The Stableboy's shadow (BL)

Chapter 19

By the time Riley slipped out of town, the sun was already sinking too low for his comfort, forcing him to hurry toward the mansion. The sky was tinted with deep purples and pinks as the sun had turned red from its descent. The air was still warm, though a cold breeze came from the north, announcing the winter to come. Here and there, the last calls of day-birds echoed, overlapping with the sharps shrills of evening bugs, while the first stars began piercing the darkening sky. Every step away from town made the silence heavier, as though the world itself was holding its breath.

Riley thinned into shadows, his body losing weight and firmness, until he hovered somewhere between flesh and vaporous darkness. When he started running, air streamed through him, letting him move faster, almost slightly floating above the road. He could feel the world sliding around him, his feet barely touching earth, every movement exhilarating, as though the night itself was taking him in and carried him forward. What should have been a two-hour walk took him less than one.

He briefly stopped at the meeting spot he'd agreed on with Percevin, hiding his pack in a bush, keeping only his light-weight pouch containing some tools, and the carefully wrapped transformation bracelet. He memorized the path back from the mansion so he could return here as quickly as possible. Then, he was running weightlessly again.

By the time he reached the estate, only an hour of sunlight remained. He spent it circling the vast house, studying it one last time. Even if it meant being near danger, he moved slowly and deliberately, letting familiar hush of shadows guide him. Having thought about it all day, seeing it for the second time helped. It allowed him to narrow down his options and pick the best of ten potential entry points. Considering the guard rotations and movement patterns within the household, he chose a second-story window on the southeast side. If Mis's intel was accurate, the siren was held there— assuming she hadn't been moved.

There was still the question of wards or detection charms on the perimeter. He hadn't sensed any, but he wouldn't risk using his powers unless there was no other choice.

Satisfied with his circuit, he climbed a tree that leaned toward the roof. He cringed at the sound his boots made against the rough bark, every noise so much louder in his own ears. He chose a spot to settle among its branches, to be as inconspicuous as bark and shadow, even if he was scared that every rustle of his clothes, even his breathing, was too loud. From there, though, he had a clear view of the hallway through his chosen window. Guards passed every ten to fifteen minutes, taking two minutes to cross.

When dusk fully cloaked the estate into night, he made his move. He waited for the guard below to walk around the tree, then counted to five after he vanished from sight. With careful, deliberate movements, Riley crouched on the thickest branch. It was close enough to jump to the roof—even without magic. He inched forward until the wood groaned under his weight, then sprang, hands outstretched.

His heart sank with fear; his fingers barely caught the edge of the roof. He almost cursed out loud, pain jolting up his right leg, nearly cramping from the effort of the leap. At least, the branch had held, he had chosen well, even if he'd overestimated his strength. He was used to weightless movement, aided by shadow. Without it, the jump had been a strain. Gritting his teeth, he pulled himself onto the rooftop and paused, collecting his breath and sharpening his focus. No mistakes were allowed.

Crouch-walking across the shingles, Riley moved carefully, every shift of weight making the slates click faintly against each other like brittle bones. The roof felt steep under his palms, the night air sharp in his lungs as he slowed his breathing to steady himself. He reached the nearest window and pressed close to the frame, listening. No whisper of voices, no creak of movement, only the dull, rapid thrum of his own pulse in his ears. He risked a glance inside. An empty bedroom. No light. Just a bed and absolute silence. He lingered a moment, letting his trained ears get used to the moved on.