Something shattered inside me.
'They're using children like tools. Lying to them. Hurting them. And they don't even flinch...'
Alessio leaned close, speaking just above a whisper.
"We have what we need. Come on."
We slipped back the way we came, crouching low until we were out of earshot. Once we rounded the corner of the alley and ducked behind another set of crates, Alessio pulled the pendant out again.
"Caleb, you'll want to hear this. Belmont's at the center of it. The warehouse is the transfer point—for both the kids and whatever they're smuggling. We secured one of the vials."
A beat.
"We'll need to intercept the auction route. Get the imperial records on Count Belmont's recent activities. Find out which of his holdings are tied to House Wittelsbach."
A pause, then Caleb's voice answered, crisp and low.
"Understood. Send whatever invitation cards you retrieve. We'll prepare accordingly."
Alessio clicked the pendant shut, then glanced at me.
"You okay?"
