Milly adjusted her seat, sinking into the leather of the upscale bar’s booth while rolling her drink between her fingers. The Blockhouse exuded an undeniable charm, its stone walls and vaulted ceilings remnants of the old castle it once belonged to. Now, it served as a refined yet cozy lounge, where flickering candlelight mixed with the warm glow of hanging lanterns. Milly had anticipated a formal office setting for her meeting with Stephanie, but instead found herself in a dimly lit space where business deals unfolded over expensive cocktails.

She glanced at her reflection in the polished surface of the table. Milly had always embraced an unconventional look—shoulder-length auburn hair tousled in an effortlessly styled mess, striking hazel eyes that caught the light with hints of green and gold, and a scattering of freckles dusting her nose and cheeks. Dressed in a fitted leather jacket over a dark tank top, ripped jeans, and combat boots, she exuded a mix of defiance and confidence. Her casual style leaned toward practicality with a rebellious edge, a contrast to the polished Stephanie sitting across from her.

Stephanie, poised and perfectly composed, wore a crisp white blouse tucked neatly into a tailored black pencil skirt. A single silver brooch glinted at her collar, and her golden-blonde hair fell in smooth, controlled waves just past her shoulders. Everything about her radiated sophistication and meticulous care, from her polished nails to the diamond-studded watch on her wrist. She looked more suited to a high-rise office than a lounge where models often performed avant-garde art.

The leather gloves she wore barely creased as she tapped at the tablet in front of her, scanning through Milly’s portfolio with a practiced eye.

“You’ve done quite a variety of work,” Stephanie observed, her voice smooth and clinical. She turned the screen slightly, showing Milly an image from a past photoshoot—bound in silk ropes, her body arched in an elegant pose. “Bondage, artistic conceptual shoots, experimental performance art. You’re clearly comfortable with unconventional projects.”

Milly smirked, taking a sip of her drink. “That’s one way to put it.”

Stephanie’s blue eyes flicked up from the screen, considering her carefully. “I assume you have boundaries. Everyone does, no matter how open-minded.”

“Sure,” Milly said, setting her glass down. “No permanent damage, no lasting marks. I don’t do anything that’ll wreck my career or put me in actual danger. Other than that, I tend to roll with the moment.”

Milly's mind flashed back to past jobs where she had trusted the photographer too much, only to end up with bruises or minor injuries. Those experiences had taught her to be more cautious and to set clear boundaries.

Stephanie gave a slight nod of approval before returning her attention to the tablet. She swiped to another image—a still from a performance piece where Milly had been suspended in a glass tank, seemingly floating mid-air. “You’re comfortable with illusions then?”

Milly leaned back, stretching her arms along the back of the booth. “If the paycheck’s good, I’ll be comfortable with just about anything.”

Stephanie’s lips curled slightly. “Then you should find this next job quite interesting.”

Milly arched a brow. “Finally. You going to tell me what I’m actually doing?”

Stephanie placed the tablet down on the table between them. “It’s a photoshoot, as you were told.

A theatrical one, in a private venue, in this bar, upstairs.”

Milly nodded, waiting for her to continue.

“You will be assisting in a series of performances,” Stephanie explained. “Five magicians, each with their own style and approach. It’s a competition, and you are the centerpiece.”

Milly’s expression flickered with intrigue. “Go on.”

Stephanie folded her hands atop the tablet. “Each of them will perform an illusion—one that revolves around dividing you in half.”

Milly let out a short laugh, expecting some kind of clarification, but Stephanie only watched her with cool patience. The silence stretched for a beat too long.

“You’re serious?” Milly finally asked.

Stephanie nodded. “Completely.”

Milly tilted her head, studying the woman in front of her. “Alright. Let’s say I believe you. You’re telling me I’m about to get sawed in half five different ways, by five different people. And then what? I walk out of there in one piece?”

“That is the idea,” Stephanie confirmed, entirely unfazed. “I assume that won’t be a problem?”

Milly exhaled through her nose, shaking her head in amusement. “No. No problem at all.”

Stephanie finally allowed a small, knowing smile. “Then we have a deal.”

She slid the tablet forward, displaying a contract on the screen. Milly reviewed the details with mild curiosity, having learned from past mistakes the importance of reading the fine print.

Before signing, Milly tapped the screen with a fingernail and glanced up at Stephanie.

“So, these five magicians—what’s their deal? Why the competition? And what else are they planning to do to me?”

Stephanie leaned back slightly, crossing one leg over the other. “They are performers, each with their own signature style. This is a chance for them to push their boundaries and showcase their illusions in a competitive setting.”

Milly raised a skeptical brow. “And I’m the centerpiece of that?”

“Precisely,” Stephanie said, her lips curving into a small, assured smile. “They will each attempt their version of the classic sawing illusion, but with their own unique twist.”

Milly studied her, still twirling the tablet between her fingers. “And I assume none of them plan on actually hurting me?”

Stephanie let out a soft laugh. “They are gentlemen, Milly. Eccentric, certainly. Different, without question. But they are not reckless, nor do they intend to cause you harm.”

Milly smirked. “Good to know. I’d rather not end up as an actual disappearing act.”

Stephanie inclined her head slightly. “You’ll walk away from this in one piece.”

Milly considered the contract, tapping her finger against the edge of the tablet. “Do I need to practice anything? Some kind of routine, or is this all just me standing there looking pretty while they work their magic?”

Stephanie shook her head. “The tricks are all inbuilt. You won’t need to rehearse or prepare. Just turn up and let the magicians handle the rest.”

Milly narrowed her eyes slightly. “So, I’m basically a very expensive prop?”

Stephanie’s smile was faint but knowing. “More of a centerpiece. They need you, after all. The illusions wouldn’t work without you.”

Milly smirked and leaned back. “Flattering.”

Stephanie tilted her head thoughtfully. “Speaking of preparation, each magician will provide you with a specific outfit for their illusion. You’ll need to be fitted for them in advance.” She glanced at the slim watch on her wrist. “That reminds me—I need to take your measurements. For the costumes, of course, and for the competition.”

Milly arched a brow. “Competition?”

Stephanie nodded. “Each magician will be aiming for precision—how cleanly they can divide you, how seamlessly they can put you back together. Your dimensions before and after are part of the criteria.”

Milly let out a soft chuckle. “Great. So now I’m not just a prop, I’m a puzzle piece.”

Stephanie reached into her bag and retrieved a small measuring tape. “Hold still.”

Milly sighed with amusement but stood, arms out to the side. “This just keeps getting weirder, doesn’t it?”

Stephanie only smiled as she began taking the first measurement. She worked methodically, wrapping the measuring tape around Milly’s bust, waist, and hips, noting the numbers down in a sleek leather-bound notebook. She moved on to measuring her arms, legs, and even the circumference of her neck and wrists. Every detail mattered.

Milly stood still, arms out, watching with mild curiosity as Stephanie jotted each number down with precise care. “You know,” Milly mused, “I’d ask how the magic works, but something tells me you’re not going to give me a straight answer.”

Stephanie glanced up, meeting Milly’s hazel eyes with an unreadable expression. “The tricks will take care of you,” she said simply, her voice smooth and unwavering.

Milly let out a small huff of amusement. “That’s not ominous at all.”

Stephanie smiled, continuing her work. She knelt briefly to take the measurement of Milly’s inseam, then rose with practiced grace. “If it helps, I think you’ll find the experience far more pleasurable than some of your other jobs.”

Milly’s brow lifted. “That so?”

Stephanie turned the tablet back toward her, swiping to a particular image—one of Milly bound in a restrictive pose, silk ropes wrapped tightly around her limbs. “For instance, this looks far less comfortable.”

Milly chuckled, tilting her head. “Depends who you ask.”

Stephanie made a small note in her book before looking back at Milly. “In this case, I think you’ll enjoy the illusion. The magicians are professionals. They won’t hurt you.”

Milly crossed her arms, considering that. “They’re all gentlemen, then?”

Stephanie’s lips curved slightly. “Gentlemen? Perhaps. Different? Certainly. But they have no intention of injuring you. That wouldn’t be very sporting, now would it?”

Milly smirked. “Guess not. But you can’t blame me for wanting a little reassurance before I let five strangers take saws to me.”

Stephanie snapped her notebook shut. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.” She slipped the book back into her bag and regarded Milly one last time.

“Everything’s in place now. You’ll arrive here tomorrow evening in the upstairs performance area. The rest will unfold from there.”

Milly exhaled, a thrill of anticipation curling in her stomach. “Sounds like a plan.”

Milly paused, her curiosity piqued. “So, Stephanie, how did you get involved in all this? It’s not every day you meet someone coordinating magicians and illusions.”

Stephanie offered a slight smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and mystery. “I’m known as The Assistant. I’ve worked with all of the magicians before, ensuring their performances go smoothly.

My role is to oversee the details, to make sure every illusion is executed flawlessly. For this competition, I’ll be taking your measurements to determine which magician can divide you in half with the utmost precision.”

Milly raised an eyebrow, impressed. “The Assistant, huh? Sounds like you’re the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.”

Stephanie nodded subtly. “In a way, yes. Each magician has their unique style and approach, but I ensure that the logistics and preparations are seamless. It’s a role that requires meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail.”

Milly smirked. “Well, I must say, you’ve certainly piqued my interest. I’m looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.”

Stephanie’s smile was knowing. “Trust me, Milly. This will be an experience like no other. And I’ll be there every step of the way to make sure it’s both thrilling and safe.”

With that, Stephanie gathered her things, leaving Milly with a sense of anticipation and intrigue for the adventure that lay ahead.