Chapter 10: Into the Fold
I had to admit, there was something undeniably erotic about preparing for a cathedral heist while seated in a parlor full of sinners, former saints, and one very eager ex-priestess and council member-turned-femboy who insisted on sitting in my lap. Lysaria traced idle circles on my collarbone with a manicured finger while I spread the blueprints of the Vault of Illumination across the mahogany table. The lighting was soft, golden, and completely unsuited for criminal strategy, but I was never one to let atmosphere get in the way of aesthetic.
"We strike during the Procession of Holy Fire," I said, pointing to the rear entrance beneath the choir hall. "Most of the guards will be watching the parade. Or drunk. Or busy trying to shove holy oil up each other’s robes."
Elian raised an eyebrow. "Is that... a real thing?"
"You clearly haven’t been to the right temples," I replied. "Nor the wrong ones."
Lysaria giggled into my neck. His laughter was sinfully soft, like velvet over a dagger. Gods, I loved corruption. Especially when it came in high heels and kissed like an angel with a vendetta.
Roderick stood with arms crossed, his disapproval so loud it practically echoed. "I still don’t approve of this. You’re going to desecrate one of the most sacred places in the city."
"Desecrate is such a strong word," I mused. "I prefer ’creatively redecorate.’ With explosives."
Ash snorted. "You actually have explosives?"
I gave him a look that screamed Of course I do. "A few. Nothing that’ll collapse the vault. Just enough to make a bishop question his life choices."
The map was dotted with runes—my own designs. Marius leaned in to study them, lips pursed. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, it usually meant something important was about to catch fire.
"We’ll need another distraction," he said. "Something loud."