"Unbelievable. Does she really think saving Mr. Thorne’s life makes her the future Mrs. Thorne?"
I was leaning against the railing on the second floor, listening to his henchmen joking below.
It was late, and since they were only guarding a "fool," they had let their guard down and started drinking.

Under the cover of darkness, I slipped past some crates and dropped silently to the ground.
I had to cross several blocks.
We were in Viana, and the coastal rain was relentless—damp, stifling, with mud that felt like claws trying to snap your ankles.
Finally, I reached a narrow alley.
I checked the surroundings—nobody. I tapped on the brick wall.
Three soft knocks, two heavy ones.

A moment later, a hidden door groaned open.
"Time is short," I said, my voice firm.
"Cyrus is staying in Magui for the next few days. His illicit trade routes are all active."
"He won't let me near the meetings, and only his inner circle knows the specifics, which means these deals are massive."

" The woman with him is new—looks Eastern European. I suspect he’s made a deal with the local Border Guard. If we’re going to move, Captain, it has to be now."
Inside the dilapidated room, a dim bulb swayed, casting long shadows.
Time was short. As usual, I had to leave immediately after reporting.
But as I turned to go, the damp air hit my lungs, and I couldn't suppress a cough.
Suddenly, a hand gripped my wrist.
"Take this," he whispered, pressing a bottle into my palm.
"Thorne is a monster. He won’t care if you’re sick."
"Posie," I heard him sigh. He gave my wrist a gentle squeeze. "Take care of yourself."
I was pushed out the door, and the humid night air instantly filled my lungs.
I stared at the gnarled tree trunks by the crumbling wall.
It was time to peel away the clarity and go back to being the girl who understood nothing.