“Will it let us take the book?”

“I don’t know.”

Feeling silly, he addressed the walls. “This book might help us solve a problem, and if we do, then the students will return and study here again.”

Yelena covered her mouth with a hand and her eyes shone, but she didn’t laugh.

“Come on,” he said, tucking the book under his arm. “We need to check in with Onora.”

They left the building without any shelves crashing down on them—a good sign. Crossing under the Keep’s wall, they ascended and slipped into the alley. No one appeared to notice as they joined the flow of day shift workers hurrying home. The streets buzzed with conversation. The sun had just set, leaving behind a flat gray twilight that would soon turn black. Valek held Yelena’s hand, keeping her close. Zitora had warned that watchers sought him. They would be on the lookout for a lone man versus a couple. He hoped.

They talked on the way back. Yelena said she was craving sweet cakes.

“You’re always in the mood for sweet cakes, love.”

“But this time it’s because of the baby.” She told him about Onora’s aunt.

“Anything else you plan to blame on the baby?” he teased.

“Actually...” Yelena explained about baby brain. “So it wasn’t my fault that I forgot about my disguise when I was going to drink from the Unity Fountain’s water spout.”

“It was due to baby brain?”

“Exactly!”

He laughed. “I thought I’d heard every excuse possible, but that’s a new one.”

She glared at him. Oops.

“However, since I have very limited experience with pregnant women, I’ll defer to your expertise in these matters from now on.” He brought their clasped hands up and kissed her knuckles.

“Was that an apology? Am I supposed to swoon now?”

“Yes it was. And I believe swooning is required. Don’t worry, I will catch you.”

“Men,” she muttered, shaking her head.

* * *

Onora waited for them in the apartment. She had purchased supplies for the rescue and bought half a dozen meat pies. Yelena groaned in pleasure as she devoured the warm, spicy beef. So much for sweet cakes. Onora and Valek shared an amused glance.

“Everything should be good to go,” Onora said after they finished eating. “However, the timing of your distraction is going to be crucial. So far, most of the activity in the Council Hall occurs in the late afternoon, when everyone is leaving for the day.”

“When do the guards change shifts?”

“About an hour before.”

Smart. They’d still be alert during the afternoon rush. “What about the mornings? When do the guards switch?”

“An hour before dawn. But I can’t get in until there’s activity. Unless I go in the afternoon before.”

“No need. We’ll stage the distraction in the middle of the rush. But if Yelena doesn’t get in, abort the rescue. The rest of the plan will remain the same.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ll get in,” Yelena said with confidence.

And that was half the battle. Most often, if you acted like you belonged, no one questioned you. However, the magician at the door would be their biggest obstacle. They were already on high alert for Valek, so Yelena was their best bet. But that didn’t stop the anxiety from gnawing on his stomach. His ability to shut down all his emotions has been shot to hell since he lost his immunity. Or had it been since Yelena confirmed her pregnancy?

Phelan arrived with a few more supplies and an update. “General Cahil’s in his headquarters.”

They reviewed the plan with Phelen before Yelena and Valek left to visit Cahil. His headquarters was located in a warehouse that was no longer in use to store goods. Instead, the large piles of crates served as obstacles for anyone trying to sneak in. Cahil had converted the basement into an office space for his crew of loyal people. Similar to Valek’s corps, but on a much smaller scale.

The guards at the entrance allowed them to pass, but their sour expressions deepened. Yelena led the way through the crates to the stairway. Cahil was hunched over a table in his office, discussing tactics with two of his men. He scowled when they entered, but he ended the meeting.

Cahil closed the door and turned around. “You do realize every soldier in the Citadel is hunting for you. Right?”

“Do they suspect Yelena is here, as well?”

“No. Master Zitora said she scanned the entire Citadel and didn’t sense her.” He glanced at Yelena. “Are you using a null shield pendant? Because she fell hard for Bruns’s lies and is looking for blood. At least there is no need to worry she’ll expose the other Masters.”

Valek decided not to enlighten Cahil about Zitora. Not just yet. “Why did Bruns summon you here?”

“To escort Master Zitora to the Moon garrison. He wants her trained and ready. Bruns is certain the Commander will invade right after the Ixian fire festival.”

“We know that’s a sham. What happens when his soldiers don’t show?” Yelena asked.

“I don’t know. He’s making plans for all the northern garrisons to march to the Ixian border and be in position by midseason. He’s transferred Master Bain to Krystal so each garrison has a Master Magician in the lead, and all our magicians will be accompanying our army.”

Valek kept his expression neutral, but his mind whirled. They had guessed wrong. The Commander’s forces would invade, and there would be a battle. There would be casualties on both sides. In the chaos of the battle, no one would realize who had specifically targeted the magicians to neutralize them, but they would all know who to blame.