The facility's night cycle brought the usual reduction in security personnel, but tonight felt different. There was tension in the air, a sense of anticipation that made my nerves hum with readiness.
'The magical ward cycle will begin in thirty-seven minutes,' Luna informed me as I made my final preparations. 'Are you ready for this?'
'As ready as I'll ever be.'
Reika and I had spent hours going over every detail of the extraction. She would handle the physical security elements while I focused on the magical components. Luna would stay close to me throughout the process, following the instructions we'd practiced during our "evaluation sessions."
"Guards are in position," Reika whispered through our communication link. "Shift change in fifteen minutes."
I closed my eyes, centering myself for what was to come. Everything depended on precise timing and flawless execution. One mistake, one moment of hesitation, and Luna would die.
