“You got it,” Zayn said.
“However, once we reveal Lala’s presence—” Ria pressed her palms against the table “—we have to keep her safe. I promised her the Guild won’t get her.”
Zayn watched Lala and Ria share a glance. He shouldn’t be surprised they’d formed some sort of bond. Two lost girls. “We’ll keep her safe.” He looked at his brothers, who both nodded.
There was no way he’d let a girl fall into the hands of the Guild. Memories of Vik and the dark cells of the Guild rose up, closing his throat. It made him realize he’d been free of them the last few days.
A hand slid along his arm, and he looked down at Ria. She squeezed his forearm before her hand dropped away. Going on this mission was going to be his last gift to Vik and her memory. It was time he let the past go, and if he helped secure Ria’s freedom, maybe she’d like to spend some of it with him.
“I know how we can create the ultimate distraction,” Lala said. “A dirty, big explosion.”
Zayn looked to the ceiling. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Good way to get caught or killed,” Dathan suggested.
“Listen.” Lala leaped off the table and tapped the screen. Nothing happened. “Hey, computer girl, help me out here.”
BEll sniffed. “My name is BEll. What would you like to see?”
“Map of Lucifa, area surrounding the Guild.”
The screen flashed and the map appeared in amazing detail.
“We cause a massive explosion, maybe pick a good juicy target the Guild wouldn’t like to see destroyed. We make sure the event has my signature style—” she waggled her eyebrows “—and I make a brief appearance. We’re sure to empty the Guild. Every assassin will be gunning for me.”
“It’s a good idea,” Ria said.
Lala beamed.
Zayn considered the map. “How do we make sure we can get Lala out of there quickly?”
Niklas stared at the holo-table. “Disguise might work. After she makes her appearance, we can alter her looks.”
Dathan was frowning. “I think we have some spectrum camouflage in the cargo hold. We can literally make her disappear.”
Lala let out a gusty sigh. “You guys are soooo serious.” She waved a hand. “We can sort all that out later. Let’s have some fun. What can we blow up that’s important to the Guild?”
Zayn’s gaze had strayed to Ria. She was lost in thought, but he saw the moment her face lit up.
“You thought of something,” he said.
Ria nodded. “Yes. Something the Guild holds dear. Something they’d be very upset to see destroyed.”
Ria tappedthe holo-table screen and the image zoomed in. A formidable statue stood in the center of a bustling square. “The statue of a master assassin and founder of the Guild, Balthazar.”
Lala clapped her hands. “Ooh, good one. Assassins live for all that honor and tradition crapola, they’d hate their precious ancestor being defaced.”
Ria felt embarrassed that a part of her felt just a little sick suggesting it. All children of the Guild were taught from birth to revere Balthazar. She wanted to escape, but some training would take time for her to reject and forget.
“I have some explosives that’ll work a treat,” Lala said. “Small enough to smuggle in and set, strong enough to destroy the statue.” She peered at the image. “It’s metal, right?”
“Yes,” BEll answered. “Meteoric iron.”
“Great. What I have in mind will also cause some spectacular fireworks. Far too many explosives makers try and create explosives that don’t make a scene.” A wide grin. “Me, I like explosives that go boom with style.”
Dathan shook his head and leaned against the table. “Okay, so Nik and I will help Lala set the explosives, detonate them, and then escape.” He speared the girl with a direct look. “You’ll head straight back to the shuttle, take off, and meet Eos back here at the ship.”
Lala fluttered her lashes. “You have such incredible blue eyes.”
