Chapter 21: The Heist Before the Hunt

Jarek was really starting to regret this deal.

Breaking into a royal treasury wasn't just dumb—it was suicidal.

But they needed Tobias's help. And Tobias, being the infuriating man that he was, had them wrapped around his finger.

Jarek sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, Tobias. Why the hell do you need us to steal from the royal treasury?"

Tobias grinned, propping his feet up on the table. "Oh, nothing too crazy. Just a little something that belongs to me."

Lena narrowed her eyes. "You had something in a royal vault?"

Tobias chuckled. "Had, yes. Have, no. Some noble decided to confiscate it."

Jarek exhaled. "And what exactly are we stealing?"

Tobias's grin widened. "An amulet."

Jarek blinked. "An amulet?"

Tobias nodded. "A very special one."

Sylva, who had been quiet up until now, leaned forward. "Special how?"

Tobias twirled a gold coin between his fingers. "Let's just say… it's the key to a very old secret."

Jarek crossed his arms. "And let me guess—it also happens to be heavily guarded."

Tobias laughed. "Oh, absolutely."

Lena groaned. "I hate you."

Tobias winked. "You're not the first to say that, love."

Jarek sighed. "Fine. Where is this amulet?"

Tobias's smirk faded slightly. "The Crown Vault."

The table went silent.

Jarek swore.

Lena cursed.

Sylva grinned.

The Crown Vault was one of the most secure places in the kingdom. It was where nobles kept their most valuable treasures—artifacts, enchanted relics, and enough gold to drown a city in luxury.

Breaking in would be nearly impossible.

Jarek exhaled. "You do realize this is insane, right?"

Tobias shrugged. "A little insanity keeps things interesting."

Sylva smirked. "I like him more and more."

Lena shot her a glare. "That makes one of us."

Jarek shook his head. "Fine. Let's hear the plan."

The Plan

They sat in the dimly lit backroom of the casino, hunched over a map of the royal palace.

Tobias tapped a spot near the eastern wing. "The Crown Vault is here—beneath the palace. Heavily guarded. Magically sealed. And only accessible to high-ranking nobles."

Jarek groaned. "Fantastic. Just fantastic."

Lena frowned. "And how do we get in?"

Tobias grinned. "That's where things get fun. There's a ball happening tomorrow night—a very exclusive one. The perfect distraction."

Sylva raised an eyebrow. "You want us to sneak in during a royal event?"

Tobias winked. "Exactly."

Jarek rubbed his face. "This is the worst idea I've ever agreed to."

Lena crossed her arms. "You say that a lot."

"Because people keep giving me worse ideas!"

Sylva chuckled. "I'm in."

Jarek shot her a look. "You like breaking into death traps."

Sylva smirked. "Obviously."

Lena sighed. "Fine. What's the plan?"

Tobias leaned in. "Step one: We need invitations."

Jarek frowned. "And where do we get those?"

Tobias grinned. "I might know a noble who owes me a favor."

Jarek sighed. "I already hate this."

Step One: The Invitations

Getting into a royal ball required status, reputation, and an air of nobility.

Jarek had none of those things.

Which was why they were currently sitting in Lady Mirielle's lavish estate, pretending to be refined guests instead of criminals planning a heist.

Lady Mirielle, a sharp-eyed noblewoman with a fondness for gambling and dangerously high debts, sipped her wine as she studied Tobias.

"You do realize you're asking for something impossible?" she mused.

Tobias smiled. "Impossible? No. Difficult? Maybe."

Lady Mirielle smirked. "And why, exactly, should I help you?"

Tobias leaned forward. "Because if you do, I erase your debt to me."

The room went silent.

Lady Mirielle raised an eyebrow. "You erase my debt?"

Tobias shrugged. "Consider it a gift."

Lady Mirielle stared at him for a long moment.

Then she laughed.

"You must be desperate."

Jarek groaned. "You have no idea."

Lady Mirielle sipped her wine, then finally sighed. "Fine. You'll have your invitations."

Tobias grinned. "Knew I could count on you, love."

Lady Mirielle smirked. "Don't push your luck."

Step Two: The Entry

The next night, Jarek stood in the entrance of the royal ballroom, dressed in the most uncomfortable noble attire he had ever worn.

His coat was stiff, his boots were polished to perfection, and his sword was hidden beneath layers of unnecessary fabric.

Lena stood beside him, dressed in an elegant red gown, though her expression screamed I'd rather be stabbing someone.

Sylva, for once, looked almost refined—her usual assassin's attire swapped for a sleek black dress that still somehow looked menacing.

Jarek adjusted his collar. "Remind me why we're doing this again?"

Lena sighed. "Because you're an idiot."

Sylva smirked. "And because it's fun."

Tobias, now dressed in a regal-looking outfit that definitely wasn't his, grinned. "Come now, team. We're nobles tonight!"

Jarek groaned. "This is going to be a disaster."

They stepped into the ballroom.

Music played. Guests danced. Laughter and conversation filled the air.

Beneath all of it, guards watched from every corner.

Jarek took a deep breath.

This was it.

The heist had begun.