Chapter 1: Sanctum Breach - The Baron's Prize
The air in the sanctum was thick with the scent of ozone and blood, like the aftermath of a storm. Thea stood in the stark chamber, her back to the entrance, eyes closed as she fought to steady her breath. The ceremonial dagger slipped from her trembling fingers, clattering to the floor with an echo that seemed to reverberate through the very marrow of her bones.
She could smell the ancient stone, feel the chill of it through the thin fabric of her gown.
Her new markings prickled, a constant, irritating reminder of the way this world had been carved into her skin. Thea forced her eyes open, blinking away the sting of tears, and her gaze landed on the man who had just given her the dagger.
Feyd.
He stood there, his massive frame somehow at ease in the cramped space, his eyes like chips of ice in his tanned face. His gaze flicked to the dagger at her feet, and a slow smile spread across his lips.
"Not quite the weapon you're used to, is it, little bird?" he drawled, his voice a low rumble that seemed to fill the chamber.
Thea's nostrils flared. "Don't call me that," she snapped, bending to retrieve the dagger. She tested its weight, her grip firming as she found her footing.
"Shut up, Feyd. We don't have time for your games." Thea's voice was sharp, slicing through the heavy air like a blade.
Calum stumbled back through the door panting, his eyes wild. "Glossu...he's coming," he rasped, clutching his side. "You need to go, now."
Feyd's smile vanished, his eyes widening briefly before his expression closed off, becoming a mask of stoicism. "Glossu," he breathed, the name a curse on his lips. He stepped closer to her, his voice low and urgent. "There's a hidden passage
He grabbed her arm, his grip firm, his eyes scanning the room, his gaze landing on Calum.
Calum nodded
Thea was heaved into a dark passageway,
Feyd brushed past her, his bulk blocking out the light from the chamber. Calum followed, his boots crunching on the debris-laden floor.
Feyd glanced back at her, his eyes reflecting the dim light from the chamber.