Poisoning had been the first scheme Corvis convinced Leon to abandon, dismissing it as both impractical and dangerous.
"It's not just about the poison," Corvis had explained with a dismissive wave of his hand. "The kind that works instantly? Almost impossible to get, and even if you did, it wouldn't guarantee success."
Leon frowned, shifting his weight as he listened. "But why not? A fast-acting poison would—"
"Would do nothing." Corvis cut him off sharply, eyes narrowing. "Even I've been trained in detoxification techniques, and I'm not half the sorcerer Piriano is. If I can neutralize most poisons, what do you think he could do? There's no guarantee it would work fast enough before he counters it."
Leon exhaled through his nose, frustrated but unwilling to argue further. Corvis was right; unconventional methods were too unreliable against someone like Piriano. He crossed his arms, shifting his thoughts toward something more direct.
"What if I destroy his head in one blow?" Leon asked grimly, voice low and steady. "Are you sure there's no strange trick up his sleeve that might keep him alive somehow? Wizards… they have a habit of defying expectations."
Corvis tilted his head thoughtfully, tapping a finger against his lips. "That's the problem with sorcerers. You never know. Some enchantments are designed to anchor consciousness outside the body, so even if you remove the head, the soul might persist. I've seen strange things happen with magic users; people who should have died but somehow didn't."
Leon gritted his teeth, thinking back to Miss Laura, the woman whose body no longer existed but whose consciousness lingered on, alive and aware in some spectral form. "Exactly," Leon muttered. "Who's to say Piriano won't pull a similar trick?"
"Even worse," Leon added, glancing warily at Corvis. "How do we know he'll drop his defenses long enough for me to land that kind of blow? Wizards can be as paranoid as they are powerful. I've seen warriors with magically reinforced skin, impenetrable, even when they were caught off guard. How can I be sure Piriano won't have some kind of passive defense in place?"
Corvis leaned forward, steepling his fingers beneath his chin as he considered Leon's words. His expression was grave, the playful smugness he often carried absent. "If you're thinking of using a blunt weapon; like a war hammer; forget it. Even if you managed to get close, his defensive magic will react faster than you can swing. And let's be honest, Leon. You're no expert in close-quarters combat. Are you?"
Leon scowled but didn't argue the point. "No, but I have something else. I know a spell. An offensive one. It's strong enough to punch through plate armor. If I hit him right, it could kill him instantly."
Corvis raised a skeptical brow. "You, casting offensive magic?" His tone was sardonic, but curiosity flickered behind his sharp gaze. "I thought you were more the type to swing a sword than weave spells."
Leon shrugged. "It's not something I can demonstrate. The spell takes a lot out of me, and I can't use it often. I only get one shot, so if I miss…" His voice trailed off, leaving the consequences unspoken.
Corvis drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. "One shot, huh? And you think this spell will break through his defenses?"
"It should," Leon replied, though uncertainty lingered in his voice. "But I need to know: how vulnerable is Piriano when his guard is down?"
Corvis leaned back, exhaling slowly. "From what I've observed over the years, when he lowers his defenses, his body is no stronger than an ordinary man's. He's not one of those mages who enhances his physical form. But that doesn't mean you'll get an easy shot." Corvis gave Leon a knowing look. "You won't be able to catch him the way I can. He won't be interested in your… appearance."
Leon smirked despite himself. "Fair enough. But even if I land the spell, what's the range? And how precise does it need to be? I've only got one chance, remember."
"That's a good point," Corvis admitted. "And even if you think the spell is accurate, you're dealing with someone who's unpredictable. Anything could go wrong before you fire it off."
Leon narrowed his eyes. "What about you? You've got magic. Surely you know some kind of offensive spell."
Corvis shook his head, looking almost regretful. "I don't. Piriano never taught me combat magic. All I know are support spells; protection, healing, curse removal, that kind of thing. He made sure I couldn't learn anything I might use against him."
Leon's frustration grew, but Corvis held up a hand to stop him. "I'll show you what I 'can' do, though. It's not much, but it might give you some ideas."
With that, Corvis pulled his left hand from beneath his cloak and extended it toward a small vase sitting on the table. He began to trace intricate patterns in the air with his fingertips, muttering arcane words under his breath. Threads of light followed his movements, weaving themselves into a glowing magical circle that hovered in the air.
Suddenly, with a loud 'crack', the air rippled, and the vase shot off the table, flying across the room. Just before it smashed into the wall, the vase stopped mid-air, hovering as if suspended by invisible strings.
Corvis flicked his wrist, and the vase glided back toward him, floating effortlessly. He whispered a few final words, and the glowing magic circle around his hand dissolved into nothingness. The vase dropped into his waiting palm, and he set it gently back on the table.
Leon stared at the display, impressed despite himself. "That's… more than just support magic."
Corvis gave a slight, smug smile. "It's not much use in a fight, but it's something. Piriano was always careful about what I could learn. I know just enough to keep him safe and comfortable; and not a drop more."
Leon crossed his arms again, mind racing. If Corvis's magic was limited, then it was up to him to deliver the decisive blow. But it would have to be perfect; quick, precise, and unexpected. There would be no room for mistakes.
"Alright," Leon said finally, determination hardening in his voice. "If you can get me close enough for one clean shot, I'll take care of the rest."
Corvis gave him a knowing nod. "Let's hope that spell of yours lives up to its promise, then. Because with Piriano, you only get one chance. And if it fails…"
Leon finished the sentence with a grim smile. "We're dead."
The two exchanged a glance, both fully aware of the stakes. There were no second chances when it came to someone like Piriano.
Corvis folded his arms, his expression unreadable. "Then let's make sure we don't miss."
"If it comes to a fight, all I've got are small tricks to boost my strength," Corvis admitted, a wry smile playing on his lips. "I can toss things around to create distractions, and I know a little swordsmanship, but let's be honest, against someone like Piriano, that's about as useful as juggling." He set the vase back on the table with a soft clink, then glanced at Leon, his expression carrying a tinge of helplessness.
"The best thing I can do is use this body of mine to lower his guard. If I can get him to relax, that'll give you the opening you need."
Leon nodded, the grim weight of the plan settling over him like a heavy cloak. "That's enough," he said, as much to reassure himself as Corvis. They didn't have the luxury of perfection, and Corvis had already provided more help than Leon could have expected.
With a deep breath, Leon shifted gears. "Alright. Walk me through the layout of the entire embassy. I need every detail."
Corvis leaned forward, grabbing a few wine glasses and vases from the table to use as makeshift props. He carefully arranged them, pointing to each piece as he described the building's structure. His slender fingers traced invisible paths through the air, mapping the layout of the courtyard, hallways, and chambers.
"This is where the outer courtyard begins," Corvis murmured, nudging a glass forward. "Piriano's personal chambers are here." He tapped a vase representing the bedroom. "And here—" Corvis gestured to another point on the table, "—are the warning spells still active. Most of the building is fortified with enchantments that'll trigger the moment hostile magic is detected from outside."
Leon and the others studied the setup intently. They discussed and discarded multiple ideas, eliminating options riddled with uncertainty. Plan after plan unraveled under the weight of potential complications; until finally, they arrived at the only feasible strategy left: an indoor assassination.
"Piriano's most vulnerable moment will be inside his bedroom," Corvis said. "That's the only place where he truly lowers his guard, even if just slightly. If you're going to strike, that's your best shot."
Leon folded his arms, considering the plan. "So we wait until he's inside, completely relaxed, and shoot him in the head with Isa's arrow?"
Corvis nodded. "That's right. It's the only option that stands a chance."
Leon's brows furrowed. "Why can't we just snipe him from outside the building? I could release the spell from a distance."
Corvis shook his head, brushing back a stray strand of blond hair. "The courtyard's alarm spells will detect any attack magic from the outside, even if the enchantment is subtle. The only place the barrier is weak is here." He pointed to a specific section of the layout. "Someone tampered with the spellwork at this spot, leaving a small gap."
"Then that's our sniper position," Leon concluded.
Corvis gave a weary smile. "Not so fast. Piriano's room doesn't have any windows facing that direction. Even if it did, you'd need a perfect line of sight, and there's no guarantee you could hit his head cleanly through a narrow opening."
Leon cursed under his breath. "So I can't shoot through the walls either. They're too thick."
"Exactly. Even if they weren't, you don't have X-ray vision to guide the shot. Firing blind would be as good as suicide."
Leon gritted his teeth. "Which means the whole plan hinges on luring him into the bedroom and waiting for him to relax."
Corvis gave a small shrug, though his expression remained tense. "Unfortunately, yes. I'll do what I can to make sure it happens, he's been requesting more… favors from me lately. But if he's not in the mood when the time comes, the entire operation is off."
"And if the assassination fails?" Leon asked, his voice low.
Corvis didn't need to answer. They both knew the consequences. Piriano was a powerful sorcerer, and if he sensed danger, his retaliation would be swift and brutal.
Leon exhaled slowly, weighing the risks. "It's not the worst thing if we have to call it off and try another day."
"No," Corvis agreed, "but if you're discovered inside the building, you won't live long enough to try again."
Leon nodded grimly, the reality sinking in. Any misstep, any delay, and Piriano would crush them without hesitation.
"There is one fallback," Corvis offered after a moment of thought. "Ms. Elena might be able to help. If she can confirm that Piriano is in the bedroom, she could signal you to make your move."
Leon frowned. "That could work… but what if she's caught? What if Piriano pulls her into bed with him before she has the chance?"
Corvis's jaw tightened, his frustration evident. "Then you'll lose your opportunity. Worse, you'll have to abandon the mission entirely to avoid hitting her by mistake. And if that happens…" He trailed off, not needing to finish the thought.
Leon swore under his breath, running a hand through his hair in frustration. This plan was riddled with uncertainties, and he hated that so much depended on timing and chance.
"If only I had a way to communicate with you during the mission," Leon muttered, half to himself. "A radio would solve everything. But no; of course we don't have anything like that."
Corvis gave him a wry smile. "And I don't know any spells that could transmit sound over distances. If I did, this would be a lot simpler."
The two of them sat in silence for a moment, both contemplating the delicate balance they would have to strike. Without a way to communicate during the operation, every second would be a gamble. If Corvis failed to lure Piriano at the right moment, or if Elena was pulled into the situation unexpectedly, everything would fall apart.
Finally, Leon rubbed his temples, exhaustion settling in. "We're going to have to go on instinct and luck."
Corvis smirked, though there was little humor in it. "Two things you really want to rely on when you're up against a master sorcerer, right?"
Leon gave a dry chuckle. "Yeah. It's a terrible plan. But it's the best one we've got."
"Then we'll stick to it," Corvis said, his voice firm. "I'll do everything I can to make sure you get your shot. Just be ready when the moment comes."
Leon gave a resolute nod. "I'll be ready."
They both knew the risks. The mission was delicate, filled with moving parts and unpredictable outcomes. But this was the only way forward, and they didn't have the luxury of waiting for a better opportunity.
Corvis leaned back, his sharp blue eyes studying Leon for a long moment. "Let's just hope Piriano's in the right mood when the time comes. Otherwise…"
Leon again finished the thought with a grim smile. "We're all dead."
With the plan settled, the two sat quietly for a moment longer, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them. There was no guarantee of success; only a fragile hope that, when the time came, everything would fall into place. And if it didn't… well, they wouldn't live long enough to regret it.
"Let me do it," Brandon sighed, his voice heavy with reluctant resolve.
Leon and Liam exchanged uneasy glances, the tension between them palpable. They had spent the entire discussion trying to skirt around the uncomfortable subject: the fact that the best way to lure Piriano into a vulnerable position involved Brandon; a plan neither of them wanted to impose on their friend.
This was no ordinary risk. It wasn't just about life and death. The consequences Brandon might face in this scheme went beyond physical danger; they threatened his pride, his dignity, and his honor. For someone like Brandon, those things were worth more than his life.
Leon's jaw tightened, guilt gnawing at him. "We're all willing to go to hell and back for each other," he muttered, "but this... this is different."
Liam, always the pragmatist, shifted uncomfortably. "There's got to be another way." He ran a hand through his unruly hair, then, in a sudden burst of desperation, blurted out, "What if we find someone at the slave market? Or a brothel? Someone just as good-looking as you, Brandon?"
The absurd suggestion hung in the air, and Liam immediately regretted saying it, the flush of shame creeping up his neck. He hated even proposing such a thing, it felt wrong to toss the problem onto someone else's shoulders. If he had a friend who fit Piriano's tastes, he wouldn't hesitate to ask. Hell, he'd do it himself if it meant saving his sister. But Liam wasn't blind to the unfortunate truth: he wasn't the type of bait Piriano would take, not by a long shot.
Brandon chuckled, shaking his head as if Liam's awkwardness amused him. "What are you even thinking, you idiot?" he said, giving Liam's head a playful shove. "Look, I've thought it through. I'm the only one who can do this. It's the best way to keep the plan from spiraling out of control."
Leon frowned. "You don't have to—"
"I do," Brandon interrupted gently but firmly. "Since that bastard Piriano's interested in me, I just need to act like I'm willing. If I pretend to give in, he'll drop his guard and follow me into the bedroom." His eyes met Leon's with determination. "That way, you won't have to risk sneaking over the embassy walls. You can stay inside as my attendant, ready and waiting. When the moment comes, I'll make sure you have the chance to act."
He gave Liam a reassuring grin. "And don't worry. I'm not 'actually' selling my ass, alright?"
A moment of silence followed, and then Brandon turned toward Corvis, realizing how his blunt words might have come across. "Sorry," he added, a flicker of regret in his expression. "No offense meant."
Corvis waved it off with a calm shrug. "None taken. You're right; it's better if you're the bait. I doubt I could lure him the way you can. He's not interested in me." A slight smile played on the blond boy's lips, though his gaze remained serious. "But once you draw him into the room, you'll need to play things carefully. Pretend to hesitate, act fearful. That way, you can draw him deeper behind the door, giving Leon the perfect moment to strike."
Brandon gave a small, appreciative nod, though a flicker of anxiety shadowed his expression. Corvis noticed and offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll be right there with you. If things go sideways, I'll step in to buy you some time. Piriano won't know what hit him."
Brandon exhaled, some of the tension in his shoulders easing. "Thank you, my friend. I'll need you." He hesitated briefly, his gaze lowering. For all his bravado, the young nobleman wasn't without fear. He wasn't afraid of death, but the thought of losing his integrity; of bringing shame to his family and dishonoring his late father, was a terror that haunted him.
Liam, watching his friend quietly accept the burden, felt a knot of emotion rise in his chest. Brandon's willingness to sacrifice so much for their mission left Liam both grateful and frustrated. He hated that there was no way to repay such a debt. He clenched his fists, forcing back his feelings as he looked around the group. "What about me?" he asked, his voice thick with determination. "What can I do?"
Leon gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You've got an important role, don't worry."
Liam straightened, his posture shifting with purpose. "Just tell me what to do."
Leon lowered his voice, explaining the final piece of the plan. "If the assassination is successful, we'll need to get out of here fast; no delays, no mistakes. We can't escape through the main gate with Lady Elena in tow. The black-armored soldiers stationed there aren't blind. They'll never let a few outsiders waltz out of the embassy with two slaves."
Liam nodded, already running through potential escape routes in his mind.
"Our only chance," Leon continued, "is slipping out through a side exit. But someone needs to be ready to clear the path for us and lead Elena to safety." He gave Liam's shoulder a firm squeeze. "That's your job. Once Piriano's dealt with, you'll guide Elena and the rest of us out before the guards catch wind of what's happening."
Liam's face hardened with determination. "I'll get it done. You can count on me."
The group fell into a brief, solemn silence. The weight of the mission hung heavily over them, the risks now painfully clear. Each of them knew that there was no room for error; if they failed, they wouldn't just lose their lives. Brandon's honor would be shattered, Liam's sister would remain in captivity, and Lady Elena's fate would be sealed.
Brandon took a deep breath, then gave his friends a reassuring smile. "This is the best plan we have. We'll make it work."
Leon met his gaze with a nod, his voice steady. "We have to."
Liam clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "Let's do this."
They all knew the stakes, and yet there was no hesitation among them. With the plan in place, each of them would play their part—Brandon with his dangerous ruse, Corvis with his quick thinking, Liam leading the escape, and Leon delivering the killing blow. It was a delicate dance, and if any step faltered, they would all pay the price.
But they would face it together, as they always had.
The only escape route lay along the secret plank road, hidden behind the towering city wall, where the cliffs met the restless sea.
After finalizing the plan and establishing a backup for the worst-case scenario, Corvis, the blond boy; left Leon, Liam, and Brandon's quarters. An odd mixture of relief and anxiety churned in his chest. This was the moment he had been waiting for, an opportunity years in the making. Now was the time to deceive Piriano, using carefully crafted "good news" as bait. He slipped into the embassy with the practiced ease of a man who had played both sides for too long. Along the way, he whispered quiet instructions to Elena, making sure she was ready to assist in their escape when the time came.
Leon wasted no time. Under the pretext of an errand, he and Liam quietly slipped out of the castle. They avoided attention as they circled through deserted alleys and made their way toward the coastline, following the cliffs to a secluded stretch of beach far from prying eyes.
The journey wasn't easy. They scrambled over jagged rocks, skidded across wet sand, and pushed through the thick sea breeze, each gust stinging their faces with salt. Their boots were soon waterlogged as the tide crept over the shore, making every step heavier. For a moment, they feared the plank road might not exist at all, just another false hope in a city filled with deceptions. But then, after nearly giving up, they spotted it.
There, nestled behind the rocky outcrop, was the hidden escape route: a narrow wooden path hanging precariously from the cliffs, swaying slightly with the wind. The planks were weather-beaten, the wood cracked and gray with age. At its end, a few frayed ropes dangled over the water, dancing in the breeze.
Leon let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. "It's real," he whispered.
Liam grinned, relief washing over him. "We've got a way out."
The two exchanged a brief but meaningful look, then turned back toward the castle. There was no time to waste.
Back inside the walls, Liam moved with purpose, gathering their supplies. He stowed away weapons, food, and everything they'd need for their escape, including the horses stabled near the outer courtyard. As night fell, he would lead the animals to the cliffs behind the castle, waiting in the shadows until the others arrived.
The pieces of the plan were falling into place. Now, all that remained was to step into the lion's den.
---
With his heart pounding in his chest, Brandon followed Leon back through the gates of the Atias embassy. They moved with calm, practiced ease, disguising their nerves beneath a veneer of purpose.
When they reached Piriano's chambers, Brandon felt his stomach twist at the sight of the old sorcerer's leering grin. The man's lined face exuded a mixture of smugness and desire, his yellowed teeth showing through a twisted smile that made Brandon's skin crawl.
It took everything Brandon had to keep his expression neutral, hiding the simmering rage beneath a mask of polite indifference. He forced a stiff smile, knowing that any flicker of emotion could ruin everything. His hands felt cold and clammy, but he willed himself to stay steady.
Piriano's gaze lingered too long, making Brandon's muscles tense involuntarily. But he kept the charade alive, slipping into the role of a reluctant guest, pretending to be on the verge of submission. He needed Piriano to believe it; to let his guard down just long enough for Leon to strike.
---
Meanwhile, in a grand, sea-facing chamber high in the main castle, a young woman paced back and forth, her footsteps echoing softly across the stone floor. This room, intended as a wedding suite, was opulent but suffocatingly empty. The bride, Margarina, walked the length of the room, her hands clasped in front of her as anxiety gnawed at her.
"Why so restless, my little swan?"
A lazy, lilting voice drifted in from the balcony. There, perched on the stone railing, sat Goliad, a flamboyant poet dressed in tattered but colorful clothes. He leaned casually against the wall, his hat tilted back, enjoying the cool sea breeze that tousled his hair.
Margarina stopped her pacing and approached the balcony, her brow furrowed with worry. "Master, I'm worried about Larian. He's never sailed before. If he doesn't know the reefs well, he could be in real danger tonight."
Goliad gave a whimsical shrug, strumming his fingers idly on the neck of his lute. "The sea breeze will protect him, and the moonlight will guide him. Worry not."
He looked at her with soft amusement, his eyes carrying a melancholy that only a man well acquainted with sorrow could possess. "As long as your hearts beat in rhythm, fate will steer you both toward freedom."
Margarina's eyes glimmered with unshed tears. "But what if—"
"No 'what ifs,' my dear," Goliad interrupted gently. He set his lute aside, covering his face with his wide-brimmed hat as he yawned theatrically. "Have a little faith. Freedom demands more than just hope; it demands patience, resilience, and a clear heart."
He peeked at her from beneath his hat, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "After tonight, you won't be Margarina of the Salein family anymore. You'll face new challenges, new trials. But with those, you'll also find a new kind of freedom."
Margarina stepped closer, tears brimming in her eyes. "Thank you, Master Goliad," she whispered.
She wasn't just thanking him for his poetic reassurance. The poet had protected her from Falcon's vile advances, shielding her from shame and dishonor. His presence, eccentric though it was, had been a lifeline in the darkest of times.
Goliad gave her a sly smile, tipping his hat. "I only help those willing to help themselves, little swan. You found your way here; all I did was nudge you along."
With that, he stretched his arms languidly and turned over on the railing, draping himself across it like a cat in the sun. "This time, someone else gets to do the hard work," he murmured with a satisfied sigh. "For once, I don't have to be the one performing on stage."
And with that, the poet closed his eyes, content to let the storm unfold without him.
---
Back at the embassy, Brandon stood at the threshold of Piriano's chambers, forcing himself to remain calm. Every instinct screamed for him to run, but he buried the fear deep inside. He wasn't afraid of death, not truly. What terrified him was the loss of honor, the stain on his family's name.
He glanced at Leon from the corner of his eye. His friend gave him a slight, reassuring nod. They were in this together; no matter what.
Brandon took a steadying breath, then turned toward Piriano with a carefully rehearsed smile.
The trap was set. Now, all they needed was the right moment to spring it.