Page 98 of Shades of Silver City

Two hours later, I’m tightening my grip on the gas canister as we trudge through the tunnels, away from the inner city and toward the outskirts.

“You sure this is the right thing, boss?” Godric keeps pace with me, his voice gruff.

I hate that he calls me that, considering it’s a title I didn’t technically earn. It could’ve just as easily been him leading the gang. He’s always been stronger than me, physically and mentally. I’ve been kinder, more patient, but that’s gotten me nowhere. All it’s gotten me is a fridge decorated with memories.

“I’m sure,” I say.

“It’s barely gonna make a dent. Most of the building’s fireproof.”

“It’s not about burning it down. It’s about making a statement, showing them they have enemies—and we’re powerful, too.” Powerful enough to get past their guards and onto their precious property. Brave enough to take a stand and openly show opposition. “Sometimes, to cut the head off the snake, you need to smoke it out first.”

Godric makes a contemplative noise. “You’re gonna be late for the shit in Sweetcreek.”

I don’t care about being late to the masquerade. I’ll get there eventually.

“It’s now or never.”

I focus on the sloshing sound of the gasoline, willing time to go faster. We could’ve taken the streets, but with the Scouts out for blood, I didn’t want to risk it. Someone already made it past my apartment’s wards. I can’t even guarantee the Underground is safe anymore, but it’s safer than the streets above.

“You good?” Godric asks.

I’m a coiled spring filled with tension, but I swallow it down, keeping my focus on the winding tunnel before us. “All good.”

A short while later, we emerge from a warded door and step out into an alley. Behind us, the entrance to the tunnel disappears from sight. Glancing around, I examine the dark alley before trudging toward the main road. It’s a quiet street on the very edge of the city. The area is mainly open space and government buildings, such as the Ministries, which are mostly empty tonight.

The lab sits straight ahead—a two-story building with a row of smokestacks toward the back and a distinct lack of windows. An electric fence runs along the perimeter, and there is a small, shack-like building serving as a check-in point by the street.

My phone buzzes, and I glance down at the text.

Pixel: Cameras are offline. You’re good.

Nudging Godric, I show him the message before typing out one of my own.

Me: Did T get the dresses and shoes?

Three dots appear and disappear, and then Pixel’s response comes in.

Pixel: Affirmative.

I sigh in relief and stick the phone back in my pocket. If Tasia doesn’t want to go tonight, I’m not going to force her. This morning, she seemed back to her normal, dynamic self. She swore she would go with me to the ball but was fairly uncommunicative otherwise. When I tried to talk to her about last night, she brushed it off like it was no big deal.

I hate that she stuffs her emotions down so deeply and won’t talk to me about how she’s truly doing.

Godric and I make our way toward the security shack, sticking to the shadows as we cross the street. Godric and I move forward, ready to glamour our way into the property.

I grit my teeth, clutching the gas can and reminding myself why I’m doing this. Tasia and Godric could’ve been taken from me too easily last night.

I’ve been too dismissive of the threats facing the people closest to me…too passive in ensuring their safety. What’s the point in trying to cause the least amount of harm possible when it ends up hurting me and mine?

A Scout exits the shack. “Name and purpose,” he says. I swiftly step toward him. “What do you—”

“Quiet,” I say. “Eyes on me.”

The Scout’s face goes slack, and he stares at me expectantly. Godric steps around us, entering the shack to take care of any remaining Scouts.

“You will not remember anything from tonight,” I say, digging deep into my reserves to instill the glamour. The deeper it runs, the more magic it requires, and the more drained it leaves me. My next instruction is lighter, less taxing on me. “Leave and go home. Now.”

The Scout nods, walking away in a dazed state. A moment later, his companion exits the hut doing the same. They both walk down the street without looking back.

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