Threads Of Fate

Close Calls

Anthony's eyes narrowed as he examined the sutured cut on the Duke's bed. He reached for his intricately designed dagger, its hilt adorned with emeralds that glinted in the dim light, the same shade as his eyes. With a swift motion, he slashed through the sutures that held the cut in place, the fabric parting effortlessly.

Zenith stepped closer, raising an eyebrow as she caught sight of the dagger. "You really take your name of Green Phantom very seriously, don't you?" she teased, a playful smirk on her lips.

"Just a little flair for the dramatic," Anthony replied, a hint of pride in his voice. He carefully set the dagger back into his coat, watching as Zenith reached into the cut. Her fingers brushed against something solid, and with a determined tug, she pulled out a leather-bound diary.

"Jackpot!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We hit the motherlode very quickly!"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Anthony said, rolling his eyes. "Keep that diary in your satchel for now. We'll go through it together later."

Zenith nodded, tucking the diary securely into her satchel. "Fine, but I'm definitely reading it first."

Anthony chuckled, then quickly rearranged the bedsheet to cover the cut, ensuring that their intrusion wouldn't be easily discovered. "We should check out Duke Alistair's study next. There might be more valuable information there."

As they shut the door walked along the path, sticking to the shadows, the sound of voices echoed down the hallway. Anthony's eyes narrowed. "We need to hurry," he whispered urgently.

"Who is it?" Zenith asked, her eyes wide with concern.

"Anya, Edward, and the advisor," Anthony replied, glancing back at the door. "Guess grifting isn't Edward's or Anya's better talents"

They crept through the hallway, but just as they rounded a corner, Zenith accidentally bumped into a bookshelf. A heavy book fell from the shelf with a loud thud, echoing through the corridor.

"Zenith!" Anthony hissed, glaring at her.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to!" she whispered back, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

But as they stood frozen, Anthony's gaze fell on a handle protruding from the bookshelf where the book had fallen. "Wait," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What's this?"

He pulled the handle, and to their astonishment, a section of the bookshelf swung open, revealing a dark, narrow passageway behind it. "Quick! In here!" he urged, motioning for Zenith to follow. He quickly pulled the bookshelf back into its original position, sealing off their hiding spot.

They slipped into the secret pathway just as Edward's head popped around the corner. He gave the hallway a quick thorough glance and ushered Mr. Smythe forward. He gave Edward a confused look but continued their conversation as Anya asked him a question on funeral catering. The trio was soon deep in conversation, oblivious to the two intruders hiding just out of sight.

As they listened, Anthony and Zenith pressed themselves against the cool stone walls of the hidden passage, their hearts pounding in their chests. They could hear the advisor gesturing animatedly, his voice rising in frustration.

Zenith held her breath, her eyes wide as she exchanged a glance with Anthony. They could feel the tension in the air, the weight of their secret hanging heavily around them.

"Stay quiet," Anthony whispered, his voice steady. "We'll wait until they pass."

As the trio moved further down the hallway, Anthony and Zenith remained hidden, the bookshelf still concealing their presence. The moment felt electric, a mix of danger and exhilaration coursing through them.