Chapter 14 : A Gamble with Fire

**Chapter 14: A Gamble with Fate**

Alina barely had time to catch her breath before Rowan dramatically threw himself onto a pile of cushions in their temporary lodging.

"I am *never* drinking again," he groaned. "That was the worst bet I have ever lost."

Cassian smirked. "You say that every time."

Kael, leaning casually against the doorframe, watched them with amusement. "While you were losing your dignity, we were gaining enemies."

Alina crossed her arms. "And possibly an artifact in my magical space that everyone suddenly wants."

Rowan groaned again. "Can't we ever just have a *normal* day?"

Kael chuckled. "With you? Unlikely."

---

### **The Rogue Returns… Again**

Just as Alina was about to summon the artifact to examine it, a knock sounded at the door. Everyone tensed.

Cassian drew his sword, Rowan rolled off the cushions (rather ungracefully), and Kael's expression turned deadly.

Alina cautiously opened the door. To absolutely *no one's* surprise, the rogue thief stood there, grinning like he had just won a prize.

"Miss me?" he drawled.

Alina sighed. "You ran off and left us to deal with assassins. Why *would* we miss you?"

The rogue shrugged. "Tactical retreat. Anyway, I have information for you."

Kael stepped forward. "Why would we trust you?"

The rogue smirked. "Because the alternative is dying very, very soon."

---

### **A Risky Plan**

The rogue—who finally introduced himself as Sylas—revealed that the artifact in Alina's magical space wasn't just a valuable relic; it was a key.

"A key to what?" Cassian asked.

Sylas grinned. "To the Vault of Echoes. An ancient treasury hidden beneath the city. Supposedly, it holds enough wealth to fund an empire—and secrets powerful enough to destroy one."

Rowan let out a low whistle. "Well, that explains why everyone wants it."

Alina frowned. "How do *you* know about this?"

Sylas winked. "I make it my business to know things. Now, I propose a deal. We work together to unlock the vault, split the treasures, and survive the inevitable chaos that follows."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "And what's stopping us from just taking the key and doing it ourselves?"

Sylas's smirk widened. "Because you don't know where the vault is. But I do."

---

### **Breaking In**

After much (hilarious) bickering, Alina and her team reluctantly agreed to work with Sylas. The next night, under the cover of darkness, they snuck into the underground ruins where the vault was hidden.

"Are you *sure* this is the right place?" Alina whispered as they crept through the shadows.

"Trust me," Sylas said.

"That's a bold request coming from you," Cassian muttered.

They reached an ancient stone door covered in glowing inscriptions. Alina pressed her palm against the key symbol, and the artifact pulsed with energy. The door shuddered before slowly creaking open.

"Well," Rowan muttered. "No turning back now."

---

### **Treasure, Traps, and Trouble**

The vault was magnificent. Golden artifacts, enchanted relics, and ancient scrolls were piled high.

"I have *never* seen so much wealth in my life," Rowan whispered in awe.

Kael, however, was focused on something else. "Be careful. There's always a catch."

As if on cue, the ground rumbled. Suddenly, stone guardians came to life, their eyes glowing ominously.

"Why did you have to say something?!" Alina groaned as they drew their weapons.

The battle that ensued was chaotic, filled with dodging, spellcasting, and Sylas running around trying *not* to die. Rowan somehow managed to make one of the guardians trip over itself, which sent Sylas into a fit of laughter mid-fight.

"You *planned* that, didn't you?" Alina accused.

Rowan grinned. "I *wish* I was that clever!"

---

### **An Unexpected Escape**

After a frantic battle and barely escaping with their lives, they managed to secure a few treasures—including a mysterious book with glowing symbols.

"This looks important," Alina muttered, flipping through the pages.

Sylas peered over her shoulder. "Oh, you have *no* idea."

Before he could explain, alarms blared throughout the ruins.

Kael sighed. "Time to run again."

And so, with assassins likely still hunting them, guardians chasing them, and Sylas laughing at their predicament, they ran for their lives—yet again.

"Next time, let's just go to a *normal* festival," Rowan panted.

Alina rolled her eyes. "Like that would ever happen."

Their adventure had only just begun.

** A Storm Named Zephyr**

The dust had barely settled from their narrow escape when Alina found herself face to face with an old complication—a complication that smirked, flipped his silver hair, and greeted her like they hadn't parted under chaotic circumstances.

Zephyr had returned.

"Miss me?" he drawled, lounging against a crumbling pillar with an air of nonchalance. His golden eyes twinkled with mischief.

Alina groaned. "Of all the times…"

Rowan whistled low. "Well, well, if it isn't the walking disaster himself."

Cassian crossed his arms. "What do *you* want, Zephyr?"

Zephyr grinned, stepping forward with a dramatic flourish. "Business, pleasure, perhaps a bit of both. I heard you were getting into trouble again. Naturally, I had to come see for myself."

Kael's jaw clenched as he eyed Zephyr with barely concealed irritation. "We don't have time for your games."

Sylas, who had been silent up until this moment, raised an eyebrow. "And who is *this* charmer? Another one of Alina's admirers?"

Zephyr chuckled. "Oh, I *like* him. He's sharp."

Alina sighed. "Enough introductions. Zephyr, if you have a point, get to it."

---

### **Trouble, as Usual**

Zephyr sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. I came with a warning. That artifact you so boldly snatched? You're not the only one interested in it. And let's just say the *next* group after you won't be as… polite as the last."

Kael frowned. "Who?"

Zephyr smirked. "Ever heard of the Phantom Syndicate?"

Cassian tensed. "You're joking."

"I wish I were," Zephyr said. "They want that artifact, and they want it badly. You've made quite the stir."

Alina groaned, rubbing her temples. "Of course we have."

Rowan leaned in. "And *you*? Are you here to help or make things worse?"

Zephyr placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "I would *never* make things worse." He grinned. "But I *will* help—for a price."

Kael's glare could have melted steel. "What do you want?"

Zephyr's golden eyes flicked to Alina. "Oh, nothing too extravagant. Just… a dance."

Alina blinked. "Excuse me?"

"A dance," Zephyr repeated smoothly. "One waltz. In return, I'll give you the Syndicate's next move."

Cassian muttered under his breath, "Unbelievable."

Rowan nudged Alina. "Well, boss? Do you accept?"

---

### **Dancing with Trouble**

Despite herself, Alina found herself standing in the middle of the abandoned ballroom of the ruins, Zephyr leading her in an impromptu waltz.

"You're ridiculous," she muttered.

Zephyr smiled. "And yet, here you are."

He twirled her, the moonlight casting shadows across the stone floor. Kael watched from the sidelines, arms crossed tightly, expression unreadable.

"Alright," Alina said. "You got your dance. Now talk."

Zephyr sighed. "Fine. The Phantom Syndicate is sending a team to intercept you at the northern docks tomorrow night. Their leader, Veyron, is ruthless. You won't get away so easily this time."

Kael stepped forward. "And why help us? What's in it for you?"

Zephyr smirked. "Let's just say I have my own reasons."

---

### **An Unlikely Alliance**

Despite the warnings, Alina's team had no choice but to prepare for the inevitable confrontation. And, against Kael's many protests, Zephyr was now tagging along.

"Oh, come now," Zephyr teased as they readied their weapons. "A little extra firepower never hurt."

Kael looked like he wanted to launch Zephyr off a cliff.

Rowan sighed. "This is either going to be a disaster… or the most entertaining thing I've seen in a while."

Alina, rubbing her temples, muttered, "Probably both."

And with that, they set out—toward yet another adventure