The plan was simple: sneak into the floating city of Luminaire, access a hidden data vault, and uncover secrets about Kael's exile.
The problem?
Kael had zero fashion sense.
"What in the stars are you wearing?" Zephyra asked, nearly choking on laughter.
Kael, standing proudly in a shimmering golden noble's tunic with feathered shoulders, raised a brow. "It's what nobles wear, isn't it?"
Zephyra stifled a laugh behind her glove. "You look like a plucked phoenix."
"It's a disguise," Kael defended. "Besides, your dress has enough daggers to arm a village."
She grinned. "That's because I'm practical."
The two blended into the glowing streets of Luminaire, passing between skybridges and perfume-scented courtyards. Music echoed from fountains and floating orchestras. It would've been romantic—if not for the armed guards patrolling every level.
"You sure about this?" Zephyra whispered.
"Nope," Kael replied. "But what's life without a little reckless genius?"
---
Inside the Vault
The plan almost worked.
Kael hacked the magical lock, Zephyra neutralized two guards with sleeping dust, and they reached the main vault chamber.
Then the alarm blared.
"Of course it's trapped," Kael muttered, frantically working.
Zephyra drew two curved daggers. "You've got sixty seconds."
"Sixty?! You usually give me at least two minutes!"
"You looked confident today."
"I was faking it!"
Doors burst open—and ten elite guards poured in, swords drawn.
Zephyra threw herself into them like a hurricane, flipping between strikes, graceful and lethal.
Kael ducked a crossbow bolt and shouted, "I'm almost there!"
"Try not to die!" Zephyra yelled, pinning a soldier with a heel to his chest.
"You're worried about me?" he smirked.
"Who else would I argue with every day?"
Suddenly—click.
The vault opened.
Kael grabbed the files—but as he turned, a guard aimed for his back.
Zephyra saw it.
She moved without thinking.
Magic burst from her palm—blasting the attacker away.
Kael blinked. "Did you just… save me?"
"Shut up and run!"
---
On the Rooftops
They bolted across moonlit rooftops, chased by lightning spells and shouting soldiers.
Kael tripped over his ridiculous noble shoes.
Zephyra yanked him up. "Next time? Let me pick your outfit."
"I was undercover!"
"In a golden feather suit?!"
They leapt over a skybridge just as it collapsed behind them. Finally, they ducked into an alley and collapsed against a wall, breathless.
Silence.
Then laughter.
Real, bright, stupid laughter.
Kael leaned his head back. "That was insane."
Zephyra smiled. "And kind of fun."
They looked at each other—still panting, still smiling.
Kael's hand brushed hers.
And without thinking too hard, he leaned in.
Their lips met—quick, warm, real.
When they parted, Zephyra smirked. "That was definitely against protocol."
Kael grinned. "I'm not very good at following rules."
She rested her head on his shoulder. "Good. I'm tired of rules."
---
Back at the Tower
Elyra read the stolen documents with wide eyes. "This changes everything."
Kael looked at Zephyra—who was bandaging a scratch on his arm.
"No matter what's coming," he said, "I'm glad I'm facing it with you."
Zephyra rolled her eyes playfully. "You're getting soft, genius."
"You kissed me twice."
She smirked. "Only because you nearly died again."
And for a moment, despite the looming storm, the genius and the ex-assassin just… laughed.