Neuvillette stood over his desk, papers scattered in disarray. His normally calm and composed demeanor had dissolved into an uncharacteristic frustration, fingers digging into his temples. Every lead, every report seemed to bring him no closer to finding Furina. His mind raced through scenarios, each one worse than the last, the fear of what could have happened to her gnawing at him.

The sound of the door creaking open was barely a blip in the whirlwind of his thoughts until he felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. Wriothesley was there, quietly assessing his husband's state before slipping into the room with the familiar strength and warmth that never failed to ground him. Wordlessly, he took Neuvillette's hand, pulling him a down and guiding him to sit on his lap as he settled back into the armchair by the window.

Neuvillette's tense shoulders slowly relaxed, though he still cast an anxious glance toward the papers on his desk. But Wriothesley wrapped an arm around him, a quiet, comforting weight, running his thumb over Neuvillette's hand in soothing circles. He leaned in, resting his chin on Neuvillette's shoulder, voice low and steady.

"We'll find her, Neuv," he murmured, reassuringly. "You're not in this alone. You're doing everything you can."

Neuvillette closed his eyes, letting out a slow, shuddering breath. He let himself lean into Wriothesley's embrace, feeling the tension start to ebb away. Wriothesley's presence, his strength, brought a flicker of calm that Neuvillette so desperately needed.

Neuvillette let out a shaky breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "I can't... I feel like I'm failing her. Every moment she's gone, it feels like I'm losing her more. And every second wasted is on me." His gaze drifted toward the window, where the skies outside had begun to darken, a faint drizzle starting to streak the glass.

Wriothesley tightened his arms around Neuvillette, pulling him closer as he felt his husband's body tense, the sadness evident in his trembling voice. "You haven't failed her. You're doing everything you possibly can."

Neuvillette shook his head, a tear slipping down his cheek as the rain began to pick up, droplets turning heavier, drumming against the roof in rhythm with his pulse. "But what if it isn't enough?" he murmured. "What if we're already too late?"

A low rumble of thunder echoed through the room, as if mirroring his frustration, the storm outside growing darker. Wriothesley reached up, gently wiping the tear from Neuvillette's cheek with his thumb. "Hey," he whispered, his voice firm but tender. "You're not alone in this. Whatever we need to do, we'll do it together. But don't let the fear eat away at you. She's strong. And you—you're even stronger."

Neuvillette's shoulders sagged slightly, the thunder easing into a softer rumble, though the rain still fell steadily. He closed his eyes, resting his forehead against Wriothesley's. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Wriothesley smiled faintly, pulling Neuvillette even closer. "You won't have to find out. Now breathe... we'll keep looking, and we'll find her."

Neuvillette tried to steady his breathing, but his chest was tight, each beat of his heart pressing harder and heavier with the fear of losing Furina. The rain outside drummed against the windows, cascading down in rivulets as if reflecting the turmoil in his heart.

Wriothesley, sensing the depth of his husband's distress, placed a reassuring hand on the back of Neuvillette's neck, massaging gently. "It's okay to let it out," he said softly. "You carry so much for everyone, Neuv. But right now, you don't have to do this alone."

Neuvillette's hands gripped Wriothesley's sleeves, his fingers tightening as he drew in a shaky breath. "I promised her I'd always be there, that I'd keep her safe," he murmured, voice breaking. "But every minute she's gone... the thoughts, the possibilities of what could happen to her, they just... they're all consuming."

The storm outside intensified, streaks of lightning flashing against the dark clouds, as if the very heavens mirrored his distress. A soft rumble of thunder followed, and Wriothesley gently cupped Neuvillette's face, guiding his gaze up to meet his own.

"Listen to me," Wriothesley said firmly, his eyes searching Neuvillette's. "I know you feel responsible, and I know the weight of this is nearly unbearable. But I'm here, and we'll get through this. She's out there, and we'll find her—no matter what it takes."

Neuvillette's composure faltered, and he leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Wriothesley's shoulder. The rain outside became softer, the intensity subsiding as Neuvillette clung to his husband's presence, drawing strength from his warmth and stability. For a moment, the room was filled with the gentle sound of raindrops, a lull in the storm.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you," Neuvillette whispered, his voice thick, each word filled with a quiet gratitude that broke through the ache in his chest.

Wriothesley smiled softly, running his hand through Neuvillette's hair, pressing a kiss to his temple. "You've earned it, just by being who you are. And whatever happens, we're in this together. Now, let's find her."

As Neuvillette sat back, his gaze softened, a faint glimmer of determination sparking in his eyes. He nodded, and together, with Wriothesley's steady support, he felt a renewed strength to face the challenges ahead.

Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet exchanged quiet glances as they approached Neuvillette's office, the echo of their footsteps punctuating the tense silence in the halls. They kept their expressions carefully neutral, the practiced calm they shared hiding any trace of suspicion that might otherwise draw unwanted attention.

When they reached the office door, Lyney raised his hand, knocking gently but confidently. A muffled "Enter" came from within, and the three stepped inside, each of them dipping their heads in respect.

Neuvillette, seated behind his cluttered desk, barely glanced up from the documents he was pouring over. The slight crease in his brow and the dark circles beneath his eyes made his exhaustion clear, yet he held a posture of authority and control.

"Ah, Lyney, Lynette, Freminet," he said, his voice steady but with a certain edge of urgency. "I trust you're aware of the situation."

Lyney nodded, casting a concerned glance toward Neuvillette. "We've heard about the Archon's absence," he replied, his tone calm, almost soothing. "It's been on everyone's mind... Fontaine without its leader is unsettling, to say the least."

Lynette crossed her arms and took a small step forward, her gaze softened as she added, "It's troubling. The city feels tense. We came to see if there was anything we could do to help locate her."

Neuvillette studied them, his expression cautious. "As much as I appreciate your willingness to assist, I'm afraid information is limited," he replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "We're unsure of her exact whereabouts, and every moment she's missing, the people's fear grows. If you happen to hear anything from your... connections," he continued carefully, "it would be greatly appreciated."

Freminet, who had been quiet, nodded, his hands twisting nervously. "Of course, we'll do whatever we can," he replied in a quiet voice, casting a quick glance at his siblings.

Lyney's gaze flickered, his eyes narrowing just slightly as he replied, "Rest assured, if we find even the slightest trace, we'll bring it directly to you. But—if I may ask, are there any leads at all? Perhaps something we could look into ourselves?"

Neuvillette's sigh was nearly imperceptible, but his fingers tapped against the desk in a subtle, restless rhythm. "There was... a trace left behind," he admitted reluctantly. "A residue of hydro, familiar but unsettling. It leads out of the city, but from there, we lose her trail."

The siblings shared a brief, unreadable glance. Lynette's expression remained composed as she replied, "We'll keep an ear out for anything unusual. Perhaps we might find someone who's seen something out of the ordinary."

Neuvillette nodded, his expression softening slightly at their promise. "Thank you. Fontaine is in need of all the vigilance it can get in these times." He took a deep breath, looking each of them in the eye, almost as if trying to measure their sincerity.

As the three of them turned to leave, Lyney paused in the doorway, looking back. "We'll do our best to bring her back, Neuvillette," he said, his tone carrying a solemn weight. "Fontaine needs her... as do we all."

With a final nod from Neuvillette, the trio left the office, each keeping their emotions guarded, their shared purpose simmering just beneath their careful composure as they walked back down the hallway, prepared to fulfill their task.

As they left Neuvillette's office, the soft click of the door closing behind them seemed to echo in the silence of the grand hallway. Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet walked in step, their heels tapping against the polished marble floors, and though they kept their gazes forward, an unspoken tension filled the air around them. They moved as one—calculated, controlled, perfectly in sync—until they were far enough from the door.

Lyney slowed first, his hand casually reaching to adjust the cuff of his coat, an action that masked the slight turn of his head toward his sister. His usual mischievous smile was replaced with a sharp, assessing look, his eyes flickering with something more dangerous than his usual charm. As Lynette caught his gaze, they exchanged a glance layered with meaning. Her eyes, calm and unflinching, held an understanding that needed no words.

The hallway was empty, but still, their voices were barely whispers.

"Nothing seemed amiss," Lyney murmured, eyes narrowing as he recalled Neuvillette's face, strained with worry. "He's preoccupied with the Archon's disappearance. It's... fortunate, in a way."

Lynette's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she gave a single, almost imperceptible nod. Her expression was unreadable, stoic as always, but her jaw was set with a quiet determination. "The less he suspects, the longer we can keep the situation under control."

Trailing slightly behind, Freminet hesitated before he spoke, his voice softer, laced with worry. "Do you really think... this is going to work?" His hands were clenched at his sides, his usual calm disrupted by the gravity of their shared secret.

Lyney's hand fell on Freminet's shoulder, and he gave a gentle squeeze, his gaze softening momentarily as he looked at his younger brother. "It has to work. We can't afford for him to see through this now, not with everything at stake. The fewer people know the truth, the better."

Freminet swallowed, nodding slowly, though doubt flickered in his eyes. "But if he realizes... what will we do?"

Lynette stepped closer, her voice low and soothing, with a confidence that steadied her brothers. "He's clever, but we have an advantage. As long as we keep our roles perfectly aligned, Neuvillette will be too focused on his search to suspect us."

Her calm, calculated response eased the tension a little, though not entirely. Lyney turned his gaze back down the long hallway, adjusting his hat with a quick, decisive motion. "Then we keep the act up. Any suspicion could unravel everything."

Freminet shifted, glancing from one sibling to the other, and though his expression was tense, he gave a reluctant nod. The three of them continued walking down the grand hallways of Fontaine's courts, each wearing expressions of composed indifference. But between them lay a silent understanding—a shared secret binding them closer, and the unspoken fear of what would happen if it came to light.

The closer they got to the city's bustling streets, the more their masks slipped back into place, their expressions returning to that of ordinary citizens. To everyone else, they were just three figures passing through. But beneath those practiced smiles and gentle nods, they each carried the weight of the truth, careful not to betray even the smallest hint of the game they were playing.

________

Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet moved quickly through the shadows, slipping unnoticed through Fontaine's winding streets as the evening deepened. Their steps were swift and silent, every turn taking them closer to their hidden base—a concealed hideout beneath the city where only select members of the Fatui tread. The thick stone walls muffled the outside noise, creating an air of secrecy and tension that wrapped around them as they approached the dimly lit room where Arlecchino waited.

As they reached the doorway, Lyney knocked lightly in a distinct pattern, one they'd all been trained to recognize. A low murmur of approval came from inside, and he pushed open the door, revealing Arlecchino seated in the center of the room. She was perched casually on a plush armchair, one leg crossed over the other, her demeanor calm but unmistakably commanding.

In a darkened corner, bound securely to a chair, sat Furina. The Archon's wrists were tied to the chair's arms, her eyes glinting with a mix of defiance and fear. Shadows cast by a low-hanging lantern deepened the exhaustion etched onto her face, and though her head was held high, it was clear that her strength was waning. Arlecchino's gaze shifted from her captive to the trio at the door, a satisfied, faintly menacing smile stretching across her face.

"Well?" Arlecchino's voice was smooth, commanding, as she leaned back in her seat, her eyes gleaming. "Any news from our friends in the courts?"

Lyney stepped forward first, his usual charm restrained but present. "Neuvillette suspects nothing, Knave. He's... occupied, as you expected. The people around him remain in the dark." His gaze flickered briefly to Furina, almost pitying, but he quickly looked away.

"Good." Arlecchino's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she studied them. "The fewer suspicions, the smoother our plans will go." Her gaze lingered on Furina, who refused to meet her stare, looking resolutely toward the wall as if willing herself somewhere far away.

Lynette, ever observant, tilted her head slightly. "He seems deeply unsettled. It won't be long until he starts demanding answers if she isn't found soon." She nodded towards Furina. "We may want to consider... making the next move sooner than planned."

Arlecchino laughed softly, the sound chilling in the stillness of the room. She uncrossed her legs, standing with a slow, deliberate grace before approaching Furina, who tried to flinch away despite her bindings. Arlecchino reached out, tracing a gloved finger along Furina's jaw with a gentle, almost mocking touch. Furina's breaths were shallow, betraying her efforts to appear brave.

"Patience, little Archon," Arlecchino whispered, her voice smooth but dripping with menace. "You're right where you're meant to be. And soon, all of Fontaine will follow."

Freminet, standing by the door with an uncertain expression, glanced at his siblings for reassurance, only for Lyney to give him a steadying nod. Arlecchino noticed, casting an amused glance back toward the three.

"Thank you, children..," she continued. "You've done well. Now, leave us."

They hesitated briefly, exchanging a look. Though they followed orders without question, the sight of Furina in such a vulnerable state struck something within each of them, particularly Freminet, whose gaze lingered on her for a moment longer.

"Father," Lyney spoke up, attempting to maintain his confidence. "If you need anything further—"

Arlecchino's gaze hardened ever so slightly. "I know where to find you, Lyney. Now go."

With no further hesitation, the trio left the room, closing the heavy door behind them. The echo of the door reverberated as they walked down the darkened corridor, the reality of their task weighing heavier with each step.

——- Arlecchino

As the door closed behind Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet, leaving the room thick with silence, Arlecchino allowed a moment for the tension to settle. She studied Furina with a glint of cold satisfaction in her gaze, pacing slowly around her chair. The light from the lanterns flickered across the room, casting Arlecchino's shadow over Furina's form. Bound and weary, Furina sat rigidly, her posture trying to convey a defiance her face could no longer maintain. Her hair fell messily around her shoulders, her expression both exhausted and wary, each shallow breath accentuating her discomfort.

Arlecchino circled behind her, the soft creak of her footsteps filling the stillness as she leaned close, her gloved hands resting lightly on the back of Furina's chair. She bent down to murmur near Furina's ear, her tone mockingly gentle. "I wonder, dear Archon, how long you plan to hold onto that pride of yours?"

Furina's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze steely as she stared ahead, refusing to give Arlecchino the satisfaction of looking her way. She could feel the icy touch of Arlecchino's fingers brush against the nape of her neck, almost delicately, sending a shiver down her spine. The chill was unnerving, a reminder of her own vulnerability in the face of Arlecchino's unyielding confidence.

Arlecchino chuckled softly, and with a slight tug, she forced Furina to tilt her head back, catching the Archon's unwilling gaze. The faint smirk on Arlecchino's lips held no warmth, only a calculated malice. "You can make this easy for yourself, you know. I'm offering you a chance to talk—tell me what you know about the Fatui's operations, and perhaps I'll consider some mercy."

Furina's voice was strained but steady as she retorted, "You can pry all you want, but I won't betray my people."

Arlecchino's smirk deepened, and she brushed Furina's cheek with the back of her gloved hand. "Bold words, little Archon. But even the strongest wills break eventually." She straightened, pulling a dagger from her belt, the metal glinting ominously under the dim light. She held it loosely, almost carelessly, twirling it between her fingers as she circled Furina again, each step drawn out, as if savoring the tension radiating from her captive.

She stopped in front of Furina, tilting her head as if pondering her next move, letting the dagger's tip trace a delicate line along Furina's cheek. "Do you know what the difference is between a ruler and a survivor?" she mused softly, pressing the blade just enough to draw a tiny bead of blood. "A ruler only needs to appear strong. But a survivor? They're willing to lose anything to stay alive."

Furina flinched, feeling the faint sting as the blade nicked her skin. Yet, her defiance did not waver. Her gaze met Arlecchino's, flickers of anger and fear warring within her, though she remained silent, refusing to give her captor the satisfaction of a response.

Arlecchino's smile hardened. She lowered the dagger, tapping it against the armrest of the chair in a slow, rhythmic pattern, as though considering her next words. "Very well, if that's how you want to play it." She turned and seated herself on the couch just across from Furina, draping one arm along the back casually, her gaze locked on the Archon with predatory intent. "Perhaps a little time in silence will help you think."

Her gaze lingered on Furina, watching as the Archon's defiance wavered ever so slightly, the reality of her predicament beginning to settle in. In the quiet, Arlecchino's eyes held a satisfaction that bordered on amusement, a silent challenge that dared Furina to resist her authority. The silence grew thick between them, and the anticipation in Arlecchino's gaze made it clear—she was willing to wait, to let Furina stew in her fear until the cracks in her resolve began to show.

It was only a matter of time before Furina would finally submit to the person she once had adored. The one person she let in her previous life brake her..

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IM SO SORRY FOR THE SHORT CHAPTER..PLS FORGIVE ME! SCHOOL IS A LOT! But I hope yall like this chapter!

-Furina De Fontaine