The pressure in my chest had been a constant companion since Cassius left. Two days. Only two days, and the world was already unraveling faster than I could stitch it back together. I balled my hands into fists on the tabletop, the strain turning my knuckles a bloodless white. I had nothing. No leads, no plan, just a hollow, gnawing helplessness.

Amelia’s voice sliced through the fog of my thoughts, sharp with concern. “Thalia?”

My gaze dragged upward to meet hers. Her brow, usually so smooth, was a knot of worry. “Are you alright?”

I blinked, forcing the room back into focus. “Fine,” I lied, the word feeling brittle on my tongue. “Sorry, Amelia. You were saying?”

She leaned forward, her voice dropping to a low, urgent murmur. “The coin holders. They hit a snag in the underground last night.”

The haze vanished, replaced by ice-cold focus. “What happened?”

“Their companion, Liora—she’s a healer. Someone was badly burned, and she saved them.” Amelia paused, her eyes dark with the implication. “She’s missing now.”

Frustration flared, hot and sharp. “Fools,” I hissed, the word escaping before I could stop it. “Any magic in the deep tunnels is a death sentence. Healing is a signed confession.”

“They knew the risk,” Amelia countered, her tone soft but firm. “But if it were you, Thalia… if you were watching an innocent burn, could you have simply walked away?”

The question struck home, deflating my anger. “No,” I admitted, the single word heavy with self-reproach. “I couldn’t leave them to their fate.”

“So,” she pressed, her gaze searching mine, “what does your instinct tell you? Who took her?”

“The Crescent Moon Guild,” I said. I leaned back in my chair, the chair groaning in protest. “It’s their most profitable venture. And my father has always enjoyed window shopping when he needs a new asset.” I rubbed my temples, chasing the familiar ghost of a headache. I forced my mind back, sifting through the phantom archives of a life I hadn’t lived… not this time. Gilded masks. The scent of cloying perfume and expensive wine. Hushed whispers behind velvet curtains…

The memory slammed into me with the force of a physical blow.

My eyes snapped open. “The auctions,” I breathed. “Amelia, they hold private auctions for the nobility at the Crescent Moon Theater.”

A grim, knowing smile touched her lips. “You’re right. And there’s one scheduled for tonight.”

“Get the group ready,” I commanded, the helplessness I felt moments ago transmuting into cold, hard purpose. “I want them at that theater. They are to be our eyes and ears, nothing more. Their objective is to locate Liora.”

“Consider it done.” Amelia’s demeanor shifted, her concern replaced by the crisp efficiency of a commander. “What’s the rest of the strategy?”

“First, I contact Cassius. I need him to bring a contingent of elves—fifteen, at least. Fully armored and ready for a fight.”

Amelia’s practical nature flared. “That’s a small war party. How do you plan on marching them through the city gates?”

“We won’t,” I said, a chilling calm settling over me. “They won’t be using the gates. We need a diversion.”

“What kind of diversion?” The worry was back in her voice, a taut line around her mouth.

“I’m going to start a fire.”

Amelia’s breath caught. “A fire? Thalia, you can’t be serious. Within the city walls?” The question was laced with a thread of panic.

“The South Ward,” I explained, the map of the city already clear in my mind’s eye. “It’s full of vacant buildings. I can set a blaze that will draw every guard in the district without endangering a single soul.” I met her gaze, my own unwavering. “I’ll ensure they’re rebuilt, of course. A small price for the city to pay for its own salvation.”

She gave a slow, deliberate nod. “And the elves?”

My thoughts drifted to the dilapidated restaurant, to the desperate woman. I hoped she and the others had found their way to safety. “I’ll open a portal directly into the abandoned restaurant ,” I said, my decision solidifying. “It’s secure and far from prying eyes.”

Amelia’s jaw tightened with resolve. “I’m coming with you.” Her voice was quiet but absolute.

A faint smile touched my lips. “I never assumed otherwise. You’ll help me lead the elves to the theater. For now, I don’t want to meet with the main group.”

She understood immediately. “You’re still a ghost. It’s smart. They’ll see you when the time is right.”

My smile sharpened, all raw determination. “This is it,” I murmured, the words a vow to myself. “No more reacting. This single move will cripple the Guild and weaken both my father and Blair.”

“It will,” Amelia agreed, “but they’ll have questions for you afterward. Even if you aren’t a suspect, they’ll want to know your whereabouts.”

“I know. I’m going to the Library first. I’ll make sure as many maids as possible see me. Then I’ll portal to my room and meet you back here.”

Amelia rose, a soldier ready for her orders. “I’ll brief the others. What time?”

“Five o’clock. Be here.”

“I will.” With a final nod, she was gone.

Alone, I pulled the crystal communication sphere from my pocket. It felt cool and heavy in my palm as I placed it on the desk. “Call Cassius,” I commanded.

The sphere pulsed with a soft, inner light. The air before me shimmered, coalescing into the image of Cassius, clear as if he stood in the room.

“Thalia,” he greeted, the corner of his mouth lifting in a warm smile. 

“How is everyone?”

“They are well,” he confirmed, but his smile vanished, replaced by an expression of keen perception. “The shadows under your eyes have grown. What has happened?”

I let out a breath. “One of the coin holders companions was taken by the Guild last night. I’ve made a decision.” I met his gaze, letting him see the conviction there. “It’s time. We’re dismantling the Crescent Moon tonight and starting the real war against my father and Blair.”

Cassius was perfectly still, his image hardening. The faint shimmer of the projection did nothing to soften the steel that entered his voice. “What do you need?”

“Elves. Ten or fifteen, in full battle armor. We’re moving in the shadows tonight, and we’re ending this.”

He didn’t hesitate. “They are yours. Name the time and place.”

“Be ready at half-past five. I’ll open a gateway on the training grounds.”

A shadow of a smile returned to his lips,.”Anything you ask, Thalia. It will be done.”

Relief washed over me, a welcome tide against the shore of my anxiety. “Thank you, Cassius.”

“Always,” he replied, his expression turning serious once more. “I must go. There are elves to brief.”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

His image dissolved into motes of fading light, leaving me in the sudden, profound silence of the room. My gaze drifted to the time piece. Two o’clock. Only three hours left.