A Prince's Doubt
Reo Ivory
Stellar, I've been trying to find you. You've seemed so distant lately.
Stellar
I'm sorry, Your Highness. It's just... with all the attacks and the coronation, I've been focusing on my duties.*her voice soft and guarded*
Reo Ivory
Is that all it is? I overheard Lucian say something the other day.
Reo Ivory
He said you might be interested in someone else. I know he probably just misunderstood something, but... is it true?
Stellar
*Her eyes widening, hurt by the direct question*Lucian said that? I don't know why he would.
Stellar
No, Reo. It's not true. My focus is on the kingdom. And... on you.
Reo Ivory
*blushes a little*I'm glad. I just had to ask. The thought of losing you... it worries me more than any thief.
In the Heros Headquarters
Henry
Where is Stacy? I've been trying to reach her all morning. We were supposed to meet. And Hellan's not answering either.
Hellan
He's looking for us. We have to be fast.
Hellan
The signal is coming from the old shipyard, a place we’ve never been able to get a clear visual on. This is our chance.
Stacy
I'm ready. I'll stay invisible. You get me in close, and I'll find a vantage point. We'll find out what he's up to.
The air was heavy with the smell of rust and salt. A maze of colossal, decaying ships loomed over Hellan and Stacy as they arrived. Hellan, a blur of motion, sprinted across the yard, her speed a barely-there gust of wind. She carried Stacy, who remained perfectly invisible, her weight imperceptible.
They stopped at the top of a massive cargo crane. From their perch, they saw Shannon and Jithin below. They weren't just talking; they were building something. A complicated device, humming with a dark energy.
Stacy
*Whispering to Hellan, her voice barely a breath*What is that thing?
Hellan
I don't know. But that energy... it feels like it's siphoning something. I've never seen anything like it.
Shannon
*His voice, amplified by his powers, echoed across the shipyard*It's almost ready, Jithin. Just a few more adjustments.
Shannon
Once this device is complete, we'll finally have the means to manipulate the very will of the people. The coronation will be the perfect stage.
Jithin
*His voice was full of fear and reluctance*This is going too far, Shannon. We were supposed to be thieves, not... not puppeteers.
Shannon
Don't be naive. I told you, I'm just following orders.
Shannon
There are bigger forces at play here. Now get back to work. We don't have much time.
Just then, Shannon seemed to sense a presence. His head tilted up, his eyes scanning the crane. Hellan and Stacy froze, but it was too late. He had felt the minute disturbance in the air, a tiny shift in pressure.
Shannon
*A cruel smile spread across his face*I knew you were here, Hellan. You're predictable. And just as reckless as Henry.
With a flick of his wrist, he sent a jolt of concentrated power directly at their position. The crane groaned and began to buckle under the force.
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