I want to argue further, but they have a point. Still, the thought of not being there for Vivianne when she needs me most is unbearable.
As the team dives deeper into the plan, my attention drifts to Merlin. He studies the holographic display intently, his eyesdarting from one point to another. I know exactly what he's thinking.
The Swan.
When there's a lull in the conversation, I pull Merlin aside, keeping my voice low. "You can't go after the Swan."
"This might be our only chance." Merlin's eyes flick to mine, a hint of defiance in their depths.
"No." I cut him off sharply. "I'm not jeopardizing Vivianne's safety for a piece of jewelry."
"It's more than a piece of jewelry, and you know it." Merlin counters. "It's about justice. About righting old wrongs."
"This isn't the time or place. Let it go. Please." I shake my head, frustration bubbling up.
But as I look at the determination in his eyes—the same determination that's driven him for decades—my resolve weakens.
"It's our best chance. Besides, they've all but cut you out of getting Vivianne, and the big guy is right. You're too identifiable. You're no use there, but I could use you to get the Swan."
"Fine." The word comes out as a mutter, and I barely believe it's leaving my mouth. "But we do this smart. We can't risk the extraction."
"We need to find out where it's kept." Merlin nods, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Vivianne's seen it, hasn't she?"
"Yes." I nod slowly, the beginnings of a plan forming in my mind. "I'll need to get to her somehow. Either before or during the extraction."
As we rejoin the main group, Mitzy is going over the details of the security systems. Despite my earlier resistance, I pay close attention. Every bit of information could be crucial, not just for Vivianne's rescue, but for our own clandestine mission.
As the planning session continues, Mitzy frowns at the holographic display. "We still need to get final instructions toVivianne about the extraction. The bumblebee drones are great for simple messages, but for something this complex..."
My opening. "I can do it. I can get a message to her without raising suspicion." I may not be able to free her alone, but I can do this.
"It's risky. If you're spotted—" Sam raises an eyebrow, skeptical.
"I won't be." I cut him off. "This is what I do."
Forest and Sam exchange a look.
"Too risky." Forest mutters.
"Look, if I can slip into the Louvre, the Met, and the Musée d'Orsay without a hitch, I can get in and out of the Faulks estate without anyone knowing." I shake my head, leaning in. "I'm trusting you to get Vivianne out. You need to trust me when I say I can pull this off."
Besides, if Merlin and I are going after the Swan, we need the recon.
I meet their eyes, daring them to challenge me. This is what Merlin and I need—there's no way I'm backing down now.
"It could work. If you can get in, give Vivianne the details, and get out without being seen..." Forest nods slowly.
"Fine. Get in, deliver the message, get out. No heroics, no early extraction attempts. Understood?" Sam sighs, tone firm.
"Understood." I nod, my mind already working through how I'll ask Vivianne about the Swan.
"The estate's security system is top-of-the-line, but my bees can interfere with their cameras and sensors." Mitzy leans over the hologram, excitement gleaming in her eyes. "We'll have a small window, though—Faulks is paranoid, but there are gaps in their coverage." She highlights several spots on the map with quick, confident gestures, then looks up. "So did we agree on sending Paul in ahead of time?"
"Yes." I don't wait for them to change their minds.
"When?" Mitzy looks not at me but at Forest.
Watching them work, I'm struck by how fast they've put this plan together. I've spent years slipping in and out of places like the Louvre and the Met, replacing priceless paintings without a trace. What they've done in hours would have taken me months—if not longer.
