Mikhailis and Aria crouched behind a stack of crates, their breath coming in short, controlled bursts. The warehouse air was thick with dust and the tang of magic, making Mikhailis's nose itch. He suppressed a sneeze, focusing instead on the voices drifting from the nearby room.
"You worthless piece of trash!" A gruff voice bellowed, followed by the sound of something heavy being slammed against a wall.
"If you can't finish the enchantment, we'll find someone who can!"
Aria flinched, her face pale in the dim light.
"Callen," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Mikhailis squeezed her shoulder reassuringly, his eyes scanning the warehouse. Guards stood at strategic points, their postures tense and alert. This wasn't going to be easy.
