Operation Infiltration (Kotlc Fanfic)

Chapter 5 • Security Breach

«≪ What happened before Granite sounded the alarm... ≫»

Oralie walked up the onyx steps of Councillor Bronte's castle. She had always thought it was an eyesore among the other Councillors' palaces. What kind of person does it take to choose onyx, of all stones, as their gem? The solid black stone sucked all the life out of the intricate details of his home. But it's his choice, so it stayed not-pink. 

Oralie's glittered pink high heels clicked on the front porch, in front of the door. She lifted her hand, with painted nails, to the door. 

Before she could knock, the door swung open in front of her. There stood Bronte, his short hair making his pointed ears look even more ridiculous. Oralie just made a soft tsk and swept a blonde curl out of her face. 

A/N: (Krios how dare you write an insult to my man Bronte like that) 

"You've nearly made us late, Bronte," she said, without a hint of humor in her tone. "It's important that we get as much time to discuss with them, so we must attend with haste." 

"Calm down, Oralie. We're not late yet," he responded. "Emery isn't with you?" 

"No, as I was saying, we should get going." 

The two of them marched without another word, down the stairs, and toward Emery's castle. 

"I'm sorry I snapped at you, Bronte," Oralie said begrudgingly. She didn't want to apologize, but she didn't want to leave things unresolved. "I'm a little on edge." 

Bronte shot her a glance. She rarely talked to him, but he didn't mind. He believed it was healthy for Councillors to be comfortable around each other. 

"Wh- well, if you don't mind my asking. What's wrong?" Bronte inquired. 

"It's nothing you need to concern yourself with." 

They continued walking down the path. Once they got to the glistening blue castle, Bronte gestured for her to go first, but she hesitated. 

"Actually, I can do it if you prefer," he said with a nod. 

Bronte knocked on Emery's door. Just three quick thumps. He quickly arrived at the door, swinging it open. 

"Well, I assume we're ready?" Emery asked his colleagues. 

Bronte and Oralie nodded in unison. Emery reached into a pocket in his cape and retrieved a pathfinder. Adorned with the Black Swan insignia on the handle; given to Emery earlier from an anonymous member, along with a note from Mr. Forkle, specifying when and where to rendezvous. 

Emery held it to the sunlight, and the Councillors shimmered away into the light. 

They materialized back on a cliff overlooking a river, bathed in sunlight. Granite cleared his throat behind them, startling the group. The Councillors whirled around to see his rocky form standing before them, clad in his stone disguise. He gestured for the elves to follow him. 

After being led through too many hallways for Oralie to count, eventually they showed them a discreet doorway. The three of them strode into a spacious room enveloped with dim lighting. At its center lies a polished gemstone table, at which the Collective had already sat down, ready to talk. They ordered their guards to stay out in the hallway and sat down. 

"Councillors, welcome to our humble hideout." Granite waved a hand to emphasize the room. 

After they had sat down, Emery immediately began the discussion. "We should combine our efforts to take down the Neverseen for good. Do you have any new ideas?" Emery directed the question at the Collective.