Deborah's POV
The news of the Vandran family's attack on Tirfothuinn left me restless. I immediately attempted to use telepathy to uncover more details from Lugh and Chad, but their memories yielded little useful information. It was evident that the Vandran family had taken deliberate steps to conceal their plans and motives, sharing as little as possible even within the city's highest circles.
Their secrecy came as no surprise. After losing their control over the underground werewolf miners, the Vandran family had suffered a significant blow to their primary resource production.Their influence, built upon the wealth of their mines, was teetering on collapse. In such a precarious position, they couldn't afford to expose their vulnerabilities—not to the other ruling families of the sky, nor to anyone else who might exploit their weakness.
To understand the true intentions behind their failed assault on Tirfothuinn, my only option was to go directly to the source: the Vandran family.
Luckily, Barron had unwittingly handed me the perfect opportunity.
"Emily invited you?"I asked, standing by the edge of the airship platform, my tone light but edged with curiosity.
Barron raised an eyebrow as if he had been waiting for this question. His lips curled into a confident smile, his voice laced with familiar playful arrogance."Of course. After all, I am the most eligible bachelor in the sky right now. Both the Vandran and Edwards families are practically tripping over each other trying to win me over."
The nonchalance in his tone was irritatingly natural, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his self-assured attitude.
"Then I must be the unwanted extra tagging along," I said, tilting my head in mock sympathy.
Barron chuckled, spreading his hands in a theatrical gesture of helplessness."What can I say? You insisted on coming with me."
I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him."Oh, don't act innocent. You were the one who saidI couldn't miss this chance, calling me your'essential battle partner.'"
He grinned wider, leaning in slightly."That's because I knew you'd regret it if you didn't come."
I scoffed."I'm only here for the information. You thinkI enjoy crashing someone else's party? Emily and her family certainly won't be thrilled to see me."
"Relax,"Barron said with an easy shrug."You're Deborah Edwards, remember? The future ruler of the Edwards family and the heir to the sky's most strategic power. Emily wouldn't dare cause trouble with you, not if she knows what's good for her."
I shot him a glare."Don't bother trying to flatter me.I don't buy it."
But Barron didn't back down. Instead, he stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough to sound serious."Deb, I'm not flattering you. I'm just reminding you of something important. Stop looking backward at people who've already let you go and start looking around you. There are still people here who matter. People like me."
The sudden sincerity in his voice threw me off for a moment, but I quickly masked my surprise with a sarcastic quip."Oh? And who exactly are you talking about?"
"Who else?"His expression turned mockingly innocent as he tapped his chest."Me. Obviously. I'm not saying you need to decide right now, but if you wait too long, someone else might snatch me away."
I couldn't hold back a laugh, shaking my head."You're unbelievable."
He grinned, clearly satisfied with my reaction."That's what makes me so charming."
"Save that charm for Emily,"I said, stepping past him to board the airship."She seems like she'd appreciate it."
On the Airship
The steady hum of the airship's engines enveloped the cabin as we began our journey to Macha, the Vandran family's stronghold. I sat by the window, gazing out at the shifting clouds below.The rolling white expanse might have been calming in another moment, but my mind was too preoccupied with the task ahead to enjoy the view.
This was my first time visiting Macha, and I was determined to make the most of it. While the official purpose of the trip was to accompany Barron, I was fully focused on gathering intelligence. Every detail mattered—every sight, sound, and observation could provide a crucial clue about the Vandran family's current state.
As we traveled, I carefully noted the details of our route. The checkpoints we passed, the layout of the security stations, even the number of guards stationed at each post—all of it was committed to memory. I observed an unusually high number of soldiers patrolling certain areas, their movements precise and disciplined. It was a clear sign of heightened security, one that aligned with Lugh's recent orders to strengthen the borders. But there was an underlying tension here, a sense of unease that suggested something more.
"Stop overthinking,"Barron said from the seat beside me, breaking the silence."You'll wear yourself out before we even get there."
"I'm not overthinking,"I replied without looking at him."I'm analyzing. There's a difference."
He leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk."Call it what you want, but you've got that furrowed-brow look again. Trust me, Deb. Whatever you're worried about, I've got it covered."
I glanced at him briefly, unimpressed by his casual tone."This isn't just another social visit, Barron. You might be here to charm Emily, butI have real work to do."
His grin widened."And here I thought you came because you couldn't stand to let me out of your sight."
"Don't flatter yourself,"I said dryly, turning my attention back to the window.
Arriving at Macha
The airship touched down smoothly on the landing pad, and the first thing that struck me was the sheer scale of the Vandran estate. From my vantage point, I could see the sprawling grounds enclosed by towering walls, each corner manned by watchful guards.The main building rose in the center of the estate, its weathered stone façade and intricate stained-glass windows exuding an air of wealth and authority.
As we disembarked, a group of attendants met us at the base of the ramp, bowing politely before leading us toward the main entrance. I followed closely behind Barron and Emily, keeping my eyes open for anything unusual. Every step brought a new detail to my attention—the precise alignment of the paving stones, the subtle but effective placement of surveillance cameras, the quiet efficiency of the staff. It was clear that this estate was as much a fortress as it was a home.
"Emily might not be thrilled to see you,"Barron said quietly, breaking my train of thought.
"I know,"I replied, my voice equally low."You're the most eligible bachelor in the sky right now. Of course, she wouldn't want anyone stealing your attention."
He smirked, leaning slightly closer."Glad you understand. Now, if only you'd take a hint about the guy right in front of you…"
"Not happening,"I said quickly, cutting him off before he could finish."Focus on Emily. That's why we're here."
Before Barron could respond, a cheerful voice rang out ahead of us.
"Barron!"
I looked up to see a young woman approaching, her golden hair catching the sunlight as she practically glided across the courtyard. Her bright smile and eager stride were unmistakable signs of her excitement to see him.
"Welcome to Macha!"Emily's voice was bright and filled with enthusiasm as she approached, her gaze fixed firmly on Barron. It was as though I wasn't even there—a shadow trailing behind him. Her wide smile deepened as she reached us, her energy practically radiating.
"Emily,"Barron acknowledged her with a polite nod, his voice measured and friendly, but far from overly warm.
She didn't seem to notice—or perhaps chose to ignore—his reserved demeanor. Instead, she slipped her arm through his with a confidence that bordered on possessiveness."I've been waiting for you! Come, let me show you the gardens. You'll absolutely adore what we've done—they're breathtaking this time of year."
Her excitement was palpable, her tone lilting with delight as she spoke, but I noticed how she didn't even glance in my direction. It wasn't just that I was unimportant to her—it was as if I didn't exist. Every word, every gesture was meant for Barron alone.
Barron, ever the gentleman, allowed her to lead him forward, though his movements were deliberate, almost reluctant."Sounds lovely,"he said evenly, his voice carrying just enough interest to keep her entertained.
I trailed behind them, my footsteps nearly silent against the polished stone path. Emily's animated voice filled the air as she pointed out details about the estate, her words flowing effortlessly as she guided Barron toward the sprawling mansion. From time to time, Barron offered a courteous reply, though his tone remained restrained, his smiles fleeting.
It was clear Emily had no intention of including me in their exchange. Her attention was laser-focused on Barron, her eagerness to impress him apparent in every inflection of her voice. I was little more than an invisible presence in her world—a detail she deemed irrelevant.
And so, I followed silently, my gaze shifting from their animated interaction to the estate itself. If Emily planned to act as though I didn't exist, I would gladly embrace the role of the unnoticed observer. After all, I wasn't here to admire her gardens or exchange pleasantries. My purpose was far more pragmatic: to gather every scrap of useful information this estate—and its inhabitants—could reveal.