The next morning, Nevaeh arrived at the studio early, mentally preparing herself for what she was about to do. Asking Mordred for an autograph should be easy—it was something celebrities did all the time. But for some reason, she felt nervous.
Maybe it was because she didn't want to come across as just another fan. Maybe it was because Mordred's entire life was dictated by fake interactions, and she didn't want to add to it.
Or maybe… it was because of the way he looked at her yesterday.
Shaking off her thoughts, she walked toward the dressing room where she knew he'd be preparing for a shoot. She knocked twice before a familiar voice called out.
"Come in."
Pushing the door open, she found Mordred seated in front of a mirror while a stylist fixed his hair. His gaze flickered to hers through the reflection, holding it for a second too long before looking away.
"Nevaeh," he acknowledged. "Didn't expect you here this early."
She folded her arms. "I need a favor."
Mordred raised an eyebrow, then dismissed the stylist with a simple nod. Once they were alone, he turned to her fully. "A favor?"
She hesitated, suddenly feeling ridiculous for asking. But Donna's hopeful face flashed in her mind, and she cleared her throat.
"It's for my friend. She's been a huge fan of yours since high school. Her birthday's coming up, and she'd love an autograph from you."
Mordred's expression didn't change. He simply stared at her as if trying to read something deeper in her request.
"That's all?" he asked finally.
Nevaeh frowned. "What do you mean?"
He leaned back against the chair, crossing his arms. "Most people who ask me for favors want backstage passes, expensive gifts, or exclusive interviews. But you… just want an autograph?"
"Yes," she said, annoyed. "Not everyone is after something ridiculous. This would mean a lot to her."
Mordred exhaled through his nose, then reached for a notepad on the table. He picked up a pen, paused, then glanced at her.
"What's her name?"
"Donna."
He nodded and wrote something down before tearing off the page and handing it to her.
"Here."
Nevaeh took the paper, glancing at his neat signature. Beneath it, he had written:
"Happy Birthday, Donna. Hope your wish comes true. — Mordred"
Her chest warmed a little. It wasn't just a lazy signature—it was personal. Thoughtful.
"Thank you," she said sincerely.
Mordred shrugged. "It's nothing."
But as she turned to leave, he called out, stopping her in her tracks.
"Nevaeh."
She turned, meeting his gaze.
"Why do you never look at me the way other women do?" he asked, his voice almost… curious.
Nevaeh blinked. "What?"
"You never stare at me like you want something more." His eyes darkened slightly. "Like I'm some fantasy you want to touch."
Nevaeh frowned, tilting her head. "Because I don't."
Mordred studied her, his jaw tightening as if her answer had complicated something in his mind.
"Must be nice," he muttered under his breath.
Nevaeh didn't ask what he meant. Instead, she gave him a small nod and walked out, clutching the autograph in her hand.
What she didn't see was the way Mordred's gaze lingered on the door long after she left.
When Nevaeh finally got to her workspace, she exhaled deeply, leaning back in her chair.
"Finally… an autograph," she murmured to herself, staring at the piece of paper in her hands.
She had no idea why asking Mordred for it felt so intense, but she was relieved it was over.
Packing up for the day, she headed home, already anticipating Donna's reaction.
---
At home, the moment she stepped inside, Donna practically pounced on her.
"You got it?!" Donna's voice was high-pitched with excitement.
Nevaeh barely had time to nod before handing it over. The second Donna's eyes landed on the neat signature and personal message, she let out a dramatic gasp.
"Oh. My. God!" she shrieked. "I think—I think I'm gonna pass out!"
Lilly and Teresa, who were casually scrolling through their phones, immediately turned to look.
"Wait, let me see!" Lilly snatched the paper from Donna's hands, reading it aloud.
Teresa's eyes widened. "Are you serious? Mordred actually wrote that? He doesn't even write personal messages for his fans!"
"This is insane," Lilly added, holding the paper like it was a sacred treasure.
Nevaeh chuckled at their reactions. "It wasn't that big of a deal. I just asked."
"Not a big deal?!" Donna nearly shrieked. "Do you know how many people would kill for this?"
Lilly and Teresa exchanged glances, then turned to Nevaeh at the same time.
"We want one too," Teresa declared.
Nevaeh's mouth fell open. "Are you serious?"
Lilly nodded. "Dead serious."
"Guys, I barely managed to get one without feeling awkward. I can't just walk back up to him and—"
"Please!" Lilly clasped her hands together dramatically. "You don't understand, Nevaeh. This is Mordred! His autograph is like gold!"
Teresa smirked. "And you seem to have a special connection with him."
Nevaeh narrowed her eyes. "I do not."
Lilly folded her arms. "Then why did he sign it personally for Donna?"
"Because I asked nicely?" Nevaeh said defensively.
Her friends didn't look convinced.
"Come on, Nevaeh," Teresa pleaded. "It's just two more! Pretty please?!"
Nevaeh groaned, rubbing her forehead. She didn't want to go through that awkwardness again, but saying no to her friends felt impossible.
"Fine," she muttered.
The three girls let out a cheer, and Donna tackled her in a hug.
"You're the best, Nevaeh!"
As Nevaeh laughed, a small thought lingered in the back of her mind—was this really just about an autograph, or was she getting dragged into something much bigger than she expected?