Page 155 of Resurgent

Major Halden knows me well enough by now, I’m sure he can see I’m ready for them to get to the point. “We need you to use your magic to travel into Clowess and infiltrate Castle Ayr. We have a very rare opportunity to get in, and we cannot waste it.”

I can hear Tyr muttering in my head, already not happy with the plan.

But I need answers before we decide anything. “What created the opening?”

“The Prince’s engagement ball."

I can’t even form words as that sinks in, so I just stare at them.

This has to be a joke. There is no way they want me to fly into an enemy kingdom to infiltrate their royal castle at a royal engagement party, and for what?

Wait, really though. What do they want me to do once I’m in there?

“What is the mission once inside?”

“You are to kill the prince before he can be wed and crowned,” Colonel Tanner answers like he’s discussing tomorrow’s weather.

Speechless. I can’t come up with a single word for what could be ten minutes or could be ten seconds.

“What about classes? I can’t make it down there, infiltrate a castle, kill a prince, and make it back by Monday morning. Travel time alone will take a couple of days to avoid the Clowessian fighters spotting me."

"We’ve already taken care of everything. Your only priority over the next two weeks will be to mission plan. Plan your flight path, what weapons you want, how you want to complete the mission, etc. We do have an inside contact that will bring you clothes for your duration, a gown, and a mask."

“Mask?"

“Oh yes, it is a masquerade,” Halden says dryly.

I snort, “Seriously? Is the prince or his bride-to-be monstrous or something? Who has a masked engagement party?"

The Colonel doesn’t look impressed, but Major Halden pretends to scratch his face to hide his smile, but not before I catch it.

And then he continues, “As much as we wish we could bring in a full team for you, this mission is at the highest security clearance. We cannot have this getting out that it was us once it is completed, so we will be your only handlers. Once your plan is complete, let us know, and we’ll review it together so we can gather any needed supplies. Do you have any questions?”

“Not a question, but if you want this mission to be successful, Recruit Reyes needs to be read in on the mission. I will need to utilize his abilities—both magical and in strategy—to create a plan.”

“That’s not—” Major Halden starts before he’s cut off.

“Done,” Colonel Tanner says without hesitation.

“Also, I want Sasha in charge of any Spell Casting or Healing needs I plan for. I’m not asking to read her in because she can do her part without knowing what they are for, but she’s more than proven herself as the best, and I want people I trust.”

This time, it’s Major Halden who agrees.

“Retrieve Reyes, and we will meet back here at 1900 to read him in.”

“Yes, Sir. See you at 1900.”

“Where are you?” I ask Tyr, needing to feel his strength closer to me.

“On my way. I’ll meet you at the riding grounds. Do you want me to call for Zest?”

“Not yet.” I need a few minutes with you to ground myself first.

“Alright, Little Faren, just us.”

He'is waiting for me when I make it to the riding grounds.

We’re both quiet, replaying the conversation in the vault, and knowing it wasn’t an optional assignment.