghost, by the way.”

I nod curtly, my pulse racing. Did he see it? The powder should have dissolved already, but the timing was off. I glance atKira, who’s looking at her phone.

“Jenna’slooking for me,” she says, frowning at her screen. “Says she’s been texting for ten minutes.”

Shit. Not according to plan. I hand her the drink, maintaining my composure despite the unexpected complications.

“Here you go.” I make sure our fingers touch as she takes the glass. “To new friends.”

She clinks her glass against mine. “To new friends! And amazing Ghost cosplays.”

I watch her drink, timing each swallow. The security guard is hovering nearby, now speaking into his radio. My muscles tense, ready to adapt if needed. I’ve prepared for contingencies but prefer sticking to the original plan.

“I should probably findJennasoon,”Kirasays after a few sips. “She gets worried easily.”

“Let’s finish our drinks first,” I suggest, nodding toward her glass. “You’ve barely touched it.”

She takes another long sip. Good girl. Just a few more minutes, and the sedative will take effect. I check my watch—timing is everything.

“Actually,” she says, setting down her half-finished drink, “I really should find her. She’s near the main stage. Want to come with me?”

No. This isn’t right. She needs to finish the drink. I need her to be isolated and not walking through the convention.

“The main stage will be packed,” I counter smoothly. “I know a shortcut. We can cut through the back hallway and come out near there.”

She hesitates, glancing at her phone again. “I don’t know...”

“Trust me,” I say, leaning closer. “I’ve been to every GamerCon for the past five years. I know this place inside out.”

That seems to reassure her. She nods, taking one more sip before setting it down. Not enough, but it’ll have to do. The partial dose will still affect her, just more slowly.

I guide her through the crowd, my hand firm on her lower back. We pass a group of cosplayers taking photos, and one of them calls out toKira.

“Aloy! Can we get a picture?”

She turns toward them automatically. No. I need to keep moving. Every second counts.