diff --git a/lib/server/middlewareButNotReally/storyCheck.ts b/lib/server/middlewareButNotReally/storyCheck.ts
index cb42b0a..0b4eb4d 100644
--- a/lib/server/middlewareButNotReally/storyCheck.ts
+++ b/lib/server/middlewareButNotReally/storyCheck.ts
@@ -9,15 +9,17 @@ export default async function (
 	idx: number,
 ) {
 	let ret: any = {};
-	if (story.ficmas != null) {
+	if (!story) {
+		ret.statusCode = 404;
+		ret.message = messages[404];
+	} else if (story.ficmas != null) {
 		if (isFicmasHidden(story)) {
 			ret = {
 				statusCode: 423,
 				message: `TOP SECRET! This story is part of an ongoing challenge. You'll be able to read it after the challenge's reveal date.`,
 			};
 		}
-	}
-	if (
+	} else if (
 		story.chapters[idx]?.hidden &&
 		event.context.currentUser?._id !== story.author._id &&
 		!event.context.currentUser?.profile.isAdmin