I sigh.

"You can borrow it after the show as long as you put it back when we leave," I tell her, knowing that even if I say no, she'll still do whatever she wants.

Her eyes sparkle and she gives me an effusive nod.

When it's time to go to our seats, we barely get her away from the display. As we reach our designated area, I'm surprised to see Cer had gone all out and booked one of the private boxes on the side of the auditorium. The privacy is welcome, as is the opportunity to study the location from a vantage point.

We place the bags with our supplies on the floor just in time for the curtains to go up. Silence descends in the room, the orchestra starting with a lulling violin sound. Turning to the stage, I take a moment to soak in the beauty of the auditorium. There's a vaulted ceiling surrounded by paintings in an Art Nouveau style. Green, mauve, gold, and a muted red swirl around in a contrast that speaks of the Gilded Age of New York, with its lavish decorations and illusions of grandeur. Floral details are depicted in a bas-relief style—which I only know about because I took art history as one of my electives. There's an assortment of new and old pieces, preserving both the history while keeping up with modernity.

A pang of regret reverberates in my chest. I've been living in this city for over a year and I've barely visited anything. For the first time, I should have been here with Nikki, not with two odd non-humans, and certainly not ghost hunting.

The musical ends up being surprisingly enjoyable—so much so that I barely realize when it ends and people stand up to leave the premises.

I make to get up, too, but Cer raises a hand to stop me.

"We can wait here until everyone leaves."

"But the staff will come to clean and⁠—"

He gives me a bored look that simply says trust me.

"He's right, Luce. Sit down and wait. It will be easier to evade detection here."

I don't know how, but apparently, they have some plan I know nothing about.

Just as I predicted, the staff comes to the auditorium to clean up after the spectators. Someone opens the door to our box as well, and just as I prepare to make up an excuse for still being there, I realize that they don't come in. They stare at us as if they aren't seeing us. A moment passes, after which they close the door and leave.

"What just happened?" I mutter, confused.

"Told you there was nothing to worry about." Thea winks.

Hours pass and the sun goes down. The lights go out in the theatre, and the last staff member leaves, which allows us to finally move around freely.