Camilla went next, then Vincenzo, then me. Each of us passed without issue—until they got to Dorian.
The device hesitated, its glow flickering before turning red.
“Step aside,” the guard barked, narrowing his eyes.
Dorian raised his hands, his signature grin in place. “Whoa, no need to get excited. Must be a glitch in your fancy gadget.”
“Quiet,” the guard snapped, gesturing for a second guard to approach.
My heart pounded as I felt my control over the illusion waver. I couldn’t hold it much longer.
Vincenzo stepped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over both guards. “Is there a problem?” he rumbled.
The guards exchanged a glance before the second one spoke. “It’s fine. Just a glitch,” he said, reluctantly waving Dorian through.
“See?” Dorian said, sauntering forward. “Told you. Technology, am I right?”
I blew out a breath as we boarded the ferry. Once we were out of sight of the guards, I dropped the illusion, staggering slightly as the effort caught up with me.
“Shadow, you look like shit,” Dorian said.
I braced myself against the railing. “Thanks for the observation.”
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Camilla said. “You’re running on fumes.”
I ignored her, my focus shifting to the island in the distance. The jagged cliffs rose from the water like teeth. The palace perched atop them was a gleaming beacon of menacing beauty.
The ferry ride felt like an eternity, the rhythmic rocking of the boat doing little to calm my nerves. The bond with Vivian was a fragile thread stretched too thin, but it was still there. It was the only thing keeping me upright.
The ferry docked, and we stepped off into the chaos of the Tide Market.
The market was a sprawling labyrinth of stone terraces that descended toward the waves. Every available space was crammed with stalls carrying mystical items—enchanted jewelry, forbidden potions, artifacts emanating dark energy. The voices of merchants and buyers blended into a cacophony of bartering and deal-making.
Sirens with hauntingly beautiful faces peddled enchanted shells that played faint melodies. Fae vendors displayed elixirs in glowing vials, their vibrant colors almost hypnotic. Shifters with sharp eyes and quick hands bartered rare ingredients.
The air smelled of sea salt and damp earth, mingling with a metallic tang from enchanted weapons on display. It should have been fascinating, but I couldn’t focus on any of it. All I could think of was Vivian.
Camilla took the lead, guiding us through the chaos. “Keep moving.”
As I followed her, I scanned the crowd for any sign of danger. The Tide Market was a hive of activity, but beneath the bustling surface was a palpable undercurrent of tension. Everyone here had secrets, and none of them were innocent.
“This place gives me the fucking creeps,” Dorian muttered, his hand hovering near the hilt of his blade.
“Good,” Vincenzo said. “That means you’ll stay sharp.”
The palace’s crystalline domes reflected the fading light of the day, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the jagged cliffs.
“Almost there,” Camilla said, glancing back at me.
Her words were meant to be reassuring, but they only tightened the knot in my chest. I needed to see Vivian. I needed to know she was safe.
The bond pulsed, and I clenched my fists, my determination hardening.
Every step closer to the palace was a battle against myself. My illusions, once effortless and precise, were now fragile things held together by sheer will. Each second felt like an eternity, the strain gnawing at what little magic I had left. My muscles ached from the effort of maintaining our disguises.
Camilla stopped abruptly, turning to face us. Her sharp gaze swept over the group. “This place is going to be crawling with guards. Like all mafia lord homes, this one will be heavily fortified. Every corner will be covered, every entry watched. We won’t be able to waltz in unnoticed. And if we’re discovered, Izo will fucking delight in torturing us to within an inch of our lives.”
“We’ll give it our best damn shot,” I said through gritted teeth.
