Morning arrived with the capital's usual chaos. The Copper Rest's dining area was crowded. Merchants arguing prices. Guards nursing hangovers. The smell of cheap ale mixing with breakfast porridge.
Raze's team claimed a corner table. The food was bland but filling. Kael spread notes while eating. Mariabel picked at bread with obvious distaste. Aslan sat silently, silver eyes tracking every person who came too close.
"Three days until the Phoenix Marrow arrives," Kael said between bites. "I've scheduled follow up meetings with suppliers. Building rapport."
"My Temple paperwork is processing," Mariabel added. "They're 'verifying my credentials.' Translation: making sure I can actually pay Expert rates."
"And I found—"
A shadow fell across their table.
"Morning, friends! Mind if I join you?"
The speaker was young. Maybe twenty. Brown hair tied back. Leather armor that had seen use. A sword at his hip. His smile was wide. Friendly. Too friendly.
