Chapter 23: The Azure Spire Heist

Chapter 23: The Azure Spire Heist

Silvia's POV

The city of Ravenspire never truly slept. Even in the early hours, the air buzzed with murmured deals, the clinking of glasses, and the distant hum of arcane generators powering the upper districts. Silvia stood atop the balcony of their safehouse, staring at the looming tower that was the Azure Spire.

A beacon of corporate power, it stretched into the sky, its sleek glass reflecting the artificial neon glow of the streets below. This was where their target—the data courier—would be tonight.

Dragon stepped up beside her, arms crossed, watching her in the dim light. "Getting cold feet?"

She scoffed, rolling her shoulders. "You wish."

A grin tugged at his lips. "Just checking. This is a high-risk job, even for us."

Silvia exhaled, gripping the balcony's rail. "I know. But if Echelon Corp is collecting people like me, I need to know why. If this data has any clue, I have to take the risk."

Dragon nodded. "Then let's get to work."

Infiltrating the Spire

The plan was simple—at least in theory. Silvia and Dragon would blend in with the wealthy patrons attending the Spire's private auctions, while Tarren's contacts caused a distraction near the entrance. Once inside, they would locate the courier, intercept the data, and get out before anyone realized what had happened.

Silvia adjusted the dark cloak wrapped around her shoulders, the elegant fabric hiding the lightweight armor she wore beneath. Dragon had opted for something flashier—a fitted black coat, polished boots, and his usual smirk of someone who belonged among the elite.

"You clean up well," Silvia muttered as they approached the entrance.

Dragon tilted his head. "You checking me out, Earthstar?"

She rolled her eyes. "I need to know who I'm dragging out if things go sideways."

They reached the grand doors, where two enforcers clad in sleek silver armor stood watch. A woman in a shimmering blue gown held a list, eyeing the line of guests waiting to be allowed inside.

Dragon stepped forward smoothly, handing over an invitation—courtesy of one of his many debts being cashed in.

The woman barely glanced at them before nodding. "Welcome to the Azure Spire."

They stepped inside, immediately greeted by the luxurious setting of the Spire's inner halls. Crystal chandeliers glowed with soft blue light, illuminating a ballroom filled with the city's most powerful figures. Nobles, corporate executives, and mercenaries all mingled, sipping expensive drinks while keeping their secrets close.

Silvia kept her voice low. "We find the courier, get the data, and leave. Quick and quiet."

Dragon smirked. "Of course. I'd never get us into unnecessary trouble."

She shot him a glare. "That's a lie."

The Target

Silvia scanned the room, focusing on the moving pieces of the night. Security was tight—guards positioned near exits, enforcers patrolling the upper floors. But among them was their target—a man dressed in a pristine white suit, a corporate insignia pinned to his lapel.

Dragon followed her gaze. "That's our guy."

Silvia nodded. "Time for phase two."

They moved through the crowd effortlessly, weaving between guests until they were close enough to overhear their target's conversation.

"…Shipment will arrive in two days," the courier was saying. "The next subject is being transported as we speak."

Silvia's pulse spiked. Next subject? Were they talking about another magic user?

Dragon leaned closer to her. "We need that data now."

She nodded, stepping forward with a forced smile. "Pardon me, gentlemen."

The courier turned, surprised at the interruption. "Yes?"

Silvia moved closer, keeping her voice light. "I couldn't help but overhear—your business sounds fascinating."

The courier straightened, clearly pleased at the attention. "Ah, well, it's not for everyone, but I specialize in high-value transfers."

Dragon stepped in, offering a charming smile. "High-value, you say? My associate and I are always looking for… exclusive opportunities."

The courier's eyes gleamed with interest. "Is that so?"

Silvia forced herself to play along. "Perhaps we could talk somewhere more private?"

The courier hesitated, then nodded. "I do enjoy a good business discussion. There's a lounge upstairs—quieter."

Perfect.

The Heist

The moment the door to the private lounge clicked shut, Silvia moved fast.

Before the courier could react, she slammed her palm against his chest, sending a pulse of controlled magic through his body. He gasped, collapsing into the chair behind him.

Dragon swiftly locked the door. "That was smooth."

Silvia ignored him, pulling a small device from her belt and connecting it to the courier's data pad. Numbers and files began transferring within seconds.

The courier groaned. "You—do you have any idea who you're stealing from?"

Silvia glared at him. "Oh, I have a pretty good idea."

Dragon leaned against the wall, watching the progress. "You might want to hurry. We don't have long."

Silvia glanced at the screen—72% complete. Almost there.

The courier smirked. "You're making a mistake."

Silvia clenched her jaw. "No, I'm fixing one."

The transfer hit 100% just as a loud bang echoed outside. The enforcers had noticed something was wrong.

Dragon sighed. "Why does this always happen?"

Silvia grabbed the device and shoved it into her pocket. "Because we're terrible at staying unnoticed."

The door burst open as enforcers stormed in.

Dragon lunged forward, his movements blurred with speed, disarming the first guard before flipping him over the table. Silvia unleashed a wave of fire at the second enforcer, sending him crashing into the shelves behind them.

"Exit?" Dragon asked between dodging attacks.

Silvia pointed toward the window. "We jump."

Dragon laughed. "I love your plans."

They both leapt from the balcony, crashing through a lower rooftop before rolling onto the streets below.

The sounds of shouting and alarms echoed above them, but the streets were crowded, giving them just enough cover to disappear into the chaos.

Silvia panted, tucking the stolen data safely beneath her cloak. "We got it."

Dragon grinned, brushing dust from his coat. "Told you it would be fun."

Silvia groaned. "Let's get out of here before I regret this."

As they slipped into the night, she couldn't shake the feeling that what they had just stolen was only the beginning of something much, much bigger.