Chapter 4: The Midnight Heist
320 Words
The Royal Treasury sat like a stone fortress in the heart of the capital, but Seraphina knew its skeleton better than the architects. In her past life, she had studied the blueprints to help Alaric "secure" the kingdom. Now, she was using that Genius to rob him blind.
"The side gate," she whispered, pointing to a small iron door hidden behind a curtain of ivy.
Valerius stepped forward, his Dominant presence making the very shadows seem to shrink. He didn't ask how she knew; the Mystery of her knowledge was something he was clearly saving for later. With a single, powerful wrench of his gloved hand, the rusted lock snapped.
"After you, Little Thief," he murmured, his voice Taciturn but tinged with a new respect.
They slipped inside. The air was cool and smelled of old parchment and cold gold. Seraphina led him past the main vaults, her movements Scheming and silent. She wasn't here for the crown jewels; she was here for the ledgers.
"The money is secondary," she told him as she began flipping through heavy leather-bound books. "These ledgers contain the record of every bribe Alaric has paid to the Northern Rebels. This isn't just my dowry, Valerius. This is the rope we'll use to hang him."
Valerius watched her, his expression Cold and calculating. "You're not just looking for a Counterattack," he realized. "You're looking for an execution."
"I told you," Seraphina said, stuffing the ledgers into a silk bag. "I'm a Kickass Heroine, not a victim".
Suddenly, the sound of heavy boots echoed from the hallway. Torchlight flickered against the walls.
"The vault! Check the side entrance!" a guard shouted.
Valerius drew his sword, the steel singing in the quiet room. "Go. I'll hold them."
"No," Seraphina grabbed his arm, her eyes flashing. "We don't fight them. We frame them. Give me your cloak."
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