"No," Emily said, her voice shaking but her stance rigid. She stood between Ethan and the blast doors of the Moon Cave, her arms spread wide. "I won't let you. It’s suicide."
Ethan stood fully dressed in a tuxedo that cost more than most cars, a tactical harness concealed beneath the tailored wool. He looked devastatingly handsome and utterly terrifying.
"Emily, move," he said, his voice low and strained. "We have a four-hour window. The Masquerade Ball is the only time the Council lowers the outer perimeter wards to let guests in."
"The Council Vault is the most secure facility on the planet!" Emily cried, tears pricking her eyes. "Kael said it has magical dampeners, biometric locks, and lethal enforcement droids. You’re not walking into a party, Ethan. You’re walking into a meat grind
