hunted

The night air was sharp and cold as they emerged from the tunnels into the lower district of Skydale. The sky above them was thick with rolling storm clouds, the eerie glow of Aetherion casting ghostly blue light through the mist that clung to the floating city.

Aurelia's heart pounded as she glanced over her shoulder. The Skyguards wouldn't be far behind. The only reason they had made it out of the vault alive was Caius' blast of Aetherion—and luck. But luck wouldn't last forever.

Zephyr pulled his hood up, keeping his face shadowed. "Alright, I hate to be the voice of panic, but we are very wanted criminals now."

Aurelia shot him a look. "We were already wanted criminals."

"Yes, but before it was for minor things—petty theft, trespassing, general roguish charm. Now? Now, we're the people who broke into a classified government vault, assaulted Skyguards, and uncovered a conspiracy that might get the entire floating city destroyed." He grinned, but there was tension in his voice. "We're officially big-time criminals."

Caius adjusted his cloak, his noble attire now caked with dust from their escape. "If the Skyguards know, my family knows."

Aurelia nodded grimly. "Then we don't have time to waste."

The streets were emptier than usual, the storm keeping most people inside. They moved quickly through the shadows, sticking close to the alleys. Their plan had been to find shelter in the underground network of rebels who operated beneath Skydale, but now, with a traitor in their midst, Aurelia wasn't sure if they could trust anyone.

Caius must have been thinking the same thing because he finally asked, "Who do you think betrayed us?"

Aurelia clenched her jaw. "It has to be someone high up. Someone with access to both the Skyguards and the council."

Zephyr exhaled. "Well, that narrows it down to half the city."

"We don't have half the city to work with," Caius muttered. "We need a name."

Aurelia slowed her pace, her mind racing. There was only one person who could confirm their suspicions.

"Lady Seraphina."

Caius stopped in his tracks. "Absolutely not."

Zephyr frowned. "Wait. Isn't that the charming, terrifying noblewoman who would sell her own mother if it meant securing power?"

Aurelia smirked. "That's the one."

Caius shook his head. "She's dangerous."

"She's also our best lead," Aurelia shot back. "Seraphina has eyes and ears everywhere. If someone in the nobility sold us out, she'll know who."

Zephyr crossed his arms. "And what, exactly, is the plan? Walk into her estate, knock on the door, and say, 'Hello, your ladyship, would you mind telling us who wants us dead?'"

Aurelia smirked. "Something like that."

Zephyr groaned. "I hate this plan."

Caius sighed. "You and me both."

But there was no other choice.

Seraphina's Web

Seraphina Marlowe's estate was one of the most secure in Skydale. Situated near the council's central tower, it was protected by both physical guards and layers of magical security. Getting inside was not going to be easy.

Luckily, breaking into places they weren't supposed to be was Zephyr's specialty.

Aurelia, Caius, and Zephyr crouched in the shadows just beyond the estate's outer walls. The courtyard was lined with crystalline lanterns that pulsed with soft Aetherion light, illuminating the garden paths where noble guests often walked. The guards were stationed in pairs, patrolling at a steady rhythm.

Zephyr studied them, his eyes sharp in the darkness. "Alright, I count at least six guards at the entrance, and probably more inside. Any bright ideas?"

Caius sighed. "We could ask for an audience."

Zephyr snorted. "Oh yes, that sounds like a brilliant idea. 'Hello, Lady Seraphina, please let us in, we only want to discuss high treason and mass extinction.'"

Aurelia ignored them both. Her eyes were on the second-floor balcony, where an ornate window stood slightly ajar. "We go in through there."

Zephyr followed her gaze and grinned. "Now that's more my style."

Caius muttered something about how ridiculous this was, but he followed anyway.

Zephyr led the way, climbing the trellis along the wall with practiced ease. Aurelia followed close behind, her muscles burning as she hoisted herself up. Caius, though less experienced in this kind of infiltration, managed to keep up—though he cursed under his breath more than once.

They reached the balcony without incident. Zephyr knelt by the window, pulling a small set of tools from his belt. "Give me a second," he murmured.

Aurelia turned to Caius. "Try not to look so noble."

He glared. "I am noble."

Zephyr chuckled as the window latch clicked open. "Well, your highness, welcome to the world of crime."

They slipped inside, landing softly on the plush carpet of a dimly lit study. Bookshelves lined the walls, and a large desk sat in the center, covered in parchment and sealed letters. The room smelled of ink and aged paper.

Caius exhaled. "Alright. We're in."

Zephyr grinned. "Now, let's find out who wants us dead."

The Deal with the Devil

It didn't take long to find what they were looking for.

Among the scattered documents on Seraphina's desk was a letter—an official summons from the Skyguard Commander. The message was clear:

Intercept the intruders at the vault. Capture them alive if possible. Kill them if necessary.

The signature at the bottom made Aurelia's blood turn to ice.

Lord Hadrian Vaelen.

Caius stared at the name in silence.

His father.

Zephyr let out a low whistle. "Well, that's awkward."

Aurelia studied Caius' expression. "Did you know?"

Caius' hands curled into fists. "No." His voice was tight, barely controlled. "But I should have."

Aurelia placed the letter down. "That means the council does know. They've been hiding the truth about Aetherion for who knows how long."

"And they'll do anything to keep it secret," Zephyr added.

Before they could say anything else, the door creaked open.

Lady Seraphina stepped inside, her silk gown trailing behind her. She regarded them with the cool amusement of a cat watching mice scurry through a trap.

"Well," she purred, "I can't say I expected all of you, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't entertained."

Zephyr sighed. "Oh, fantastic."

Caius turned to face her fully. "Did you betray us?"

Seraphina smiled. "No, darling. But I did expect you to get caught." She walked gracefully to her desk, lifting the letter between two fingers. "Your father has been very busy, Caius."

Aurelia stepped forward. "What do you know?"

Seraphina tilted her head. "I know that the council has been lying for centuries. I know that the Aetherion reserves are depleting, and the floating cities will fall if nothing is done." She leaned closer. "And I know that you are now Skydale's most wanted fugitives."

Caius held her gaze. "Then help us."

Seraphina's smile widened. "Oh, dear prince, you know I love a good bargain. But what could you possibly offer me?"

The room fell silent.

Zephyr muttered under his breath. "I really hate this plan"