Aris felt the adrenaline coursing through her veins as the weight of their plan settled around them like a cloak. "We need to gather information on Thalia. What's her schedule? Where does she spend her time when she's not at court?"
Jessa nodded, her mind already racing. "I've heard whispers from the market. She's fond of the flower gardens near the eastern wall. They say she spends hours there, lost in her illusions. It's a perfect place for us to observe."
"Then we start there," Aris decided, her voice steady. "We'll blend in with the townsfolk during the festival and then make our way to the gardens."
Jessa's eyes sparkled with mischief. "And while she's weaving her pretty illusions, we'll weave our own story—a story of rebellion."
Aris chuckled softly, her fears momentarily set aside. "If only they knew how dangerous those 'two girls with a dagger' could be."
"But we must remain vigilant," Jessa reminded her, her tone suddenly serious. "The Royal Guard won't take kindly to our presence. They'll be watching closely."
"Then we'll slip through the cracks," Aris replied, a fierce determination in her heart. "Tonight, we become the shadows, and from those shadows, we rise."
Aris and Jessa moved through the bustling streets, the festival alive with laughter and music, a stark contrast to the tension that lay beneath their mission. As they navigated the throngs of townsfolk, Jessa leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "If Thalia is truly in the gardens, we'll need a distraction to keep the guards occupied."
"Leave that to me," Aris replied, her eyes glinting with mischief. "I can create a scene near the fountain. A little firework display should draw some attention."
Jessa smirked. "As long as you don't set the market ablaze like last time. We need the townsfolk on our side, not running for their lives."
With a nod, they made their way to the flower gardens, the sweet scent of blossoms mingling with the smoke of festival fires. Hidden behind a willow, they spotted Thalia, her ethereal beauty accentuated by the colorful blooms around her. She seemed to dance with the flowers, her hands weaving illusions that shimmered in the air.
"Look at her," Jessa breathed. "So lost in her power. If only she knew what was brewing."
"Tonight, we'll weave our own tale," Aris said, determination igniting her voice. "Let's make sure she feels the tremors of our rebellion."
As Aris and Jessa crouched behind the willow, the festival's joyous sounds faded into a distant hum. Jessa's gaze remained fixed on Thalia, her heart heavy with the weight of impending betrayal. "We can't let her continue to live in this blissful ignorance, she must pay for her people's crimes," she whispered, fists clenched at her sides.
Aris nodded, her stomach sank, she had killed before, but never someone who hadn't hurt her personally, her expression serious now to hide the guilt in her heart. "But how do we break through to her guard? She's so entwined with the Rune-bearers, so important to their vain appearances."
"Appeal to her empathy," Jessa suggested. "If she thinks you are helpless she'll let her guard down. She is a healer after all."
Aris felt a flicker of doubt but pushed it aside. "Then we create the scene. I'll distract the guards, and you'll grab her. But we need to be quick. Once the people understand whats happened, we'll have to escape before they catch wind of our intentions."
"Agreed," Jessa replied, a resolute fire igniting in her eyes. "Let's do this."
YOU ARE READING
Shadow of a God
خيال (فانتازيا)In a realm where ancient runes hold immense power, two species of humans coexist: the Rune-Bearers, who can harness the magic of the runes, and the Rune-Blind, who cannot use them. But what will the rune blind do when they grow tired of being treate...
