Dawn broke over Azure Bay with a wash of grey light, the sky heavy with the promise of rain. The city stirred to life, unaware of the battle that was about to unfold. Street vendors called out their morning wares, children’s laughter echoed from the cobblestone streets, and the city’s heartbeat continued as if nothing had changed. But beneath that facade, every shadow and every whisper told a different story.

Sebastian and Aria met in the workshop just as the morning fog began to dissipate, its damp tendrils giving way to the clear sky above. Evelyn was already there, her eyes focused on the map laid out in front of her, the lines drawn in charcoal now smudged from her anxious fingers.

“We have to move before they do,” Evelyn said, breaking the silence as she looked up. Her voice was urgent but controlled, a steady flame in the storm of uncertainty. “If we wait too long, it will be too late.”

Aria met Sebastian’s gaze. The memory of the night they’d spent preparing for this moment was still fresh in her mind. They’d trained, strategized, and kept their nerves in check, but now, the gravity of what they were about to do pressed down on her. This wasn’t just a fight for Samuel; this was a battle for the future of Azure Bay.

Sebastian nodded, determination hardening his features. “We’re ready. We’ll strike at the market tonight, and when the Underkeep comes, they’ll find more than they bargained for.”

Evelyn’s eyes softened at the sight of him. “Be careful, Sebastian. We’re not just fighting for Samuel now. We’re fighting for everything.”

A sharp knock at the door broke the moment. Aria’s heart clenched as she exchanged a glance with Sebastian. Who could it be at this hour? Evelyn crossed the room in swift, measured steps and opened the door to reveal a young man, no older than twenty, with dark hair and eyes that darted around nervously.

“I was told to come here,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “My name is Taron. I have information.”

Evelyn’s eyes narrowed, her posture shifting to one of guarded interest. “Come in. Quickly.”

Taron entered, his eyes flitting between Aria, Sebastian, and Evelyn. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. “I’ve been working under the Underkeep for a year. They know Sebastian is here. They’re preparing to capture him as soon as he makes his move. But there’s more. They’re planning a diversion tonight at the main square to lure you out.”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched as he exchanged a quick look with Aria. “So, they know,” he muttered. “But we can’t back down now.”

Evelyn stepped forward. “What else?” she pressed.

Taron hesitated, the weight of his knowledge hanging heavily between them. “They’ve brought in a special agent—someone who doesn’t just hunt but executes. Her name is Sable, and she’s known for leaving no trace. If she finds you, you won’t get a second chance.”

The room grew colder, the weight of this revelation pressing down on Aria like an invisible hand. Sable. The name alone carried a threat that no one could ignore.

“Then we need to get to the market before they do,” Evelyn said, her voice dropping to a whisper. “We’ll turn the tables on them. Taron, you’ll help us coordinate the ambush. We’ll need eyes on every exit.”

Taron nodded, his eyes shining with determination. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Sebastian placed a hand on Aria’s shoulder, his touch grounding her. “Stay close to me tonight. No matter what happens, we’re in this together.”

Aria’s voice caught in her throat as she nodded, her heart hammering in her chest. “Together.”

As night fell over Azure Bay, the city’s streets became a maze of shadows and muted lights. The market was buzzing with activity, the scent of spices and roasted meat mingling with the tension that thickened the air. The stalls, usually bright with colour and life, were now guarded by men whose eyes darted nervously, their hands never far from their weapons.

Sebastian, Aria, and Evelyn moved through the crowd, their presence a careful blend of inconspicuousness and quiet power. Taron and his network were positioned in key spots, waiting for the signal. Every moment was a fragile thread, each second a battle against the storm that was about to break.

Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out, followed by the clatter of metal. A group of Underkeep agents emerged from an alley, their eyes scanning the crowd. The chaos of the market erupted as people scrambled, screams and shouts adding to the din. Aria’s heart leapt as she saw Sable step forward, her figure tall and imposing, dressed in black with a cloak that shimmered like ink. She moved with the grace of a predator, eyes cold and unyielding.

“It’s time,” Evelyn whispered, her voice almost lost in the clamour.

Sebastian took one last glance at Aria before stepping forward. The plan was simple: lead them away from the main square, separate the agents, and strike when they were vulnerable. But with Sable in the mix, even the best-laid plans could fall apart.

“Go,” Sebastian said, eyes locked on hers. “And don’t stop running until I say.”

The words barely had time to register before Sable’s gaze met Aria’s. The agent’s expression shifted, a smirk playing on her lips as she realized the game had begun.