A thunderstorm raged outside, lightning slicing through the dark clouds, thunder shaking the castle walls. Ki yawned as he stepped out of his room, spotting Septh moving down the hallway. Her expression was brooding, and she didn't respond to his greeting. Scratching his head, Ki watched her pass, then turned toward Zephyr's room.
Septh went straight to the library, grabbing The Lore of Summons and Cycle of Devil. Buried in the books, she whispered to herself, "I have to find the answer," as lightning flashed, illuminating the shelves in stark, brief bursts.
Meanwhile, a stranger ran through the rain-soaked streets, stopping outside the bar where Ki and the others had met. Inside, tension hung thick in the air. The bartender, a bald man with an imposing presence, poured a beer for him.
"They've crossed the border of Spade and Club. Now we just need the King's order," the stranger reported.
The bartender's eyes narrowed. "And the three?"
A female voice echoed from the shadows. "One of them is already compromised," Hannah said, stepping into the dim light. "It's only a matter of time before she realizes it."
The bartender's deep voice rumbled. "And the other two?"
"They're under my watch," the stranger replied. "The princess will help."
"Sophie?" The bartender frowned, concerned. Lightning flashed, briefly illuminating his worried face. "What does she have to do with this?"
"She has a weakness," Hannah said. "I've noticed how she looks at Zephyr. She'll cooperate—unwittingly."
The bartender hesitated. "What if she reports this? To her father, or Clayman?"
Hannah's expression was calm. "Zephyr's fate is in her hands. She can either remain a pawn or choose freedom. And she doesn't yet know who's manipulating the pieces. Even if she tries to speak, it changes nothing."
The stranger rose, finishing his beer. "Don't worry. We'll handle the rest."
Lightning struck again, casting long, jagged shadows across the room as Hannah closed her eyes, thinking. "Stick to the plan," she murmured, watching the storm outside, unaware of how close the dark plots were to colliding.