Scarlet would scout the castle’s northern exit, watching for gaps in the guard rotations during shift changes. Rhodes and Nash would take a position at the terrace Shayde likely used for entry—if Wylder was right, it was an old, abandoned part of the castle. Quiet. Forgotten. Perfect.
And me? I’d hover near the earth-wielders’ training grounds—the same place I used to blend in with the cadets. Familiar ground, but risky all the same.
Scarlet and I could communicate through themarekem, and she could pass messages to Wylder through their dragons. That left Nash as the only one without a direct line—which was exactly why he was paired with Rhodes.
If anything went wrong… we’d improvise. For now, all we could do was trust the plan—and each other.
“There’s no way we’re getting in through the earth-wielding exit,” I said, keeping my voice low. “Two guards at every door, and River sensed even more inside the walls. That’s why I’ve been lying low here, waiting for Scarlet’s update.”
“That’s why I’m here,” Nash replied. “Scarlet couldn’t reach you through themarekem, so she’s on her way to Rhodes.”
My brows furrowed. I reached out instinctively along themarekem. The connection still felt open, which made no sense as to why she couldn’t access it.
“The Sanctuary’s exit has doubled its guard,” Nash said, voice tight. “Which leaves us with one option.”
He looked at me, and I already knew what he was going to say.
“We have to go. Now.”
Nash and I moved silently through the forest, each step deliberate as River caught up behind us. We didn’t speak—a single word could give us away if guards were posted nearby. As we passed the edge of a corner turret, I slowed. A figure stood in the window above, cloaked and still. The soft glow of a candle lit their silhouette, but their face remained hidden in shadow.
Curiosity got the better of me—I stopped.
Nash halted a few steps ahead, turning to see what had caught my attention. The shadowed figure in the turret window was no longer still. Their free hand moved with sharp, frustrated gestures, as if arguing with someone just out of sight.
Who would be having a heated argument at this hour?
Nash grasped my elbow, urging me forward with a subtle nudge. Silently, we slipped back into motion, weaving through the trees as River prowled ahead—every muscle coiled with tension, senses sharp.
It didn’t take long to reach the rendezvous point, where Rhodes and Scarlet were already in position, watching the castle with focused intensity.
Rhodes pointed upward. “There—it’s hard to see from here, but a short stone wall encloses the terrace. Keeps it hidden unless you’re right on top of it.”
“And we are going to have to climb four stories? Without being seen?” my sister asked.
I gave the back of her neck a playful squeeze before stepping away from the forest line. “It’ll be easier with a ladder, sis.”
Dropping to one knee, I pressed my fingers into the soil and closed my eyes, reaching deep. Power surged—raw, steady—from the earth element in my veins into the ground beneath me. Then the Mareki’s magic answered, twining with mine and amplifying it. The rush was pure euphoria. I hadn’t channeled this much magic in what felt like ages.
When I opened my eyes, the moss along the castle’s outer wall thickened and spread, shifting into braided vines. More branches rose from the forest behind me, winding upward as if summoned by my heartbeat. The living ladder took shape—roots and vines and magic—sturdy enough to carry all four of us, up and down, for the mission ahead.
The beauty of it stole my breath.
The earth element never failed to amaze me.
“Magnificent,” Scarlet breathed.
I glanced over my shoulder, smirking. “I know.”
We didn’t waste a second. One by one, we climbed. The living ladder held steady beneath us, vines flexing with each step. At the hidden terrace, we slipped over the low stone wall and melted into its shadows, hearts pounding, breath shallow.
“Ready?” I whispered.
They nodded.
Rhodes eased the door open carefully. To my surprise, it gave without resistance. Unlocked. Unguarded. Why?
We moved into a hallway thick with dust and age, neglect making it feel forgotten by time. At the end, we slipped through another door and emerged onto a spiral turret staircase, its stones cool beneath our feet.
